A FRIENDLY DISCUSSION

On the Topic: Can A Believer Be Demonised?

These messages were exchanged on a mailing list between Christians who were initially examining the manifestations associated with the Toronto and Pensacola anointings.

However, the discussion sparked by these manifestations is, I believe, vital to our understanding of endtimes events and the apostasy. For, it is claimed that no born-again believer can be demonised.

I would say to that, in addition to my article in this section ("The Thorny Problem - Can a Believer be Demonised?"), the Toronto manifestations make a mockery of classic fundamentalist teaching at this point. No other force than demons could produce the supernatural signs and wonders that we are witnessing in the current "revival" - and these things are taking place in and through Christians. (Although I agree that some involved are clearly not even saved.

The discussion below raises some interesting points, and offers scope for further research. I do not believe that this is the day to stand firm simply on Church dogma, however comforting it may have been in the past.

26-Jul-97 5:41
Dear Ed,

I would also like to comment on the "ectoplasm" posting which was sent out.

I was delivered from our local Toronto church just over 2 years ago. TB had been in the church for about 7 months and I was manifesting and everything, when God miraculously led me out (it was NOTHING I did).

Anyway before I left I recall that my friend (who is also "out" :-)) was ministering for the longest time to another lady who was manifesting and doing this vomiting thing. It went on and on for ages. The lady was bringing up all this stuff and we had to keep getting paper towels etc. It went on after the meeting had finished and Sharon (my friend) says she remembers wondering about it as it didn't seem to be in line with the so called "blessing" which we believed to be genuine at the time. This happened about 2.5 years ago now and the lady concerned has also been led out of that church.

My point is this, the lady in question is a saved person so what was going on? Is it possible for a saved person to be subjected to such dramatic demonc interference? I realise this is off the subject which has been raised as a topic for discussion but I would be grateful for any comments.

Yours in Christ, Julie

Date: 26-Jul-97 5:48
Hi Julie,

I believe the devil can get into the body of believers to cause physical manifestations if we open the door for him. It is most likely this is what happened. I don't think anyone REALLY understands how these things manifest, but they are demonic. That is pretty evident. I am hoping we get more comments on your email, as I am just getting into understanding this particular area myself. Your question is an important one that should be answered.

It appears that real believers who get hit with these manifestations are brought out from under their power as a testimony against what it really is. I don't believe when a person falls for the deception God gives up on them either. He works through ALL THINGS for the good. I was hit with a Manifest Son of God Spirit and the force of kundalini a year before Toronto hit, and in that experience, I was shown it was coming. God had a purpose in allowing it. Out of that experience, I understood what Toronto was when it hit and could step into the battle of refuting it against people in Toronto the area.

As the "revival" and its deceptions increase, those who have survivied the hit of kundilini will become wiser as they go and not fall so easily for those things to come. Let's see what response we get on this.

Ed

Date: 26-Jul-97 20:54
Ed,

I don't think there is one bit of Scriptural support that "the devil can get into the body of believers to cause physical manifestations." Many professing believers have no doubt had to assume this is possible in order to justify their apparent demonization, but the Bible is clear that Christ and demons cannot occupy the same space. See http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/anderson/demon.html, from which I have excerpted below:

A BIBLICAL VIEW OF DEMON POSSESSION

A watershed issue for all Christians to consider is whether or not a believer can be demon possessed. The last decade has seen a major shift by Evangelicals away from a belief that Christians could not be demonized or demon possessed to a dominate view that a child of God can be demon possessed and thus needs periodic deliverance. Neil Anderson believes that Christians can be controlled by a demon (The Bondage Breaker : Harvest House, 1990:171-73).

We must start with a clear understanding of what Scripture means when it refers to demon possession. Anderson often relies on experience-oriented stories, presented as "case studies," which serve to create an impression that Christians can be demon controlled. This "evidence" in turn shapes his view of Scripture on this matter. Instead, we should develop our categories and thinking on this matter from the Bible from which we then use to interpret experiences which we encounter.

For a definitive presentation of the Biblical material you should read (Thomas Ice and Robert Dean) A Holy Rebellion: Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, (Harvest House:1990). Another good book on the subject is Alex Konya, Demons: A Biblically Based Perspective (Regular Baptist Press:1990). If you can get a copy of Merrill F. Unger's out of print book, Biblical Demonology: A Study of the Spiritual Forces Behind the Present World Unrest (Scripture Press:1952), it is still very helpful. Unger's later books on the subject are not recommended , since he shifted from Biblical authority to experience in subsequent works.

