Can Demons Re-enter a Person After it is Cast Out?
After deliverance from an evil or unclean spirit(s), some people are afraid that these spirits might come back. In fact, Jesus Himself also gave this warning:
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, I will return into my house from where I came out; and when he has come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished. Then he goes forth, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Matthew 12:43-45
The Man Possessed by "Legion"
Is there any way to permanently keep these evil spirits out? Fortunately, Lord Jesus has also taught us how to do this. Let us take a look at the man possessed by a group of demons called the "Legion".
In Mark 5:2-20, it is recorded that a man possessed by a multitude of unclean spirits collectively named "Legion" was delivered by Jesus. After deliverance, Jesus gave specific instructions to this man which was not recorded in any other deliverance. Jesus said,
Go home to your friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for you, and has had compassion on you. Mark 5:19
Why did Jesus give instructions specifically to this man and not to the others? I believe it is because the man "that had been possessed with the devil prayed him (Jesus) that he might be with Him" (Mark 5:18). Why did he want to stay around Jesus? Probably one major reason is because he was afraid that the demons might come back.
Keep the Unclean Spirits Out
In giving this man specific instructions, Jesus was not only commanding him to glorify God, but He was also teaching him how to keep the unclean spirits out in the following ways.
1. Strengthen the Faith in his Own Deliverance
By continuing to give testimonies, he affirms his deliverance and strengthens the faith in his own healing. Since doubt often opens the door for demons to re-enter a person, his continual affirmation will keep them out.
2. Stop Words of Unbelief from his Friends
Words are powerful. Since unbelieving words from people in his surrounding could create opportunities for the devils to re-enter, giving deliverance testimonies will stop any unbelieving words.
3. Praising God Turn Demons Away
As witnessed by many preachers and evangelists, preaching about God and giving praise to Him often turn the demons away. Apparently, demons cannot tolerate any worship activities.
4. Receive Jesus as Savior and SIN NO MORE!
Last and the most important, the person delivered must SIN NO MORE! After Jesus healed a man who had been sick for 38 years (John 5:5-16), He gave the man a solemn warning that he must not continue to sin:
See, you are well and strong; do no more sin for fear a worse thing comes to you." John 5:14
Sin opens door to demonic spirits, so the surest way to keep demons out is do no more sin. However, we know it is not easy unless we have received the power to overcome sins from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the person delivered must repent and receive his Savior Jesus Christ! This is the most important and the only way to keep demons permanently away!