Why Can't I Cast a Demon out of a Christian?

Welcome to Living Word Cast!

I’m Pastor Michael Chilcott, coming to you from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This podcast exists to proclaim, teach, and explore the Word of God together. Our goal is to provide sound theological and biblical guidance on all things Scripture, helping you grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re seeking answers, encouragement, or a closer walk with God, this podcast is here to help you stay firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Today, we’re addressing a very important question: Why can’t I cast a demon out of a Christian? This question has been a point of confusion for many, and it’s essential that we turn to Scripture to understand what’s really happening when it comes to spiritual warfare and the believer’s authority in Christ.

Before we dive in, let’s look at some key Scriptures to lay the foundation. We’ll be referencing Matthew 12:43-45, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 6:15, John 14:17, and Ephesians 6:10-18.

Let’s start with a look at Matthew 12:43-45. Here, Jesus speaks about a demon leaving a person and the condition that follows:

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45, ESV)

This passage is crucial because it shows the state of someone who has been freed from demonic influence but hasn’t filled their life with the presence of the Holy Spirit or a relationship with Christ. Their spiritual house is “empty.” It’s swept clean, but it’s empty. This explains why we can’t just cast out a demon from a Christian. A Christian has already been filled with the Holy Spirit, and that makes demonic possession impossible.

But what does Scripture say about the believer’s identity and their relationship to the Holy Spirit?