Question
Is deliverance a legitimate ministry in today’s Christian Church? Can a Christian be demon possessed?
Answer
I’m not sure what you mean by “deliverance.” From the 2nd part of your question, I am assuming you mean the casting out of demons as was done during New Testament times. I believe that demon possession was a phenomenon which only occurred during New Testament times. There is no mention of it earlier in any of the Old Testament texts, even though people did sacrifice to demons (2 Chr. 11:15; 106.37). Jesus said of the casting out of demons that this was being done to prepare for the plunder of Satan’s house. He said, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.” Matt 12:28-29. Col 2:15 says that Christ “disarmed” the principalities and powers (or spiritual rulers and authorities) when he arose from the dead. Since Satan’s great power was the power of death, Jesus’ resurrection spelled the beginning of the end of Satan’s power. Hebrews 2:14-15 puts it this way: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Satan has no authority or power like the gospel. Therefore, he is not permitted to possess people against their wills as he once did. A person may be “possessed” in the sense that he allows Satan to enter into him and rule in his heart. But this is not the same kind of possession as during New Testament times. There is no indication from any of the gospel accounts of possession that any of the victims “deserved” the evil that came upon them. When the gospel message was completed and the word was made available to the world, demon possession ceased. Those who claim to be able to cast out demons are deceiving themselves and others, because there is no power greater than the gospel, and no man is needed to defeat Satan. The Bible specifically says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).” This promise is given to anyone who has submitted his life to Jesus Christ in obedience to His gospel (Rom. 1:16; 6:1-9; 8:35-39).
By Doug Focht
