
Model #1: Gospel Encounter
Either a person has a demon and isn’t a Christian or he/she is a Christian but only thinks he/she has a demon.
Procedure:
Key Passages: 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; 1 John 5:18
Argument: The Holy Spirit and a demonic spirit cannot occupy the same space/person. Nowhere in the epistles do you see any commands or instructions to cast a demon out of a believer. Just preach and apply the gospel and look to the Spirit for growth in righteousness. Resist all satanic temptations by standing on the Word.
Advocates: John MacArthur; Hank Hanegraaff; David Powlison
Model #2: Power Encounter
Christians can be demonized and controlled, but not possessed or completely controlled by demons. Sin gives a demon a right [ground] to invade and indwell a believer. The demon cannot be removed until the sin that is the ground of occupation is cancelled.
Procedure:
Key Passages: 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:7-9
Argument: Christians must learn how demons operate and what actually works in the ministry of deliverance.
Advocates: Mark Bubeck; Fred Dickason; Ed Murphy; Jesse Penn-Lewis; Chuck Kraft; C. Peter Wagner
Model #3: Truth Encounter
Although demons have no authority over a believer, Christians can fall prey to deception and yield control to a demon. The truth that Christians were rescued out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of Christ and all sin has been forgiven at the Cross cancels all demonic rights over a believer.
Procedure:
Key Passages: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Colossians 1:12-14; 2:8-15
Argument: Satan seeks to control a believer’s behavior by taking control of his/her mind through deception, accusation and temptation. Believers must personalize the truth, resist satan and take every thought captive for Christ.
Advocates: Neil Anderson, Clint Arnold, John Eldredge
(This article was written by Gerry Breshears, Ph.D. from Western Seminary, Portland, OR.)