Drasha: Demonic Possession

Edited: added just-learned information concerning gates in life, definition of a Christian.

There is a lot of discussion and difference when it comes to demonic possession. Can it occur? How it is resolved? Must a priest be present? Do you need holy water? What is holy water? Aren’t Christians immune to possession? And more…
Obviously, I cannot address all issues of this discussion in one blog post, so I’ll make a deal with people: I’ll cover a brief portion, then leave it up to Q & A. If people ask, I’ll research it and address it. If there aren’t any questions, then, I’ll address portions when it seems to need to be addressed.

Today’s Question: “Aren’t Christians immune to possession?”
The Answer: It depends. We have a couple things we must examine. First, the definition of a Christian. Second, the definition of possession.
1) A Christian
There is this theory by Adrian Despres that there are Four Chairs. The Fourth Chair is the obvious unbeliever. The First Chair is the one in love with Christ – a true disciple, that is above the cut and should be the standard definition for “normal Christianity.” The Second Chair is currently a majority of Christians – the “I’m a Christian and I’m comfortable (a.k.a. “used to”) G-d.” I can abound in grace and not have any true commitment. Then the Third Chair – those who look like the Second Chair but never committed their lives to Christ. On a personal theological note, I feel that the 3 & 4 chair are not going to heaven (no commitment), the 2nd chair will fall away (if you’re used to G-d now, you’ll be more than used to Him in heaven), and the 1st chair is the standard of living for all Christians. But in reality, the 1st chair is a true disciple, and all other chairs are sub-christian, so some may argue that 2nd chair is not an actual state of Christianity. We should strive to be like the apostles. To do less is insult to Him who set us free.
Based off this examination, the following can be fully demon-possessed: 3rd and 4th chair.
Based off this examination, the following can be partially demon-possessed: 2nd chair.
Based off this examination, the following cannot be demon-possessed: 1st chair.
To be in the 1st chair, everything in our lives must align to G-d and nothing to this world. It is difficult. In fact, even I have areas that still need improvement. But I am overflowed with the Holy Spirit, and my foundation is secure. Not it is just remove the pebbles from the clay. The discussion of the Holy Spirit is an important one, but to be saved for later. In essence, do not engage in spiritual warfare if you are not ready. Do not “go out” in spiritual boldness unless you have the FULL power of the Spirit, that is, baptism of the Holy Spirit.

2) Possession
There are different types of possession that we must acknowledge. Here, I will focus on two main categories, of which all the other types fall under these. There is one other category, but it is not possession, but closer to generational curses, influences, and activities that can lead to possession. The 1st chair Christian should constantly be seeking to remove these influences from their lives.
1) Full Demonic Possession
This type of possession is what Y’shua dealt with – individuals that are possessed in such a way that they are completely controlled by the spirit at all times. In this situation, the person has entered a state of blackout and it is solely the spirit that is present at that point – due to the lack of G-d’s Spirit resting in the individual.
2) Partial Demonic Possession
This type of possession is what we tend to fail to recognize. This one is where the person can be possessed, but we can command the demonic spirit to be bound, and that allows the person to return to a state of consciousness, in which we are able to interact with the individual, ranging from minutes to hours. Some Christians can be possessed in this category, and it is by G-d’s Spirit that there are moments of lucidity. Many disagree with this theory, but I have read incidences where this has occurred, and witnessed one myself. However, this is usually prevalent in situations like influences, so that the spirit has control over a part of the life of the person. It can only reveal itself in a possession state when the person opens a gate in their life to this spirit. Gates are an important part of this discussion. According to Art Adams, we have different gates we can open in our lives to satanic forces. Anger, malice, witchcraft, etc. These gates are closed, and the spirit cannot enter, unless we open the gate and invite the spirit in. In one such instance, the person believed in Christ, but never renounced the gate, and although he qualified under John 3:16, he did not qualify under leaving the past. It is imperative that when an individual comes to the cross for salvation, they renounce any gates in their lives that were left open, to prevent any further torment from the enemy.

When Christians invite sin and wickedness into their lives, then they are placing a homing beacon above there head, saying “Devil, Choose me!”. 2nd chair Christians face demonic possession only when they invite the spirit into their lives. Truly, I dislike the idea that a Christian can be possessed, but then I would be denying what truly occurs, which would be a dangerous game to play. For example, in the case I was involved in, the individual claimed to belong to Christ, yet I found incense and a dreamcatcher in the house. The person listened to Reggae, and did not read the Word. When we separate ourselves from G-d in this manner, we can still be under John 3:16, but then we open ourselves to huge battles. Incense and dreamcatchers trace back to pagan rituals and religions. Reggae is used commonly with drugs that encourage trances. Drug use, translated in older languages, connects to witchcraft, a pagan practice. Demons live in those things. If we are of Christ, we must fully be of Christ.
If we wish to go forward with a flat-rule, then we must either change what our saying is, or change the qualification. Either say “True disciples of Christ cannot be possessed,” or change the definition of Christian to exclude 2nd chair believers.
I would ask that any 2nd chair believer come to full repentance, and remember that G-d never changes, and in that itself, the Old Testament still very much applies to today, for Y’shua did not come to condemn the Law, but rather to complete it.
3rd chair individuals, please wake up and realize that calling yourself a Christian does not make you one. Your dad doesn’t make you one. Your mom doesn’t make you one. Your children don’t make you one. G-d makes you one under the New Covenant, that is, a living relationship with a living Savior.

I do not write this to scare anyone, but remind people of the reality of spiritual warfare, and to provide a great discussion about what this all means. As we come closer to the end, expect spiritual warfare to increase.
Just remember, “In the name of Y’shua HaMashiach, come out!” Also, praying and quoting scripture is a great thing to do. “Not I, but Him.”

Comments welcome, no flaming.