8 Common Open Doors to Demon
How do evil spirits gain access to people’s lives? Understanding this is an important aspect of the ministry of deliverance. Below is an excerpt from Restoring the Ministry of Jesus that explains some common open doors to demonic influence.
One of the keys to understanding the ministry of deliverance is the revelation that to the spirit world, the human body is a house. God sees the human body as a potential dwelling place. Scripture calls the body of the believer the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). But the devil and his demons also see the human body as a place to live.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Matthew 12:43-45)
Notice that the unclean spirit in this passage referred to the man as his house. Evil spirits crave bodies to live in and to express their nature through. Without such a body they are restless, just like a homeless person. But a demon cannot simply enter into any person that they choose; there must be an open door in the house for it to have entrance. There are several things that can open the door for demonic access into people’s lives, whether or not they are believers. These open doors give evil spirits a place to enter and dwell in the person. While not exhaustive, below is a list that briefly describes some of these openings.
1. Ongoing Sin
When we fail to confess and repent of sin, we come into agreement with the devil, and this gives him a right to an area of our lives. Blatant rebellious sin or ongoing hidden sin can be a demonic entry point. I believe that it was the ongoing greed and theft in Judas’ life that allowed Satan to enter him. Paul warns that if we don’t properly deal with anger, it can give place to the devil (see Ephesians 4:26-27). When a person cannot gain freedom from a sinful habit, there is the possibility of a demonic spirit that needs to be cast out. If it is simply the flesh, it must be crucified. But if it is a demon, it must be driven out.
2. Traumatic Experiences
When a person goes through a traumatic experience, sometimes a demon can gain access. Being sinned against or exploited can open the door. For example, being abused sexually, physically, or verbally can give spirits entry into the person and cause them to be bound by that traumatic experience. It seems unfair that a person can become demonized through another person’s action, but the devil does not play fair. Various types of traumatic events, and all types of abuse, can open the door to demonic oppression.
3. Believing the Enemy’s Lies
The devil is called the father of lies, and when we believe his lies we come into agreement with him. I have prayed for people who had become demonized by believing the lie that they had committed the unpardonable sin. When we believe a lie about God or about ourselves, we open the way for a lying spirit to reinforce that lie in our lives.
4. Exposure to Unholy Things
Being exposed to unholy things can open the door to demons. Some examples would include pornography, horror movies, and dark music. There is a reason why God commands His people to come out from among the world and be holy.
5. Withholding Forgiveness
Having bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness toward others is an open door for evil spirits. I encourage you to read the parable of the unmerciful servant found in Matthew 18:15-35. At the end of the parable the unforgiving servant is put into a prison to be tormented. Withholding forgiveness from others puts you into a spiritual prison and gives the devil permission to torment you; this is a serious issue and a major root cause for many other problems. We must learn to forgive the ones who have hurt us and walk through the process of releasing them to the Lord. This does not mean that what they did was okay, and it does not mean that you cannot maintain boundaries with those who hurt you. But we must choose to walk in forgiveness as God has forgiven us.
6. Involvement in False Religion, Cults, and False Teaching
Behind every idol is a demon (see 1 Corinthians 10:19-20) and false teaching carries with it a false spirit (see 2 Corinthians 11:4 and 1 Timothy 4:1). It makes sense therefore, that those who become involved with cults and who believe false teachings can become demonized. Whether it is blatant false teaching like Buddhism or subtle erroneous teachings within the church, a door may be opened for a spirit to enter.
7. Any Occult Involvement
Contact with the occult is a major open door to the demonic and is strictly forbidden in Scripture (see Deuteronomy 18:9-12). There are two sources of supernatural power in the world: God and Satan. The word occult means “secret or hidden” and refers to the supernatural realm of Satan. Some examples include witchcraft, fortunetelling, communication with the dead, magic arts, eastern meditation, sorcery, Ouija board, astrology, Satanism, new age teachings, psychics, astral projection, and channeling. This is not an all-inclusive list but should give you an idea of what to avoid. If you have had any contact with the occult—even if it was a long time ago and it was just for fun—I encourage you to verbally renounce your involvement and seek deliverance ministry.
8. Curses
The last open door we will look at is the area of curses. In the West we tend to think that the idea of curses is a superstitious belief, but it is found in the Bible quite a bit. What is referred to as generational curses could certainly be an open door. This is when either sinful actions or negative attributes get passed down through a generational line. Another type of curse is what is called a word curse. James 3:8-10 talks about the tongue and how blessing and cursing can proceed from the same mouth, and Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Some parents don’t realize that they are literally cursing their children by saying things like “you are so stupid” or “you will never amount to anything.” I have been amazed at the dramatic results when words like this were broken off of a person during a time of prayer for deliverance.
