How do we distinguish a psychological disorder from demon possession?
How do we distinguish a psychological disorder from demon possession?
Answer
The short answer to this question is that the Bible does not address how to distinguish between demon possession and a psychological disorder. Because God chose not to equip Christians for this task, we should probably assume this is not something we are called to do. However, there are two related truths we know for sure from Scripture:
First, demons can possess those who do not belong to Christ, and Scripture gives some examples of people being possessed by demons. From the biblical descriptions, we can identify some symptoms of demonic influence and gain insight about how a demon possesses someone. In some of these passages (e.g., Matthew 9:32–33; Mark 9:17–18), the demon possession causes physical ailments—inability to speak, epileptic symptoms, blindness, etc. In other cases the demon causes the individual to perform evil acts (Judas is an example). In Acts 16:16–18, a “spirit of divination” (ESV) apparently gave a slave girl some ability to know things beyond her own learning. In the case of the demoniac of the Gadarenes, who was possessed by a multitude of demons, the demons gave the man superhuman strength and caused him to cut himself and live naked among the tombstones (Mark 5:1–17). King Saul, after rebelling against the Lord, was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14–15; 18:10–11; 19:9–10) with the apparent effect of a melancholy mood and an increased desire and readiness to kill David, God’s next anointed king of Israel.
Second, it is impossible for a Christian to be possessed by a demon. The believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God who comes to reside in our hearts when we give our lives to Christ (2 Corinthians 1:22). Biblical descriptions of demons identify them as “evil” or “unclean” (see Mark 5:2). The Holy Spirit cannot possibly share His dwelling place with such a creature. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, however, no amount of good living or “cleaning up their act” will prevent a demon from possessing or influencing them. The parable Jesus told in Matthew 12:43–45 makes this clear:
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
In giving this parable, Jesus was denouncing the unbelief of Israel, but the illustration He uses gives some insight into the behavior of demons. Unclean spirits seek to take up residence in people, and, on their own, people are powerless to stop them. Any type of self-improvement or personal reformation apart from Christ is futile in barring the door against the devil. In the words of commentator Matthew Poole, “Reformation proves but a sweeping and a garnishing, while the soul is empty of Christ. It may be swept from the filth of flagitious sins, and garnished with the paint of religion, or some habits of moral virtue; but none of these will keep out the devil” ( A Commentary on the Holy Bible , 1685). We must be born again (John 3:3; cf. Ezekiel 36:26). We need new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We need the indwelling Holy Spirit, for then “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NKJV).
While Christians cannot be possessed by a demon, they can still be influenced by one. The apostle Peter was one of Christ’s closest three disciples, yet he was influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). We must keep our armor on (see Ephesians 6:10–17). We must, as Peter said, “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
A word to the wise: do not allow yourself to develop an unhealthy fascination with the occult and demonic activity. Scripture informs us of what we need to know about demons. If we do need to discern between demonic possession and a psychological disorder, we can pray for wisdom. God promises that “he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5, NLT).