Identifying the Traits of a Person Who has a Religious Spirit

Recently I have seen posts on this forum which are abberant. Some dear brothers have been posting that we can be holy and perfect in this life. Another person who claims to be a Christian claims we are to only love the people of our own race. While many of us read those types of posts we wonder how they could of gotten so far of track. The answer might be a religious spirit.

Just because a person has some of the traits I will be discussing, does not automatically mean he or she is demonically possessed but it does lead me to wonder if they are.

How demons do their dirty work
Demons do their work by shifting our thoughts. Once they get inside a person through sin they entrench themselves into a person's mind by setting up a stronghold. This stronghold is a false way of thinking. Examples of a stronghold are "God can't love me", "I have committed the unpardonable sin and can't be saved", "Getting drunk is not a sin" and similar. It starts out as a lie we accept. Demons interject thoughts into our minds that support this stronghold.

Traits one of a religious spirit.
A person who has a religious spirit will have a religious stronghold, which is an aberrant belief in some aspect of theology. Such as: "we must be holy to please God", "Salvation must be earned", etc. They become focused rigidly on this belief and preach it to others as if it were the gospel, believing this is aberrant belief is from the bible or revealed to them by the voice of God.

Here is a brief list of traits a person can exhibit and preach that is possessed by a religious spirit.
In their posts you will see how they stress one aspect of Christianity but apply it in a way that you know is incorrect. They take a superior stance that if you do not accept their teachings you are in serious error. So they become judgmental Such as claiming to be perfect or focusing in how we will attain perfection and using the word perfect many times in their posts, over and over. Here is a list of things that may be present in a person with a religious spirit. Keep in mind this list is partial and a person with a religious demon may have more than one of these traits.

Holiness (false sense of) - They teach we can attain holiness or a sinless state of being and spiritual perfection.
Salvation by works - They stress we must do certain things to be acceptable before God.
Judgmental - Looking down their nose at certain Christians
Hypocritical - Acting like a Pharisee by pushing rules of dress, appearance and external behavior.
Blending racism with the bible - They might claim the Jews are cursed or hate a certain race.
Doctrinal error
Humility - False sense of being very humble to the point of pride.
Pride - Taking pride in how they are performing better than other Christians. (Luke 18:9-11)
Legalism - Blending our external actions with the free gift of God's imputed righteousness.
Exclusivity - "I have discovered the truth and if you do not accept this you are in error."

Hearing the voice of "god".
Many Christians hear the voice of God. Unfortunately, demons have no hesitation or reticence in pretending to be the voice of God. When we accept the voice of a demon as God, we are guilty of idolatry. Even worse it brings a conviction that their error is 100% correct, further entrenching them in their error.

Demonic Networks
A person can be attached to others in a spiritual network made of demonic soul ties. Typically a soul tie can be formed between two people through sex, strong emotion or ungodly covenants like "blood brother". A person can also have a soul tie to others in an organization. Once this happens religious demons and demonic strongholds can be shared. One trait is that they can even hear the same demon speak to them as "god".

Helping them to get free


I am sure many of you attempt to correct their error with posts which include scripture to prove you point, only to see they reject all of your attempts to help them in their error. Even so, the bible is an effective tool for tearing down strongholds. It becomes like throwing BB's at a battle ship. So what can be done to help them? You can give them over to God in prayer. Ask God to expose their error and to expose any demon at work supporting their error.

I found this website which goes into more detail on this type of demon.
----> Religious spirits (demons)

Great post.

Twisting,and contorting the scripture is also a common practice,by some this is done as a means to justify, hateful ideas.They have ways to misquote scripture to conform to false teachings.That is why we shall trust no man,for GOD also tells us this.Trust GOD according to what he says.

I have been searching for some examples of a religous demon at work. I found this which is close to it, but not a good fit. It does illustrate how we can hear a demon pretending to be God.

From:Ministering Deliverance.com :: View topic - False Holy Spirit

Just to clarify, are you saying that a born again Christian can be possessed by a demon, ie that they can have a demon in their soul?

I could be wrong but,the way ,I took it is that a christian can still even though not possessed can still be influenced by a false spirit,although as far as I know under certain circumstances.

I think that if we take any suggestion of our Lord to an extreme, we do just as this post is saying we shouldn't do. God tells us we should look to those in our own family first. If we say that, extremist can say we exhibit lack of love for those outside our family.

