Ellen White on the Reality of Demon Possession

Yes, demon possession is a literal reality that involves evil spirits taking control of a person's mind, spirit, and body2SM 353.2+2.

The Reality of Demon Possession

• A Literal Agency: Those afflicted by demons are not merely suffering from natural diseases; rather, Christ recognized the direct presence and agency of evil spiritsHF 317.1+1.

• The Power of Satan: If permitted, evil angels can distract the mind, disorder and torment the body, and destroy both property and lifeHF 319.1+1.

• The "Legion" of Evil: In the case of the demoniacs at Gadara, a single company of these controlling spirits numbered as many as a Roman legion, which consisted of three to five thousand menHF 317.1+1.

• Satanic Ambush: Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture and placing his own interpretation on it to cause souls to stumble4SP 350.2.

How Possession Occurs Today

• Open Doors to Temptation: Satan will control anyone whose heart is open to his temptations, molding their character and inspiring their thoughts and words17LtMs, Lt 195, 1902, par. 2.

• Control of the Mind: When Satan has control of the mind, he can make fools and demons of those who were once esteemed as excellent men12MR 183.2+1.

• Modern Possession: Possession is not just a thing of the past; Satan takes possession of the minds of men today through various devices2SM 353.2+2.

• The Role of Spiritualism: Dabbling in spiritualism, theosophy, phrenology, or animal magnetism can cause the mind to lose its balance and be controlled by a demon15MR 343.2+2.

• Evil Tempers: When a person indulges in an unsubdued temper, stubbornness, or passion, they may act as though a demon has possession of them2T 78.4+2.

Manifestations and Examples

• Ancient Cases: Mary Magdalene was delivered after seven times hearing the rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mindTSB 254.1+1.

• King Saul: As Saul resisted divine reproof, a spirit of jealousy and a murderous spirit took possession of him2BC 1017.9+2.

• Nebuchadnezzar: When the king failed to let his reason work under the control of God, the devil took possession of his mind and led him to set up an image for worship2SAT 124.4+1.

• Judas: Christ explicitly declared that one of His chosen twelve was a devil because he had given himself over to satanic control John 6:7022LtMs, Lt 244, 1907, par. 6+1.

The Path to Deliverance

• Yielding the Will to Christ: The primary defense is to put the will on the side of Christ; when the will is yielded to Him, He immediately takes possession of the soulCTBH 148.2+1.

• The Power of the Word: We must be prepared to resist evil agents using the Word of God, which is the only successful weaponMYP 61.1+1.

• Prayer and Faith: The spell of satanic influence can be broken through earnest wrestling with God and rebuking the enemy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth15MR 343.2+1.

• Safety in Christ: Those who follow Christ are always safe under His watchcare, as angels that excel in strength are sent to protect themHF 319.1+1.

• True Conversion: In true conversion, the soul is born again, and a new spirit—the Holy Spirit—takes possession of the temple of the soulRH July 30, 1901, Art. A, par. 11+1.

A Solemn Warning

• No Neutral Ground: No one can occupy a neutral position; if a person does not give themselves wholly to God, they are under the control of another powerMB 94.1.

• The Final Crisis: When Christ leaves the heavenly sanctuary, the restraint upon the wicked will be removed, and Satan will have entire control of the finally impenitentGC 614.1.

• Daily Conversion: We need to feel the converting power of God upon our souls every day so that the Holy Spirit, rather than "another spirit," takes possession of our minds and controls our feelings11MR 209.4+2.

While the power and malice of Satan are great, we find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our RedeemerHF 319.1+1. If we open the door of our hearts, Jesus will come in and take possession, cleansing the soul-temple of its rubbish Revelation 3:202MR 274.3.