Can Believers be possessed by demons

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Docgero

New member
Feb 25, 2022
24
8
3
#1
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
#2
Welcome to CC, Docgero...

Sorry for your suffering... cancer is all too common. I would make some suggestions, but I'm not a medical doctor, and you didn't come here for medical advice anyway.

To your title question: as you hint, the term "possession" is loaded; some Christians will rail against the possibility, and some will argue the opposite. I try to avoid that (usually very heated) debate by using the words "influence" or "affliction" instead. Demons can definitely influence and afflict Christians; that's why Paul teaches us to put on the full armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Cancer is definitely a result of the sin of Adam, so ultimately it is not God's will. It is unlikely that this particular case is the will of God, but at the same time He is perfectly able to work within your situation and bring good from it (see Romans 8:28).

Cancer is also specifically a physiological disease, not a "demon", so you can't cast it out as you would a demon. God can heal it though, and He is still in the healing business, so keep praying for that. If I had friends trying to cast out a disease, I'd tell them, "Thanks, but no thanks." You don't need that kind of stress on top of everything else.
 

Docgero

New member
Feb 25, 2022
24
8
3
#4
Welcome to CC, Docgero...

Sorry for your suffering... cancer is all too common. I would make some suggestions, but I'm not a medical doctor, and you didn't come here for medical advice anyway.

To your title question: as you hint, the term "possession" is loaded; some Christians will rail against the possibility, and some will argue the opposite. I try to avoid that (usually very heated) debate by using the words "influence" or "affliction" instead. Demons can definitely influence and afflict Christians; that's why Paul teaches us to put on the full armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Cancer is definitely a result of the sin of Adam, so ultimately it is not God's will. It is unlikely that this particular case is the will of God, but at the same time He is perfectly able to work within your situation and bring good from it (see Romans 8:28).

Cancer is also specifically a physiological disease, not a "demon", so you can't cast it out as you would a demon. God can heal it though, and He is still in the healing business, so keep praying for that. If I had friends trying to cast out a disease, I'd tell them, "Thanks, but no thanks." You don't need that kind of stress on top of everything else.
Welcome to CC, Docgero...

Sorry for your suffering... cancer is all too common. I would make some suggestions, but I'm not a medical doctor, and you didn't come here for medical advice anyway.

To your title question: as you hint, the term "possession" is loaded; some Christians will rail against the possibility, and some will argue the opposite. I try to avoid that (usually very heated) debate by using the words "influence" or "affliction" instead. Demons can definitely influence and afflict Christians; that's why Paul teaches us to put on the full armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Cancer is definitely a result of the sin of Adam, so ultimately it is not God's will. It is unlikely that this particular case is the will of God, but at the same time He is perfectly able to work within your situation and bring good from it (see Romans 8:28).

Cancer is also specifically a physiological disease, not a "demon", so you can't cast it out as you would a demon. God can heal it though, and He is still in the healing business, so keep praying for that. If I had friends trying to cast out a disease, I'd tell them, "Thanks, but no thanks." You don't need that kind of stress on top of everything else.
That is the kindest and most Biblical response I have heard. I have a very rare form of leukemia with only 500 cases diagnosed a year in the United States. The leukemia is not curable but you can live with in remission for many years if chemotherapy helped. The major symptoms for me in the past 22 years is severe and unrelenting pain and fatigue. It feels like I am being crucified as though my bones are exploding. 24/7 no sleep more than a few minutes at a time. Torment and suffering beyond imagination. The side effects of this are severe spinal deformity and loss of mobility and sleep. These well meaning friends yell at me in the name of Jesus for the demons to be healed and he pulls on my legs. The next day he calls to see if my spine is straight and if my pain of 20 years is gone. They are lovely people and mean well. They believe that I'm not being delivered because I have demons in me they have yet to find. I was a doctor and had to retire early in 2007. I am a Jewish believer and the cancer symptoms started after I was saved at age 40. Tell me if it's true. I have heard that Satan attacks Jewish Believers or Messianic Jews because the Jews, after they believe in Yeshua, will call upon Yeshua to return and put satan in the pit where he belongs. I was raised by two Jewish parents in a very Jewish home. I had no idea who Jesus was. The name was never spoken in our home. Nor did we have a Bible. We were told that we are Jewish and the Christians will persecute you. So be proud of being Jewish but don't tell anyone but fellow Jews. Unfortunately, my Father was a combat medic in WW2 and the anti-semitism was horrible in his unit. His Lt. would send him out without help if he was trying to rescue another Jewish soldier. When liberating the concentration camps the medics saw the suffering and murder of the concentration camps. My father even changed his name from Rosenberg to Ross so that he, my mother and the six children in our family would not be persecuted. Growing up the kids saw I was Jewish and was beaten and spit on in the name of this Jesus who the Jews killed. So, does Satan come harder against Jewish believers. When I was saved my entire family disowned me and called me a traitor. Later on they accepted me as the one who is just crazy with crazy ideas. They don't mind that my Jewish older brother is an atheist. Anyway, I suppose I need to continue to pray. Some say if I just had enough faith G-d would heal me. I think we are all subject to disease not because of demons. Rather because of the orinal fall. I welcome any medical or holistic ideas you have. Blessings in Messiah Yeshua. Steve
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,463
6,721
113
#5
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
My belief is that you are not demon possessed nor affected by one.
My own experience with my own health problems has been thinking of each as another rung up the ladder, and I thank God for whatever it is. My health was relatively good until my 60-s and now, going into my 80's I thank the Father for allowing me to yet continue to Him in the manner He has given me. I am praying for you to be well and if not to understand this manner, this approach of giving glory to God...
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#6
But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you...
Short answer: NO. Cancer is caused by cells in the body going "haywire". And Christians are not exempt from sickness and diseases.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
591
113
#8
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
You should find This study helpful...
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,567
4,490
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#9
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
I'm sorry to hear about your condition.
I would read This. (I'm not affiliated. I make no money from referrals or any of it.)
(406) 274-7579
[email protected]

