Demon possession: signs, symptoms, and criteria of diagnosis

 What are the signs and symptoms of the diagnosis of demon possessed and the criteria for diagnosing it.

• Supernatural strength beyond one's normal capabilities 
• Manifestation of multiple personalities or voices 
• Aversion to spiritual things, the name of God, or Christian prayer 
• Unnatural body contortions or movements 
• Ability to speak in unknown languages 
• Supernatural knowledge beyond the person's normal understanding 
• Intense and unexplained physical/mental distress or illness 
• Irrational or bizarre behavior that is out of character for the person 
• Suicidal or self-harming tendencies 
• Engaging in practices associated with the occult or witchcraft
• Exhibiting a profound and persistent rejection of God and His teachings

Why is it important to know this?

Because, when one is in the presence of a leftard loon or liberal loon, it may be difficult to determine whether or not they are crazy or demon possessed. So, before the diagnosis of demon possessed is made, mental illness has to be ruled out first.

Before this is done however, if you suspect demonic influence or possession, one approach is to read specific passages from the Bible and observe the person's reaction. Passages that can be particularly revealing include:

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) - Violations of these fundamental spiritual and moral principles can indicate areas of vulnerability to demonic activity. 

The casting out of demons by Jesus in the Gospels (e.g. Mark 1:21-28, 5:1-20, 9:14-29) - These accounts demonstrate Christ's authority over evil spirits and can provoke a strong reaction from the possessed. 

Passages on spiritual warfare and the armor of God (e.g. Ephesians 6:10-18) - Studying these biblical teachings on resisting the schemes of the devil can shed light on a person's spiritual condition. 

If the person becomes enraged, hostile, or exhibits other unusual behaviors when these scriptures are read, it may be an indication of demonic influence that requires further spiritual discernment and ministry. 

Reading or reciting specific particular  prayers:

There are specific prayers that can be recited in the presence of a potentially demon-possessed individual in order to discern their spiritual condition:

(1) One suggested prayer is the "Deliverance Prayer", which invokes the authority and power of Jesus Christ to cast out any evil spirits. The prayer calls upon the name of the Lord and commands any demons present to depart. 

--The casting out of demons by Jesus in the Gospels, such as in Mark 1:21-28, 5:1-20, and 9:14-29, which demonstrate Christ's divine authority over evil spirits. 

--Passages in the Epistles, such as Ephesians 6:10-18, which discuss the believer's authority in Christ to resist the schemes of the devil and engage in spiritual warfare. 

--The instruction in the Book of Acts, such as in Acts 16:16-18, where the early Christian church exercised the power to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. 

These biblical references provide the scriptural foundation for the "Deliverance Prayer" that invokes the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to command demons to depart from an individual. 

(2) Another relevant prayer is the "Binding Prayer", which binds the power of Satan and any demonic forces, preventing them from harming or manipulating the individual. This prayer asserts the believer's authority in Christ over the spiritual realm. 

--The instruction in Matthew 16:19 and 18:18-20, where Jesus gives the authority to his disciples to bind and loose in the spiritual realm. 

--The teachings in Ephesians 6:10-18 on putting on the full armor of God and resisting the schemes of the devil, asserting the believer's authority in Christ over spiritual powers. 

--The example in Acts 16:16-18, where Paul and Silas exercise their authority in Christ to cast out a demonic spirit, demonstrating the power believers have to bind and restrain evil forces. 

These biblical references provide the scriptural foundation for the "Binding Prayer", which calls upon the name and authority of Jesus Christ to prevent demons from harming or manipulating an individual. 

 (3) Praying the "Armor of God Prayer" from Ephesians 6, which asks the Lord to equip the individual with the full spiritual protection needed to stand firm against the enemy's schemes is also recommended.

If the person becomes agitated, enraged, or exhibits unusual behaviors when these prayers are recited, it may be an indication of demonic influence or possession. 

Such discernment should be done with great wisdom, care, and the guidance of experienced Christian leaders. 

What is the treatment of demon possession?

 The recommended treatment for demon possession involves a multi-faceted approach:

1. Spiritual Deliverance: The primary method is spiritual deliverance, where a person with the authority and power to cast out demons (typically a pastor or mature Christian) commands the evil spirits to depart in the name of Jesus Christ. This is often accompanied by fervent prayer, fasting, and invoking the power of the Holy Spirit. 

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3. Personal Repentance and Renunciation: The possessed individual is encouraged to renounce any involvement with the occult, witchcraft, or other sinful practices that may have opened the door to demonic influence. Genuine repentance and a commitment to live according to biblical principles are essential. 

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5. Ongoing Spiritual Strengthening: Once delivered, the individual requires ongoing spiritual strengthening through consistent prayer, Bible study, church involvement, and maintaining a close relationship with God. This helps to prevent the demons from returning and regaining control. 

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7. Professional Counseling: In some cases,  professional Christian counseling may be beneficial to address any underlying psychological or emotional issues that may have made the person vulnerable to demonic oppression. 

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9. Medical Evaluation: In certain situations, a medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out any underlying physical or mental health conditions that could be contributing to the person's symptoms. 

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The key emphasis is on a comprehensive approach that combines spiritual, personal, and, if necessary, professional interventions to achieve deliverance and ongoing spiritual protection.

How does one prevent demon possession?

There are several key ways to prevent demon possession:

1. Maintain a close relationship with God through consistent prayer, Bible study, and spiritual disciplines. This helps strengthen one's spiritual defenses against demonic influences. 

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3. Avoid involvement in any occult, pagan, or New Age practices, as these can open the door to demonic activity. This includes things like Ouija boards, séances, astrology, and witchcraft. 

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5. Renounce and confess any past involvement in the occult or other sinful practices that may have made one vulnerable to demonic oppression. Seek forgiveness and deliverance. 

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7. Surround oneself with a community of believers and seek spiritual support and accountability from mature Christians. This provides protection and helps maintain spiritual vigilance. 

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9. Live a life of obedience to God's commandments and principles, as laid out in the Bible. This helps ensure the individual remains under God's divine protection. 

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11. Be aware of the enemy's tactics and schemes, and remain vigilant against any spiritual attacks or attempts to lure one away from God's will. 

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Ultimately, the key to preventing demon possession is maintaining a strong, vibrant relationship with God and staying firmly grounded in biblical truth and spiritual disciplines.