Anderson's approach commits the fallacy of defining a word based on its root meanings, or etymology, rather than on how the word is actually used in the Bible. "Demonized" and "to have a demon" are used of only one extreme: to be inwardly controlled by an indwelling demon. They are never used to describe a case involving anything less. For example, these terms never describe Satan's activity of accusation, temptation, deception, or persecution; they only describe the extreme case of being inwardly controlled by a demon. Therefore, Anderson is wrong to say that there is only one word. He is also wrong to say "demon possession" is not a term that exists in the Bible because the Greek term "demonize" and it's accurate English translations equivalent, "demon possession," are used in the Bible. Further, the parallel phrase "to have a demon" also means demon possession in the Greek New Testament.

Biblical demon possession is the direct, inward control by demons (also called evil spirits) of their victim by residing in him. Demon possession does not include external temptation aimed at a person by Satan and his demons. I do not believe the Bible teaches that a Christian can be possessed or indwelt, by a demon. I do believe, however, that Christians can be severely influenced or oppressed by Satan and the demonic. The key issues on this matter revolve around the differences between internal control and inhabitation and external influence.

The example Christ cited to the Pharisees in Matthew 12:43 ("When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest and does not find it"), the demon is searching for a new home because he was cast out of the individual he once occupied. Then the homeless demon says, "I will return to my house from which I came" (12:44). The demon and his friends can only enter the house if it is empty and unoccupied. In the case of all believers the house is occupied , and God the Holy Spirit answers the door even if repossession is attempted. This passage is saying that only empty houses--unbelievers--can be reoccupied. Therefore, Christians cannot be demon possessed.

[Editor's note: Unbelievers are not in fact "empty" or "unoccupied" houses! They do have human spirits, even though they are not regenerated. Thus your point seems to fail here, Rick!]

There are several other New Testament passages indicate that Christ's victory over Satan and the demonic was so great that he cannot come back and repossess believers (John 17:15; 1 John 5:18).

Another reason believers cannot be demonized is that the New Testament nowhere says they can! Nor does the New Testament ever use the language, referring to a believer, that describes demon possession. Whenever a person who is demon possessed is dealt with, the Bible indicates that they are "cast out" (e.g. Mt. 8:16; Mk. 1:34). ("Cast out" clearly indicates that when someone was delivered from demons it was a "power encounter" not a "truth encounter," as Anderson claims.) Never are believers said to respond to Satan or demons by casting them out, which is always the remedy in the New Testament for a demon possessed person. Instead, for the believer, the command is always to stand or resist, which is the counter to an external temptation by Satan and the demonic. This supports the idea that Christians cannot be demon possessed since they are never commanded or told how to deliver believers (or anyone) from demonic possession.

Rick Miesel

Biblical Discernment Ministries
rambdm@tima.com http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/

Date: 27-Jul-97 6:10
Hi Rick,

Thanks for your email. I don't disagree with you because I honestly have heard things that point to both views being true. As you can tell by my email, I am not totally clear and it is from a thorough look at the subject. I am going to send out your email and start another discussion group on this so the truth can be brought out. I appreciate your kind note. In these times, these are serious issues and need good dialogue. Is it all right if I send this out to get the discussion going? I am swamped suddenly with these new discussions we are doing and will thoroughly read your email again.

I don't believe a believer can be possessed in the spirit. My thoughts, which I confess are not expressed well, lie more in an area of question for me that relate to this statement in the quote you sent below:

"I do not believe the Bible teaches that a Christian can be possessed or indwelt, by a demon. I do believe, however, that Christians can be severely influenced or oppressed by Satan and the demonic. The key issues on this matter revolve around the differences between internal control and inhabitation and external influence."

Date: 29-Jul-97 7:41
Hi everybody,

The folllowing is the next message between Rick and I, but I wanted to point a good point he makes:

The only problem with these so-called "discussion groups," is that they usually rapidly deteriorate into "my EXPERIENCE versus yours," (i.e., "story-telling") rather than an examination of what the Scriptures say. This kind of thing is typical of the Neil Andersons, John Wimbers, C. Peter Wagners, and Fred Dickasons of the world.

Let's keep it in the scriptures, and, if necessary, use experiences in a fruitful way in regard to the scriptures. The experiences are very real and the reason for the question in the first place. Please keep the emphasis on the scriptures.

