If so, what is the reason behind it and how does it occur? Is there a possibility that anyone can be possessed at any time? To answer your 3 questions, I've consulted other authors (click on the links to read their full articles) who are well-versed in this massive subject.Q1: Is it possible to be demon possessed or dead locked?
According to Scripture, since the Holy Spirit lives in a Christian (Romans 8:9-11, 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), it would seem unlikely that the Holy Spirit would allow a demon to possess the same person. GotQuestions writes this:
This is sometimes a controversial issue; however, we strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. We believe there is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33; Matthew 17:14-18). Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7). Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, we are never told to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Believers are told to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7), not to cast him out.On the other hand, "we know from the Bible that demons can and do possess those who do not belong to Christ, and Scripture gives some examples of people being possessed by demons."
Q2: If so, what is the reason behind it and how does it occur?
Pastor Driscoll says it is Satan's influence:
In his war against God, the Serpent not only has the fallen angels who are now known as demons, but also has people who are allies in his army either by demonic possession, demonic influence, or simply living according to their sinful nature and flesh (2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 9:1; 12:3–4). Such people include false prophets who speak for the Serpent (2 Pet. 2:1), false apostles who begin ministries for the Serpent (2 Cor. 11:13), false Christians who divide churches (Gal. 2:4), and false teachers who teach heretical doctrine for the Serpent (2 Pet. 2:1).
Q3: Is there a possibility that anyone can be possessed at any time?
Again, there is a different answer depending on whether you are a Christian or not. While Christians can be influenced by a demon (e.g. Peter was influenced by one in Matthew 16:23), "most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon." Conversely, those who do not belong to Christ can be influenced AND possessed by demons at any time.
What are some possible symptoms of demon possession? GotQuestions says this:
There is a wide variety of possible symptoms of demon possession, such as a physical impairment that cannot be attributed to an actual physiological problem, a personality change such as depression or aggression, supernatural strength, immodesty, antisocial behavior, and perhaps the ability to share information that one has no natural way of knowing. It is important to note that nearly all, if not all, of these characteristics may have other explanations, so it is important not to label every depressed person or epileptic individual as demon-possessed. On the other hand, western cultures probably do not take satanic involvement in people’s lives seriously enough.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
