Yes, Demonic Possession Is Real: A Christian’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “demon possessed?” Perhaps, the Hollywood classic, the Exorcist, or maybe even Constantine.

Now, it’s easy to cast off the idea of demonic possession as mere superstition or fantasy. However, as Christians, we know that there’s a spiritual realm beyond what we can see. And in that realm, there is a constant battle taking place between the forces of light and darkness. 

As a result, we cannot afford to look the other way or claim ignorance about the reality of demons and demonic possession. They’re a real and present danger. So, yes, demonic possession is real. And it’s something that we must not only be aware of but also confront with faith, prayer, and the power of Jesus Christ. 

In this article, we take a look into God’s Word to see the truth about demonic possession. We discuss the spiritual battle we face and the power of Jesus to protect and deliver us from evil. We do this not in fear but in the knowledge and assurance that Jesus has already won the victory over the devil and his agents. 

What Does the Bible Say About Demonic Possession?

Demonic possession, in simple terms, refers to when an evil spirit has control or influence over a human being. This isn’t something new or made-up. Throughout the Bible, we see several accounts of people who were either oppressed or possessed by demons (I.e., fallen angels). 

These spirits would often cause physical, mental, or emotional torment. Then, in extreme cases, it would fully take control of the person’s body and mind.

One of the most powerful examples of demonic possession in the Bible is found in Mark 5:1-20. In this passage, Jesus encounters a man who has been possessed by a legion of demons. The man was living among the tombs, and no one could bind him or control him, not even with chains. The demons inside him caused him to cry out and harm himself with stones. 

But when Jesus arrived, the demons immediately recognized His authority. They begged Him not to send them out of the country. Jesus then spoke with authority and commanded the demons to leave the man and enter some nearby pigs. The result was nothing short of a miracle because the man was restored to his right mind.

This story is a reminder that demonic possession is, in fact, real. But better yet, it tells us the power of Jesus over all demons. In this moment, Jesus did what no one else could do. He restored this man, showing us that He has ultimate authority over the spirit realm. He can break every chain, restore every life, and defeat every demon.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul reminds us, 

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV)

Spiritual warfare isn’t a theory or myth. It’s a reality that we, as Christians, face daily.

You see, we live in a fallen world, where the devil and his cohorts are active and seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Demons, under the authority of Satan, are constantly at work trying to influence the lives of people. 

Their goal is to turn them away from God and keep them in bondage. So, whether it’s through subtle temptation or outright possession, demons are always trying to lead people into spiritual darkness.

The Bible makes it clear that these spiritual battles are not fought with earthly weapons. A spear, gun, or grenade won’t do anything to a demon. Instead, as we were admonished in Ephesians 6:11, we must take up the full armor of God. This includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, prayer, and the Word of God. 

What Are the Signs of Demonic Possession?

Before we begin outrightly mentioning signs of demonic possession, it’s important to remember that this is a sensitive subject. As such, it requires discernment, and we must avoid jumping to conclusions. 

Remember, not every mental health issue or emotional struggle is the result of demonic activities. If someone is experiencing any of the signs below, you must seek help and support from trusted spiritual leaders.

Some of the more common signs that a person has been possessed by a demon include:

1. Sudden and Drastic Behavioral Changes

A person who was once calm and rational suddenly becomes erratic, violent, or uncontrollable. In the Bible, we see examples of people whose behaviors were radically changed by demonic forces. In Mark 5, the possessed man displayed behavior so abnormal that he couldn’t be restrained, and he lived in the tombs where dead people lay. That’s not normal behaviour.

2. Supernatural Strength

In some cases, people who are possessed or oppressed by demons will display abnormal strength. They become stronger than their normal physical capacity should allow. 

Here’s how strong the demon-possessed man in Mark 5 was:

“for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.”

Mark 5:4 (ESV)

Also, do you remember the story of the seven sons of Sceva? 

“Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

Acts 19:11-20 (ESV)

One man was able to overpower seven men. Worse, he beat them until they were naked and injured. So, a sign of demonic possession could be a person’s ability to perform feats of strength beyond what’s physically possible.

3. Speaking in Unnatural Voices or Languages

A person who’s under demonic possession may speak in languages they’ve never learned or in voices that are not theirs. This tends to happen when the spirit begins to manifest. 

4. Severe Mental and Emotional Disturbance

It’s important that we reiterate the fact that mental health struggles are not automatically signs of demonic possession. However, severe emotional distress that causes a person to be out of control, like anxiety, depression, confusion, and irrational fear that cannot be explained by medical conditions, can sometimes indicate the presence of demonic influence.

These spirits aim to torment the mind and keep individuals in a constant state of fear and anxiety.