Ed

Dear Ed:

I don't think "severely influenced or oppressed" and "inhabitation and external influence" would include manifestations. However, internal control (i.e., indwelling) would definitely be evidenced by manifestations.

So the question remains, where in the Bible does it say that believers can be internally controlled by demons? And if they can't, then the true maniferstations we are witnessing today are occurring with professing believers, but not possessors of Christ.

[Editor's Note: This point is very important. Those who believe that Christians cannot be demonised (and therefore cannot possibly produce manifestations such as are being reported everywhere) MUST say that people who manifest such symptoms ARE NOT SAVED. This is the inevitable result of dismissing Christian demonisation. My question is, who is ready to make such a statement? Certainly not I. The truth is, many involved in Toronto are truly saved, yet did have demonic manifestations. See Julie's letter at the start of this file.]

The two tapes by Gil Rugh mentioned in the warning package by the Bobgans are excellent sources for a thorough Scriptural examination of the subject:

NEIL ANDERSON WARNING PACKAGE:

Dr. Neil Anderson combines elements of psychology with demon deliverance. This warning package consists of three papers ("Steak and Arsenic" by Pastor Steven Cole, "Demon Possession and the New Clinical Deliverance" by Pastor Thomas Ice, and "Reflections on the Freedom in Christ Seminar" by a church elder, and "The Deliverance Model of Spiritual Warfare" by Steven Fernandez) and 2 audio tapes by Pastor Gil Rugh, titled "Can Believers be Demon Possessed?" and "The Heresies of >Demonization." $12. Ask for Item NAW

Rick Miesel Biblical Discernment Ministries

Hi Rick,

This scripture seems to say there is a possiblity of demon influence in the life of a Christian, for Paul's fear was very real. I would really like your input if you have time. If not, that's fine.

2 Cor 11:2-4 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

RECEIVE another spirit: 2983. lambano, lam-ban'-o; a prol. form of a prim. verb, which is used only as an alt. in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, lit. and fig. [prop. obj. or act., to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subj. or pass., to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).

Father, this is such a crucial area. Give us all a clear understanding in this area. In Jesus' name we ask.

Ed

Date: 29-Jul-97 7:42
Ed

I don't think Paul is referring to actual "evil demonic" spirits that one would "receive" in the sense of indwelling. There are many evil spirits at large in the world that would seek to counterfeit the Holy Spirit in the believer's experience if they could. Therefore, we must "try the Spirits"; i.e., test the teachings so that we don't RECEIVE THE TEACHINGS of the spirit of the antichrist

(1 John 4:1-3): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

I like the Geneva Bible notes on this passage:

(1) He will have us here take heed of two things, the one is, that seeing there are many false prophets, we should not trust every man: the other is, that because many men teach false things, we should not therefore believe any. We must then observe, that we may be able to discern the spirits of God which are to be followed, from impure spirits which are to be avoided. This is spoken by metonymy and it is as if he had said, Believe not every one who says that he has a gift of the Holy Spirit to do the office of a prophet.

Rick Miesel

Hi Rick,

My first request in this response is:

What does the Geneva Bible notes say about the scripture verse I was concerned with:

2 Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Secondly, I'd like some comment in the discussion on the definition of "receive" in "if ye receive another spirit":

RECEIVE another spirit: 2983. lambano, lam-ban'-o; a prol. form of a prim. verb, which is used only as an alt. in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, lit. and fig. [prop. obj. or act., to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subj. or pass., to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).

The words in this definition are important: take [another spirit?] to have offered [another spirit?], to have [another spirit?], to accept [another spirit?] like we accept or receive the Holy Spirit?], be amazed [which one minister called the Holy Spirit "the amazing Spirit last night on TBN and they received it], assay (?), attain [another spirit?], bring [another spirit?], catch [another spirit?], bring [another spirit?], [receive another spirit] when I call on [another spirit?], catch [another spirit?], [another spirit] come on or come unto, forget (?), have [another spirit?], hold [another spirit?], obtain [another spirit?], receive [another spirit?] after [they received another spirit?], take away (?), take up (?).

"to have" [another spirit] offered seems to strongly suggest that if it is offered, it can certainly be received if accepted through being offered.

When you add "another" to these phrases, it seems to indicate it has more to do than what you state below. "Another" means,

Another: 2087. heteros, het'-er-os; of uncert. affin.; (an-, the) other or different:--altered, else, next (day), one, (an-) other, some, strange.

