Can a Believer Be Afflicted
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." — 2 Corinthians 7:1
An Honestly Contested Question
This is a hotly debated topic, and it deserves an honest treatment rather than a slogan.
Let us begin where the honest treatment begins: nowhere does the Bible say specifically that a Christian can be indwelt by a demon, and nowhere does it say specifically that a Christian cannot.
Anyone who tells you the matter is plainly settled by a single verse has not read carefully.
So we must look at the passages that bear on it.
The Main Argument Against — Examined
The most common objection is "what communion hath light with darkness?" Look at that verse in its context:
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:14–17)
This was addressed to Christians at Corinth — which means some of them were already unequally yoked. Paul was telling them to clean up their lives.
That is not a proof text that believers cannot be afflicted. If anything it runs the other way.
Similarly with "whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 John 5:18). Notice the condition inside it: as the one born of God keeps himself, he is protected. The protection is real and it is conditional on keeping.
Which brings us straight back to Ecclesiastes 10:8 — break the hedge, and a serpent bites.
The Argument From Omnipresence
There is a further objection: "a Christian cannot be indwelt, because he is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the two cannot be in the same house at the same time."
Solomon answered that long ago:
"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have builded?" (1 Kings 8:27)
God the Holy Spirit is omnipresent. If it were true that He and demons cannot occupy the same place, then demons could not exist anywhere at all.
The Passage That Settles the Practical Question
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)
This was addressed to Christians. And can you think of a better description of demons than filthiness?
Note also what it says about the human spirit. Some teach that demons cannot touch the spirit because it is sealed. There is no Scripture validating that — and this verse commands us to cleanse spirit as well as flesh, which would be a strange command if the spirit could not be affected.
Jesus cleanses us from our sins so that we become joint heirs with Him. But we must take up the power and authority we now have through Him and cleanse ourselves. As soon as we accept Christ, anything remaining is a trespasser with no right to stay — unless we grant legal ground through sin or ignorance.
Point to Ponder
"Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit." That was written to believers, and it was written as an instruction.
Verse to Remember
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." — 2 Corinthians 7:1
Question to Consider
Have I dismissed this whole question with a slogan rather than examining the Scriptures?
Today's Practice
Read the relevant passages yourself today rather than accepting anyone's summary — including this one.
2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1. 1 John 5:18 alongside 1 John 1:8–2:1. Ecclesiastes 10:8. Luke 10:19. 1 Kings 8:27. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17.
Write down what each actually says, and note where your existing position came from — Scripture, or something you were taught and never checked.
Then set aside the theological argument and ask the practical question:
"Father, is there anything in my life that has legal ground it should not have? I am not asking out of fear. I am asking because I would rather know."
If He shows you something, the closing lessons of this section will show you exactly how to deal with it.
Prayer
Father, I have held a firm opinion on this subject and I am not certain I ever examined it.
Give me an honest mind. Let me read what Your word actually says rather than defending what I have always assumed.
And more importantly than the argument — search me. If there is anything in my life holding ground it has no right to, show me. I would rather be uncomfortable and free than comfortable and occupied.
I take up the authority Your Son purchased for me. Let me cleanse myself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, exactly as You commanded.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Cleanse yourselves" is an imperative addressed to believers. It assumes something needs cleansing.