5. Strong Aversion to Spiritual Things

One of the clearest signs of demonic activity is a strong aversion to anything related to God. This includes an intense hatred for the word of God (i.e., scripture), prayer, or even the name of Jesus. 

In Mark 5:7, when the demons encountered Jesus, they immediately reacted with fear and dread. This strong resistance to holy things is often seen in people with demonic oppression or possession.

6. Physical Manifestations

In some extreme cases, physical symptoms such as convulsions, contorted body postures, or unnatural movements are observed. 

In Matthew 17:14-21, the demon-possessed boy was prone to having dangerous seizures. 

“And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.”

Matthew 17:14-15 (ESV)

How to Protect Yourself from Demonic Influence

As Christians, we are not powerless against the forces of darkness. The Bible has provided us with everything we need to fight back and stand strong in the Lord. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of spiritual warfare when He resisted Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Every time Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded with the Word of God.

Here are some practical ways to protect yourself from demonic influence:

1. Accept Jesus into Your Heart 

Most theologians agree that Christians can’t be possessed because the Holy Spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16). They concur that the Spirit of God simply wouldn’t share space with a demon. Therefore, as believers, we don’t need to fear demon possession like others might. 

However, a believer may still come under demonic influence. Demons can still cause serious trouble like anxiety, anger, lies, and tempting us to sin. Look at the example of Peter. Even though he was a believer, he was still influenced by the devil.

“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Matthew 16:22-23 (ESV)

While being in a relationship with Jesus keeps us safe from possession, we still have to stay alert to how demons may try to influence us in harmful ways. Remember 1 Peter 5:8: 

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (ESV)

2. Stay Rooted in God’s Word

The Word of God is your weapon and shield against the enemy. Jesus Himself used Scripture to resist the temptations of Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul in Ephesians 6:17 also calls the Word of God the Sword of the Spirit. 

That’s the first offensive weapon he mentions. All the ones before – shield, breastplate, belt, helmet – are defensive weapons. 

By knowing and meditating on God’s Word, you will strengthen your spirit and be able to resist the enemy’s lies and attacks.

3. Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools in spiritual warfare. That’s why Paul couldn’t close his section on the armour of God without mentioning prayer. 

“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…”

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

Prayer aligns your heart with God’s will and invites His protection and guidance. Pray regularly for your family, your friends, and yourself, asking God to cover you with His armor and shield you from the attacks of the enemy.

4. Resist Temptation and Flee Sin

The Bible doesn’t exactly tell us how someone opens themselves up to demonic possession or influence. However, we get an idea of how this can happen. He allowed his heart to be consumed by greed (John 12:6), which opened the door to the devil. The Bible then lets us know that,

“Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.”

Luke 22:3 (ESV)

“ Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him…”

John 13:27 (ESV)

So, it’s possible that when someone lets a habitual sin control their life, it could serve as an invitation for a demon to enter. From what missionaries have experienced, demon possession often seems linked to idol worship and involvement with occult materials. 

The Bible connects idol worship to the worship of demons.

“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.”

1 Corinthians 10:20 (ESV)

It, therefore, follows that practicing idolatry could lead to demonic influence.

From both Scripture and missionary experiences, it’s clear that many people open themselves to demons by embracing sin or getting involved in the occult, either knowingly or unknowingly. This could include things like drug or alcohol abuse that alters your consciousness, immorality, bitterness, rebellion, or even practices like transcendental meditation.

The Bible says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). By living according to God’s commandments and avoiding sinful behavior, you’re less likely to open the door to demonic influence.

5. Call on the Name of Jesus

There is no name more powerful than the name of Jesus. 

“God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”

Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV)

When you are under spiritual attack, call out to Jesus in faith. He has the power to deliver you from all evil. Remember, in Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” His authority over demons is absolute.

5. Surround Yourself with Fellow Believers

The body of Christ is a powerful resource in times of spiritual attack. If you believe someone is being influenced or possessed by a demon, bring the situation to your spiritual leaders.

Conclusion

Yes, demonic possession is real, but we don’t have to fear it. Jesus has already, many years ago, defeated the powers of darkness, and as believers, we share in His victory. In Luke 10:19, Jesus says to His disciples, 

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” 

This verse applies not only to Jesus’ disciples of that time. It continues to apply to all Christians.

So, if you ever get faced with spiritual warfare, remember what 1 John 4:4 teaches, 

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 

Victory has already been won through Christ. Let us be strong in His power, knowing we are conquerors through Him who loves us.

Stay vigilant, stay prayerful, and above all, stay anchored in the truth of God’s Word. Demonic possession may be real, but so is the victory we have in Christ.

Written by Juliet (Chisom) I.