Spirits, Witchcraft, Mediums, Ancestors & Generational Curses

The Believer's Security and Victory in Christ

Confessional Text

A believer in Jesus Christ cannot be demon possessed, demonized, or have a demon attached to them¹⁵⁶ because they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Further to this, they are resisting and at war against Satan, and are seated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms¹⁵⁷.

Scriptural References

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Romans 8:9-11

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

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Ephesians 1-3

And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

Historic Christian teaching affirms that believers cannot be demon possessed because we are temples of the Holy Spirit. God and demons cannot cohabit. While believers can be tempted, oppressed, or attacked by demons, we cannot be controlled or possessed. Our identity is in Christ, sealed by the Spirit, seated in heavenly places.

African Contextual Commentary

Many African churches teach that Christians can be demon possessed, leading to endless deliverance sessions, exorcisms, and spiritual bondage. This is false and pastorally destructive. If you are in Christ, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Demons cannot possess you. This does not mean believers are immune to spiritual attack, temptation, or oppression, but we are secure in Christ. African believers should reject the teaching that Christians need constant deliverance from demons. Our focus should be on growing in holiness, resisting temptation, and standing firm in faith—not on chasing demons. We are more than conquerors through Christ.