Holiness: God says to be holy, even as He is holy. Extremist say we are teaching we are sinless.
Judgmental: We are not to judge other Christians, I agree. No one can do anything with that but not judge.
Hypocritical: It is NOT like a Pharisee to talk of our dress, to have it express our love of our Lord. Christ wore tassels on the hem of His garment, is it wrong to say so?
Racism: I agree, accepting all humans as God's creation is simply right.
I cannot see how humbly listening to the Lord can morph into pride.
Legalism!!!: Over and over someone says we may not do anything if it is suggested by the Lord, if we do it is legalism!! I get so tired of it.
Exclusivity: And I agree, there is so much of childish saying they know better than you know. Like my Daddy can beat up your Daddy.

A lot of what people think posters say is done by how posters read it. I am bringing up opposing thoughts. To some posters they will read it as "let's fight". Others will read it as "let's talk". Yet my posting will remain the same.

If you mean soul = mind, then yes. Demons do operate in the mind. They really can't touch our spirit, especially if we are a christian. This is a common issues with many Christians get hung up on many will disagree with me, but yes a christian can be partially under the influence in their mind by a demon.

To those who claim a Christian can not be possessed or oppressed by a demon in their mind, then my response is show me where in the bible it states that. They often point to a passage To the following scripture to prove a christian can not be indwelt by a demon. However, look at the context! It is warning Christians to not fellowship or marry unbelievers--which can be done! It has nothing to do with christians being possessed.



If a christian simply can not have a demon then all we need to do is convert a demon possessed person and the Holy Spirit will drive them out, right? Many do in fact believe this. However, I had more than a few demons cast out of me after I became a christian!

Now this idea that a christian can't have a demon is actually partially correct! We have tremendous protection from God but God will not protect us in our willful sins. So if a Christian has a sin issue and they are not willing to deal with it properly, it establishes a beachhead for the enemy. This is because demon possession is a sin related condition!

Yes, we as Christians who are still on this earth are still in the battle field. We are still fair game and we are warned to be on guard. Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. A christian caught up in sin might be devoured by satan.

As I mentioned above we as Christian have tremendous protection from the enemy. However, if you are in rebellion to God through sin, you may be wide open to the demonic, including demon possession. The Christian who believes false doctrine is in a state of sin. This in essence allows satan to possess that person. In fact, demons refer to this as their "legal right" to stay inside a person, but that is another topic.

Read above and see if you still feel that a demon can not possess a christian. I will respect what ever you decide.

For further reading on this topic please read this article: Christians and demons: Can a believer have a demon or evil spirit? Deliverance from demonic bondage in the lives of believers

Let me pose this question to you then in the light of the above:

Can you show me in the New Testament Scripture, an example of a born again Christian being possessed by a demon?

Danschance, interesting post. You seem quite knowledgeable in this area. Haam faced with a disturbing dilema. A friend of mine, who has been a friend for twenty years ( a guy) made a pass at me, but very subtly more than once. The first time I took it as a fluke because I have never seen those type of tendencies in him before. I have also heard some things about him as of late that were questionable. Now this guy knows that I am not that way and he claims to follow God. Why would he choose me when he knows that I hate that activety. Would this apply to what you are talking about in your post. I really didn't want to lose another friend right now, but I can't be around this guy. Do you have any insight as to what may really be going on. This one blew my mind.

JB, Thankx for asking.

I want to state up front I respect whatever you want to believe in this area, but since you asked I will answer as best I can.

Keep in mind the demons being cast out in the gospels, there were no Christians at that time. In fact I can only recall a single reference of a demon being cast out in the book of Acts, when Christians did exist. It is the story of a psychic fortuneteller recorded in Acts 16:16-18. So we don't have much to go on and I am not sure if it is prudent to assume that only demons can be cast out of unbelievers.

I am not sure if I can be of much help here with limited info on him. I can speak in general terms and that might be of use.

Sexual issues can be underpinned by demons. Demons can lead us all into sexual temptation and homosexuals can have strong lust issues, both gay men and lesbians. The doorways that might lead into a lust issue underpinned by a demon can include the following.

1) Childhood sexual abuse.
2) Frequent porn use or a porn addiction.
3) Soul ties to previous sexual partners.

If you want, hand him my demon risk test and see what his risk is. Just copy and print it. You can message me about the results if you wish.

-----------------------------------------------------
The Demon Risk Assessment Test (Short version)
Directions. Look at each item below. If you feel it currently is or was an issue for you, place a mark next to it. When you are done, add up the marks and give yourself one point for each mark. Then compare you points to the table below to find your risk for having a demonic issue in your life.

