In spiritual warfare, believers contend both with their own flesh and with demonic forces as they seek to follow Christ. Until the final redemption of our bodies, every believer continues to possess a sin nature. From this fallen nature arise sinful desires, and believers experience temptation toward sin. Scripture calls every Christian to engage in spiritual warfare by resisting these fleshly desires and pursuing holiness (James 1:13–15; 1 Peter 2:11).
Spiritual warfare also takes place in the demonic realm (Ephesians 6:10–20). Scripture shows that demonic spirits can influence people and circumstances, and even indwell unbelievers, in efforts to hinder God’s purposes. However, born-again believers cannot be demonized, meaning possessed or internally controlled by demons, because the Holy Spirit dwells within them (2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 2:13–14; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:18).
Although believers cannot be indwelt by demons, they may experience external spiritual attacks such as oppression, harassment, or torment. These attacks are overcome through standing firmly in gospel truth and putting on the full armor of God (2 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 6:10–20). Victory in spiritual warfare comes not through human strength, but through faith in Christ and reliance on the power and protection God provides.
Spiritual warfare also takes place in the demonic realm (Ephesians 6:10–20). Scripture shows that demonic spirits can influence people and circumstances, and even indwell unbelievers, in efforts to hinder God’s purposes. However, born-again believers cannot be demonized, meaning possessed or internally controlled by demons, because the Holy Spirit dwells within them (2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 2:13–14; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:18).
Although believers cannot be indwelt by demons, they may experience external spiritual attacks such as oppression, harassment, or torment. These attacks are overcome through standing firmly in gospel truth and putting on the full armor of God (2 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 6:10–20). Victory in spiritual warfare comes not through human strength, but through faith in Christ and reliance on the power and protection God provides.