That strongly indicates that you have the Spirit, and then you receive (as per the above definitions) a different spirit in the same way you received the first one: "or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received," Paul seems to be saying, "You received the Holy Spirit, and you didn't receive a spirit not of God, but now, why are you in danger of receiving the spirit not of God."

I don't know Greek, but some of these meanings sure are very disturbing. Can you or anybody add anything to this? Isn't that what this is saying?

2 Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh PREACHETH Jesus, whom we have not preached, . . . or another gospel, which ye have not ACCEPTED, ye might well bear with him.

This would agree with you that the Genevea Bible note you quote can refer to this: But from the definitions, it would strongly suggest this note cannot apply to the part of the verse, "or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received" because it strongly indicates receiving one Spirit and then another after that.

It would seem then that one could conclude that if you can't internally or physically receive an evil spirit through hearing false prophets, then one can't receive the Holy Spirit through hearing the truth presented by God's true teachers. I wouldn't believe that, but some would. It's a little far out conclusion, but nowadays, who knows how people figure things.

Another verse indicates that satan can affect the body of the believer:

1 Cor 5-7:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

DELIVER - 3860. paradidomi, par-ad-id'-o-mee; from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.

DESTRUCTION - 3639. olethros, ol'-eth-ros; from a prim. ollumi (to destroy; a prol. form); ruin, i.e. death, punishment:--destruction.

FLESH - 4561. sarx, sarx; prob. from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extens.) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by impl.) human nature (with its frailties [phys. or mor.] and passions), or (spec.) a human being (as such):--carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).

In these verses, the definitions show that Paul said the church should turn this man over to satan so he could bring about his death so his spirit would be saved. The definitions clearly indicate satan has power to afflict the body of a bliever to the point of death.

2 Cor 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

THORN - 4647. skolops, skol'-ops; perh. from the base of G4628 and G3700; withered at the front, i.e. a point or prickle (fig. a bodily annoyance or disability):--thorn.

The word thorn in this verse means a bodily ailment and Paul exerienced physical suffering at the hands of a messenger of satan. He certainly wasn't possesed in his spirit, and this wasn't a mental oppression, but a physical one, as defined here and in the word "flesh":

FLESH - x, sarx; prob. from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extens.) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by impl.) human nature (with its frailties [phys. or mor.] and passions), or (spec.) a human being (as such):--carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).

BUFFET - aphizo, kol-af-id'-zo; from a der. of the base of G2849; to rap with the fist:--buffet.

Again, Paul was not possessed by any means, but this buffeting was physical.

I would offer this for consideration in light of these scriptures:

1. A Christian cannot be demonized in his spirit because the Holy Spirit dwells there.
2. A Christian can be manipulated in his mind to follow the teachings of the devil and be taken captive to do his will. His sure defense is holding to the Sriptures in their proper context
3. A Christian can be affected physically by the devil. Whether the devil actually enters the body to do so remains in question.

Ed

Date: 29-Jul-97 7:43
Dear Ed;

I strongly recommend the unabridged edition of War on the Saints by Jessie Penn-Lewis with Evan Roberts published by Thomas E. Lowe, Ltd. New York.

Every blessing,
Tommy Threatt

Date: 30-Jul-97 6:07

Strongly agreed. It's gruesome stuff, but this is a Christian classic from someone who really did battle in these areas. Nowadays, we do not understand the concept of 'giving ground'.

Dave

Date: 30-Jul-97 6:07

Paul said the following TO THE CHURCH:

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

PLACE means occupancy, i.e., give no occupancy to the devil.

PLACE - 5117. topos, top'-os; appar. a prim. word; a spot (gen. in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 is a larger but partic. locality), i.e. location (as a position, home, tract, etc.)

Obviously, he is speaking to the individual Christian because of the context in which he used anger. What is he saying here: "Eph 4:27 Neither give place [occupancy] to the devil"?

Ed

Date: 30-Jul-97 6:08
Dear Ed,

>>What does the Geneva Bible notes say about the scripture verse I was concerned with: 2 Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. <<

Nothing to do with receiving an evil spirit: "He shows that they deceive themselves, if they look to receive from any other man, either a more excellent Gospel, or more excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit.".

Secondly, I'd like some comment in the discussion on the definition of "receive" in "if ye receive another spirit":

I don't think Paul is referring to actual "evil / demonic" spirits that one would "receive" in the sense of indwelling…. I'll stick with what I originally said -- when we examine other passages that speak of a specific spirit being received by a believer, the verses are speaking of receiving the TEACHINGS of the antichrist spirit, never receiving the Spirit itself.