[] 1) Abusive childhood or a traumatic experience up to age 15. (May have some amnesia of this trauma)

[] 2) Issues with depression or anxiety

[] 3) Suicidal thoughts or Attempted Suicide

[] 4) Self harm (cutting, burning, hair pulling, hitting or biting ones self.)

[] 5) Victim of sexual abuse.

[] 6) Previously seen a ghost or spirit or felt the presence of one.

[] 7) Possess spiritual abilities. (psychic, telekinetic, communicating with spirits, etc)

[] 8) Frequent Nightmares or frequent night terrors

[] 9) Sudden shift in emotions (explosive anger that comes out of no where, tears for no reason, separate personality, etc)

[] 10) Occult or paranormal proclivities. Fascinated with ghosts, psychics, UFOs, Ouija board, vampires etc.


Pts ____Risk
0-2 …Low risk
3-4….Moderate risk
5-10…High risk

People in the high risk group might consider finding a deliverance minister or read up on the subject.

Flight316

Keep in mind a person must want help before they can get help.

They must see that they have a problem, admit the problem and be willing to do something about it before they can be helped. The demon risk test might help him see that he might need help. He may see nothing wrong with his lust or homosexuality. In that case, all you can do is pray for him.

So then, there are absolutely no references in the Scriptures to a born again Christian being possessed by a demon...

OK, let me ask you another question, is there any references to "believers" being possessed in the Gospels?

As a slight digression, surely when a person believed in Christ while He was upon earth that made them a Christian, as it is faith in Christ that saves us and makes us such?

Yes see the verse below and notice how she is specifically called a daughter of Abraham, a clear reference to her being a Jew.
I would like you to consider this verse.
Here Jesus describes that a demon can return to a person who is an unbeliever. This is why you will not find any credible deliverance ministry that will cast a demon out of non-believers.

Here the bible says Jesus cast out demons from many people. Some of them might of been gentiles but certainly many were Jews. Look as this verse above which quotes from Isaiah 53:5 which is clearly for believers only! If deliverance was part of the atonement and new covenant, then it's meant for believers! I really hope you can see this and understand it.

Please not that the fulfillment of this prophecy was actually fulfilled as Jesus as Jesus cast demons out of Jews.

Lastly Jesus himself says deliverance is for the Jews in this passage.
In this amazing story Jesus tells a woman that deliverance is not for the gentiles but the Jews. I hope this answers your questions. If you want to continue this topic, please start a new thread.

While I do not believe a Christian can be demon possessed at all(unless fully backslidden), I do believe Christians can be oppressed of the devil. Otherwise, good topic.

This,can be a bit tricky any (PERSON) can say they are a christian.The truth of the matter is only GOD judges that.But in regards to that being said,if one says it and is not truly saved for whatever reason.Then the fact arises,YES a only (TITLED)christian can be possessed or influenced demonically.NO any person truly a christian and not just using that title can't be possessed.

A good thing to remember,is many bear the title Christian,but Christ himself said many will come to him in the end saying Lord,Lord confessing a title only.Then he will turn and say away from me.I am saying this because confusion arises in fact anybody merely, saying they are Christian is sufficient.With Christ it is not.Anybody not truly living in Christ is fair game for the wiles of the Devil and Demons.

Yes, this woman was certainly a believer, however, notice in Luke 13v13 where it says:

"And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."

The Lord Jesus did NOT exorcise this woman, but simply laid His hands on her and healed her, a case of imparting a simple "gift of healing" and NOT exorcism, so she could not have been possessed! Mark 16v17,18 differentiates between casting out a demon (ie exorcism) and laying on hand on the sick to impart a "gift of healing" and so should we.

The Lord Jesus came to the "lost" house of Israel, "lost" in the sense that they had NO faith and so the vast majority of Israel in the time when the Lord Jesus walked the earth were not believers and the whole point of healing in the atonement was not only for believers, but for unbelievers as well and indeed the whole thrust of the Lord Jesus in Isaiah 53 is as the sinbearer, the One Who bore the sin of the sinner.

So, with all things considered there is NOT 1 example in the New Testament Scriptures of a believer or born again Christian being possessed and the reason there are NO examples found is that it is impossible for such to be possessed!

A look at Job chapters 1 & 2 shows that the Devil could get nowhere near Job's household, never mind His family or indeed himself and Job was not even under the blood of the Passover Lamb, how much GREATER is the protection of a Christian who is under the Blood of the True Passover Lamb!

You can find a bit of a study on demons and possession Here

Yahweh Shalom...