Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 12/5/2006

Question
I have a question,

I got reborn, baptized and have been walking with the Lord righteously, as in no backsliding for the past 8 months. Well I was told that there can still be demons in your body even though the Holy Spirit is in my body too. This was yesterday by a guy who has been walking with the Lord for years now. What do you think? And what is the difference from evil spirits and demons? I need to also know if the devil can hear our thoughts cause I have been going through some things that I need some answers too.

Thank you so much!  

Answer
Hi Miguel,

Thanks for this great question.  I do not believe that a born again believer can be possessed with demons.  Evil spirits are theologically the same as demons... and they cannot dwell in the same Body that the Holy Spirit does.

1 John 4:4
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2 Corinthians 6:15-16
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said,  I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I absolutely do not believe that God allows demons to dwell in the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the body of a saved person.

Now, I believe that demons can influence us from time to time, but not live within and take possession of us.  I believe that more often than being plagued with demons, we are simply being led into temptation by OUR OWN lusts.

James 1:14-15
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.  If you have a chance, could you please help me by rating this answer?  Thanks!

In Christ
Pastor Don