I Bought just the American Indian Tea alone for a family member who saw positive results for a separate condition.
It boosted his immune system. I tried it for a simple infection when I was under a lot of stress and my body knocked it out right away after starting use.
Some have reported a decrease in inflammation. There were testimonies of those with cancer who used it. If it was me, I'd call to learn more information and be ready to take notes.

One thing that you can keep in mind is that cancer is fed by sugar. Many NDs recommend that sugar should be avoided.

I posted in a few other threads in the prayer request forum. Perhaps you'll find other links there that might be helpful.

This link is the one I would consider today. Once you follow the instructions, any demonic influence that might be present will flee. I'm not saying there's one that caused the cancer. If you have a demon, it will be cast out and the Holy Spirit will consider you His temple from that time forward.

To your health!
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
3,384
1,003
113
#10
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
We all die from some illness. Sickness and death is guaranteed for us all, whether we are possessed or not.

Everyone gets sick and many die from cancer. Did you know that many older folk that pass away, have multiple fatal diseases, not just one.

It would be near impossible to know whether any disease is inflicted by Satan.

Most cancers are on the increase and are probably related to gluttony and poor diets.

Sugar is one of the culprits identified that feed cancer cells.

Don't eat artificial sugar, reduce your calorie intake, exercise, and you may never get cancer.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,412
3,672
113
#12
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
If you have the Holy Spirit living in you then no, you can't be demon possessed. It's trendy right now to preach that everything that ails you is caused by demons or evil spirits, but that's nonsense.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#13
The only way to become demon possessed is to accept sin in your life without repentance.

However, sickness in the world has its roots in sin in the world. This sickness can strike anyone, but there is health in following the way God leads us. If we keep to food that is not basically hanged by man, it helps keep sickness away. Wheat is an example---man changes it by separating it into parts. Most wheat foods have only the fluffy white part of a wheat grain. Oils are usually processed, not pressed. Nost foods are processed in some way. Man loves to change the fat so it does not rise, to homoginize. It is difficult to find unprocessed food, but food left as God created it.

Holding our body tense because we are anxious is also unhealthy. The Lord leads us to faith in Him, away from the fear that makes us tense.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
#14
That is the kindest and most Biblical response I have heard. I have a very rare form of leukemia with only 500 cases diagnosed a year in the United States. The leukemia is not curable but you can live with in remission for many years if chemotherapy helped. The major symptoms for me in the past 22 years is severe and unrelenting pain and fatigue. It feels like I am being crucified as though my bones are exploding. 24/7 no sleep more than a few minutes at a time. Torment and suffering beyond imagination. The side effects of this are severe spinal deformity and loss of mobility and sleep. These well meaning friends yell at me in the name of Jesus for the demons to be healed and he pulls on my legs. The next day he calls to see if my spine is straight and if my pain of 20 years is gone. They are lovely people and mean well. They believe that I'm not being delivered because I have demons in me they have yet to find. I was a doctor and had to retire early in 2007. I am a Jewish believer and the cancer symptoms started after I was saved at age 40. Tell me if it's true. I have heard that Satan attacks Jewish Believers or Messianic Jews because the Jews, after they believe in Yeshua, will call upon Yeshua to return and put satan in the pit where he belongs. I was raised by two Jewish parents in a very Jewish home. I had no idea who Jesus was. The name was never spoken in our home. Nor did we have a Bible. We were told that we are Jewish and the Christians will persecute you. So be proud of being Jewish but don't tell anyone but fellow Jews. Unfortunately, my Father was a combat medic in WW2 and the anti-semitism was horrible in his unit. His Lt. would send him out without help if he was trying to rescue another Jewish soldier. When liberating the concentration camps the medics saw the suffering and murder of the concentration camps. My father even changed his name from Rosenberg to Ross so that he, my mother and the six children in our family would not be persecuted. Growing up the kids saw I was Jewish and was beaten and spit on in the name of this Jesus who the Jews killed. So, does Satan come harder against Jewish believers. When I was saved my entire family disowned me and called me a traitor. Later on they accepted me as the one who is just crazy with crazy ideas. They don't mind that my Jewish older brother is an atheist. Anyway, I suppose I need to continue to pray. Some say if I just had enough faith G-d would heal me. I think we are all subject to disease not because of demons. Rather because of the orinal fall. I welcome any medical or holistic ideas you have. Blessings in Messiah Yeshua. Steve
Wow... you have been through more than I can imagine.

