Demonization of Christians

CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH 15815 SE 37th St Bellevue, WA 98006 Table of Contents

Demonization of Christians ...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Assumptions ...... 1 Definition ...... 1 Conclusions ...... 2 Scripture Background...... 2

This paper outlines the position of Crossroads Bible Church regarding whether or not Christians can be demonized (see definition below).

Introduction Some in the Christian community, including some local churches, have taught that spirit-indwelt Christians may be demonized, and they have performed procedures intended to remove demons from a believer. The Crossroads Bible Church Elder Council and Pastoral Staff decided to study the Scriptures to determine what position the church should hold on this theological question.

Assumptions The leadership of Crossroads relies on Scripture as their authority in all spiritual matters. We believe that the Scriptures were “written by men … [who] … wrote under the control and guidance of the Spirit of God, … the results being in every word of the original documents a perfect and errorless recording of the exact message which God desired to give to man1.” We also follow the principle of sola Scriptura, which is that “all truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual life is taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture2."

Based on this view, we believe that the answer to this significant spiritual issue can be found in Scripture, and we will follow in obedience the answer that we discover there.

Definition The term “demonized”, as used in this paper and in other texts on this subject, is defined as follows:

 The term "demonize" comes directly from the Greek term δαιµονίζοµαι (daimonizomai) and is translated "demon-possessed" by the ESV and "to be possessed with the devil" by the KJV.

 The term is used 13 times and only in the gospels. Parallel passages retell the same narratives such that the term is used in 8 separate occasions in the gospels.

 It is used once in the indicative mood, middle voice: a girl tormented by a demon in Matthew 15:22.

 All other usages are participles in the middle or passive voice, thus being acted upon: "he/they who are demon-possessed".

 The concept is of indwelling by a demon (or demons), where the demon takes control of the person’s personality and behavior, including control of vocal and physical abilities.

1 The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, by René Pache.

2 John MacArthur, http://apprising.org/2011/01/15/john-macarthur-on-sola-scriptura. See 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

Demonization of Christians | CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH 1

Conclusions After thorough study of the Scriptures, the Elder Council and Pastoral Staff of Crossroads Bible Church have come to the following conclusions:

1. Non-believers can be demonized to the extent that they come under the control of demons. Their behavior and speech can be controlled by demonic beings. This condition is commonly referred to as demon possession.

2. There is no New Testament evidence of a born-again, Spirit-indwelt Christian who is demon possessed. The term is used in the New Testament only in relation to non-Christians and prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit into the Church and into the lives of believers. While Christians do battle against demonic forces of evil, there is no scriptural evidence that they can be indwelt by demons, but instead are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

3. Christians who are living in obedience to Christ can come under satanic attack. Therefore, Christians are to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-10), through perseverance and prayer, putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), which is designed to protect the believer from attacks of the evil one.

4. Christians who are living sinful lives make themselves more vulnerable to the attack of the evil one. Rather than resist the devil, they yield the members of their body to sin and open themselves up to the attacks of Satan and his demons.

Scripture Background In addition to the passages explicitly using the term “demonize”, the following key Scripture passages were analyzed in depth during this study:

Ephesians 6:10-20 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 Acts 19:11-20 Ephesians 5:18 1 Timothy 1:19-20 Ephesians 4:26-27 Acts 5:3 1 Peter 5:8-9 Romans 16:19-20 James 4:7 Luke 13:11-16 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Detailed notes, observations, and conclusions from the study can be made available upon request. The implications for counseling Christians under spiritual attack will be covered in a broader document on counseling policies and procedures.

Demonization of Christians | CROSSROADS BIBLE CHURCH 2