What is a demon? The word doesn’t ever appear in the Bible, but thanks to TV, music, and movies most of us recognize the word to mean what the Bible calls a devil.
The name ‘Devil’ derives from the Greek word diabolos, which means slanderer or accuser. A demon or devil is, simply put, a fallen angel, which is in league with the Devil otherwise known as Lucifer. They all fell with him in the beginning and have roamed the earth ever since.
These demons are also known as familiar spirits in the Old Testament. In the Bible, familiar spirits were used by people to gain powers that they normally would not have. Wizards, necromancers, psychics, and seers of the future were all hosts for demons that aided them. And those same spirits roam the earth now seeking to inhabit people and ultimately possess their mind, body, and spirit.
As Christians we have our souls sealed eternally by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption (Eph 4:30). So we cannot be possessed completely because our spirits have an owner already. But what about our minds and bodies? Can a Christian carry a demon in their mind?
Paul himself said in Romans 7:17-19, “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil, which I would not, that I do.” We are in the world every day surrounded by sin on all sides. In Paul’s own life he had thoughts in his head and desires that kept him from doing what his transformed spirit wanted him to.
If in fact Christians couldn’t carry any demons, then why do we have the same impure thoughts and do the sins that we do over and over again? We could possibly be carrying demons that drive those desires through our flesh. Whenever we heed to evil and sin or doubt, and not fulfill our duties as believers, we give place to the Devil.
There was a reason why Jesus said that all good trees must bear good fruit, and if they do not then they are going to be hewn down and cast into the fire. That fire is Hell! If our souls are changed and saved but our minds and flesh never give up the deeds of sin, then we will not be saved anymore. We should deliver ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh.
Aaron Jacobs