My primary suggestion (cut out sugar) has already been noted by another contributor.

May the Lord give you peace, strength, and wisdom along with physical healing.
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,386
5,725
113
#15
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?

My dear brother, my heart goes out to you in the many afflictions you have been enduring.

I will be praying for you that you may be healed. I will pray that until that time you will be given both strength to endure
as well as times of refreshing & relief for your body and soul.

I will also pray for those who are ministering to you in person- that they are given discernment. I will pray that YHVH will give
them eyes to see and ears to hear the truth in this matter.
My own opinion is that you are not possesed by a demon/s. The burden you are carrying is heavy enough without the idea of
demon-possesion hanging over your head. You are a child of God indwelt by his Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 12:3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “
Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.


I have been praying for Jewish believers both in Israel and in my own country because I know they encounter unique
difficulties in their walk with God. I pray too, for those Jews yet to know Yeshua as saviour. I am sure it is not God's will for
Gentile believers in the body of Christ to foster a hatred of Jews.

Your witness here encourages me as I walk through my own troubles.
The Lord Yeshua richly bless you!

Psalm 34:19
The afflictions of the righteous are many,
But the Lord rescues him from them all.
 
Feb 5, 2023
698
230
43
#16
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
My prayers are with you.

No, you cannot be possessed by demons when God's Holy Spirit indwells you.

Sin did not cause your cancer.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,628
5,897
113
#17
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Keep faith no matter what

“And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭9:2-3‬ ‭

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,243
1,636
113
Midwest
#18
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
No, The Holy Spirit Dwells In the believer Eternally. Demons cannot possess the "temple Of God." I will pray for you - hope
this is helpful:

GRACE Word for our infirmities

Please Be Very RICHLY Encouraged And Edified In
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided
(+ I and II).

Grace, Peace, And JOY!… + RICH Blessings
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,695
1,233
113
#19
I am ill with cancer. Some friends believe the cancer is caused by being possessed by demons. So they are trying to remove the demons from me through deliverance which is very intense. I know satan is constantly against us. Maybe demons can afflict you. But if the Holy Spirit lives in you, can a demon possess you and need to be cast OUT or only away. How do I know if the cancer is part of G-d's will in my life and He is allowing it? How do I know it not just because we live in a fallen world where there is disease. Did sin cause my cancer? Advice?
if someone at this second, became a born again Christian, a demon can possess you. maybe the demon was already possessing that person before becoming born again. so when the person thinks of the demonic possession, he or she can get help immediately thru a pastor, friends or just yourself. all Christians can cast out all demons in the name of Jesus because God has given all things to Jesus. (Colossians 1;19 & 3;17 + Ephesians 1;22,23). sickness never comes from God. He may allow it but it never comes from God. it is God's will that everyone be saved. 1 of the Peter books teaches, "by who's stripes ye WERE healed". notice the word "were". that's past tense!!! God has provided healing for everyone, Christians have to only claim it. not putting you into this equation but sickness can cause any problem just as cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. anything we do that is against the way God taught to live can cause problems. & it can effect our spiritual, mental & physical healths. we weren't made to "get along" with sickness. are you a born again Christian? seriously cogitate on becoming one. blessings to you.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#20
what your friends are yelling for demons to be healed?!

If they are doing it the right way, the way Jesus did, they should be telling demons to leave!

When people needed healing, Jesus would just lay hands on them...casting out demons (deliverance) and healing are actually two different things.

when demons are present its more they afflict people mentally than physically and cause people to act strangely, like out of control. Job suffered boils but he wasn afflicted mentally although he might have wanted to die he wasnt addicted or gone crazy for no discernable reason.
Job was afflicted because Satan made a wager, but it wasnt Gods will to afflict him, make him lose all his family, suffer boils and his house burn down. That was Satans business! Know your enemy..Dont try and blame God for the things satan does like his wife did.

God saw Job was righteous and gave Job more than he had before in the end cos he didnt lose faith...