Possessed

The first exposure to demon possession for many people  in my generation was the 1973 movie, The Exorcist," starring Linda Blair.  I feel "possessed" at this moment to say it was a real "head turner."  If you saw the movie, you will know exactly what I mean and are probably groaning at my pathetic "turn" on words.

Nonetheless, I had never given much thought about possession before that movie as I was raised up believing that such things passed with the apostles - that "biblical possessions" no longer occurred any more than biblical raising of the dead.  I just saw people as good or evil  based on their choices.

Looking back to those days, I am confronted not with the images of the actress, Linda Blair, but of the anarchist, Charlie Manson, whom,  it was believed, that his 1969 murder of Sharon Tate was a part of his efforts to bring about "Helter Skelter."  Helter Skelter, referencing to the music of The Beatles, especially the album, "The Beatles" (AKA "The White Album") and the New Testament "Book of Revelation," was a call to an apocalyptic war arising from the tensions between whites and blacks in this country.

Charlie seemed to be possessed with the notion of initiating this end times war.  Considering the horrific kinds of things he did, listening to his rantings over the decades from prison and just one look into his eyes that seem to dance with evil - I have to wonder if he is not possessed with more than an idea.  I have to wonder if he has not literally "sold his soul to the devil."

While I do not believe that Satan has the ability to take possession of individuals against their will as he seemed to exercise in the New Testament times, I do think it possible for him to possess "by invitation only."  My reason for believing this is firmly rooted in biblical text:

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (Rom 6:16).

Just as we can invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts to take up residence and have rule over us, I believe one can invite Satan to do the same.  To say there can be no demon possession calls into question that there can be an indwelling of the Spirit and the spiritual dimension of our struggle.

Consider the apostle words in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."   Still think it's not possible?

Can one filled with the Holy Spirit be taken possession of by Satan?  No.  The Spirit cannot not be overpowered by Satan and/or his minions.  However, if one is void of the Holy Spirit, if there is a vacant sign over his soul, there is room for tenants.  And, just as we can invite the Spirit of God into our live, I believe we can invite evil spirits to take up residence.

There is no doubt, for me, that possession happens.  The only question is, what spirit will have possession of you?  The choice is yours.  You are making that choice by the things you believe, think, say and do.  Say, who are you choosing to have possession of you?  Jus' Ask'n.