Can Christians Be Possessed?

Can Christians be Demon Possessed?

A question pops up from time to time, as questions are bound to do. This question is addressed in scripture, but not in the specific manner in which the question is asked. I did some research, using only the Bible as reference, and came up with what I think is as good an answer as any I have heard to date. Please understand that, while God and his Word are not fallible, I am. If anyone disagrees with this article or anything contained therein, please contact us and explain why, using biblical references. I did my best to compare scripture with scripture to aid in my understanding. I believe that comparing scripture and fervent prayer is the best way to understand any concept or idea sought in scripture.

Question: Can Christians be demon-possessed?

Answer: I don't believe that Christians can be possessed by demons, and this is why:

Demons are real. They are created beings. (See Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:11-19, Revelation 12:9)
God, as creator, has power over his creation.(Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:18)
It is clear that demons have the ability to possess people and control them. (Matthew 8:28-32, Mark 5:1-16, Luke 8:26-36)
Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:31-39)
We cannot escape from the presence of God. (Psalm 139:7-10)
All believers are safe in the hand of God. (John 10:27-29)
When a person accepts God's free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), they are filled with the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22, Acts 2:4, Ephesians 5:18)
The Holy Spirit, as one-third of the Godhead (Trinity) is every bit as much God as the Father or the Son, though with a different role and function. However, the Holy Spirit, being God, retains all of the attributes and nature of God. (Matthew 28:19, 15:26-27, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Because God is holy, he cannot allow any sin in His presence. (Psalm 24:3-4, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
When we are "born again" (John 3:3-8), and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart, we have God's promise that he will never leave us. ( Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, Joshua 1:5,9, John 10:27-29, Hebrews 13:5)
Since true Christians (see Matthew 7:21-23) have the Holy Spirit residing in their hearts; since by God's very nature, there can be no sin or evil in His presence, I believe that it is certainly not possible for a true Christian to be possessed by any demon.
There is a great difference between demonic influence or oppression and demonic possession.
Though Christians cannot be possessed by demons, they certainly can be afflicted, oppressed, tormented and tempted. (Read Job chapter 1)