>>" because it strongly indicates receiving one Spirit and then another after that. It would seem then that one could conclude that if you can't internally or physically receive an evil spirit through hearing false prophets, then one can't receive the Holy Spirit through hearing the truth presented by God's true teachers. I wouldn't believe that, but some would. It's a little far out conclusion, but nowadays, who knows how people figure things. <<

That may work by man's rationality, but we must always remember one overriding factor -- the Spirit of Truth (Christ) cannot occupy the same space as an evil spirit. And if the evil spirit does occupy, then the Spirit of Truth has been defeated, which we know is not possible.

Your point: 1 Cor 5-7 handed over to satan for the destruction of the flesh…

I do not believe the verses teach that Satan will kill the believer (later verses show that he didn't) -- destroying the flesh does not necessarily mean death here any more than the verses on destruction in an eternal hell teach annihilation. Nevertheless, God could allow Satan to kill a believer in sin, but none of this has anything to do with whether a believer can be indwelt with a demon.

The Geneva Study Bible says: The one who is excommunicated is delivered to the power of Satan, in that he is cast out of the house of God. What it is to be delivered to Satan the Lord himself declares when he says, "Let him be unto thee as a heathen and publican"; #Mt 18:17|

That is to say, to be disfranchised and put out of the right and privileges of the city of Christ, which is the Church, outside of which Satan is lord and master. The goal of excommunication is not to cast away the excommunicate that he should utterly perish, but that he may be saved, that is, that by this means his flesh may be tamed, that he may learn to live to the Spirit.

2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

THORN

The word thorn in this verse means a bodily ailment and Paul exerienced physical suffering at the hands of a messenger of satan. He certainly wasn't possesed in his spirit, and this wasn't a mental oppression, but a physical one, as defined here and in the word "flesh":

BUFFET

Again, Paul was not possessed by any means, but this buffeting was physical.

Your points 1-3:

1. A Christian cannot be demonized in his spirit because the Holy Spirit dwells there.

2. A Christian can be manipulated in his mind to follow the teachings of the devil and be taken captive to do his will. His sure defense is holding to the Sriptures in their proper context.

3. A Christian can be affected physically by the devil. Whether the devil actually enters the body to do so remains in question.

Ed, I would disagree with #2, in that if a person is taken CAPTIVE to Satan's will, then that is a bondage not characteristic of a believer -- opression and influence is entirely different than being "CAPTIVE." And I would disagree with the last half of #3 also -- I don't think there is any question whatsoever that a believer cannot be indwelt by a demon (or else the indwelling Holy Spirt would have to be oversome and Christ's Spirit ejected by that demon!).

Rick Miesel

{Editor's Note: this represents the usual teaching, that of EITHER/OR. It says that EITHER the Holy Spirit, OR another spirit inhabits a person. This is not only untrue, it is dangerously untrue, since it would also have to mean that, once saved, a believer no longer had a HUMAN spirit either. Remember, the Holy Spirit and another spirit cannot inhabit the same space, according to this teaching.

It also would have to mean that, at the point of conversion, every person, no matter how badly demonised up to that point, was instantaneously, automatically and permanently delivered of every demon. Regardless of their spiritual condition at the time of re-birth. I think you will agree that is a nonsensical statement.

This teaching is based on the error that a person consists only of a spirit within a body. As my article points out, a person consists of a human spirit, a soul and a physical body. ONLY the spirit is made regenerated at the time of re-birth. Thus, a believer cannot be possessed in his or her spirit. Yet demons can and do invade the body and personality of Christians if they are given permission to do so.

We also have to take into account a person's free will to "open the door" to demons. Rick says that, once saved, a person is so controlled by God that only God opens the door to his or her life. I would contend that is a fallacy. Human will is operative after re-birth. We can choose to sin, or even to receive a demon if we wish. God does not over-rule our free will.)

© 1995-2013 Tricia Tillin of Banner Ministries. All rights reserved. Cross+Word Website: http://www.banner.org.uk/  This document is the property of its author and is not to be displayed on other websites, redistributed, sold, reprinted, or reproduced in printed in any other format without permission. Websites may link to this article, if they provide proper title and author information. One copy may be downloaded, stored and/or printed for personal research. All spelling and phraseology is UK English.