Open Doors to Evil Spirits
I have written several articles highlighting some of the common ways that evil spirits gain access to people’s lives. Here I want to give a clear and concise outline of the most common open doors in one article. This is a great tool that you can use for yourself or others who are seeking deliverance.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it covers the most common open doors that I am aware of. In many cases where deliverance is needed, it is likely that one or more of these doors has been opened. Remember that each case will be unique, and that the guidance and discernment of the Holy Spirit is always needed.
- Embracing sin
-When we justify and embrace sin, we come into agreement with the devil (see Ephesians 4:26-27).
- Traumatic experiences
-Being sinned against—especially when we are young—can open the door (e.g. abuse, rejection).
-Other traumatic experiences can open the door (e.g. accidents, divorce, fearful events).
- Believing the enemy’s lies
-A revelation of truth sets us free (see John 8:32); believing a lie brings bondage. When we believe a lie (about God, about ourselves, etc.) we come into agreement with the devil who is the “father of lies” (see John 8:44).
- Exposure to unholy things
-Being exposed to unholy things can open the door (e.g. pornography, horror movies, dark music).
- Unforgiveness
-Unforgiveness gives the devil God-given permission to torment us (see Matthew 18:21-35).
- Involvement in false religion, cults, and false teaching
-Behind every idol is a demon (see 1 Corinthians 10:19-20).
-False teaching carries with it a demonic spirit (see 2 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Timothy 4:1).
- Any occult involvement
–Occult: hidden or secret arts. Supernatural knowledge or power through the demonic realm.
-Contact with the occult is a major open door to the demonic and is strictly forbidden in Scripture (see Deuteronomy 18:9-12).
- Curses
–Generational curses: sinful and/or harmful patterns that pass through the family line (see Exodus 20:4-6). E.g. Alcoholism, abuse, suicide.
–Word curses: destructive and negative words spoken against us, especially when coming from authority figures (see James 3:8-10).
-Occult curses – Curses/spells placed by those in the occult. (These do not automatically effect us. But, if we have open doors in our lives, they can find a place to land).
- Ungodly relationships/soul ties
-Spiritual/soulish/fleshly bonds created through ungodly sexual relationships (see 1 Corinthians 6:16).
-Unhealthy relationships that involve control, manipulation, intimidation, or abuse.
Jesus paid the price for us to be totally delivered from the enemy’s kingdom. His death and resurrection defeated the devil and has given us full access to salvation and deliverance. If you have opened the door to evil spirits, you can be set free.
Shutting the Door on Satan
Shutting-Off Satan’s Access to Your Heart and Life
Ephesians 4:27
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
- The House Concept (2Cor 6:16).
- Jesus describes a man as being a HOUSE, a dwelling place God!
- But more often than we are aware, our lives are dwelling places for evil spirits (Mt 12:43-45).
- A human has three parts: body, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and spirit (1Thes 5:23).
- Evil spirits may take up resident in any or all of these three parts:
- In the body
- In the soul
- In the spirit
Even a Christian may allow evil spirits to enter his body or soul (Matt. 18:21-35, Acts 5:3). Note, only the spirit of a Christian remains exempt from demonic occupation in that his spirit is in eternal union with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:17)
- The Door Concept.
- The mind of a man is like a big tumble-dryer of various thoughts that are constantly in motion.
- Our thoughts come from different sources:
- From God. He speaks to us!
- From physical stimuli (the five senses: touching, taste, hearing, smelling, and seeing).
- From self (your own memory and your imagination).
- From the powers of darkness (evil spirits). They are very real!
- Man, unlike all other earthly creatures, was given a “conscience” by which he can judge the purity of his thoughts. (Rom. 2:14-15).
- Man was also given the power of his will to choose which thoughts to entertain or reject.
- When you choose (by your will) to entertain, to enjoy a specific evil thought, then you actually leave a door open for an evil spirit to enter into your mind and life – and it wreaks havoc!
- That is how Satan accesses our mind, and our feelings; by us opening a doorway and leaving it open!
- The Opening.
- Evil spirits crouch like wild animals at the door waiting for an opening to enter (Gen. 4:7).
- The door may be opened by:
- An Uncontrolled Tongue (Prov 15:4)
- An Uncontrolled Imagination (2Cor 10:4,5)
- Fears (Matthew 26:69-74)
- Sinful Habits. (Eph 4:26,27, Examples = unforgiveness, immorality, pornography, anger, bitterness, and jealousy.)
- Stubbornness (1Sam 15:23)
- Emotional hurt. (Prov. 15:13). Being rejected, or being embarrassed, or even abused!
- Any kind of occult involvement. (1Chron 10:13).
- Drug, cigarette, and alcohol use. (1Cor 3:17).
- Sins of your parents. (2 Kings 22:13). Problems can be passed down upon you!
- Symptoms of Demonic Attack.
- Symptoms often vary depending upon the evil spirits involved, the degree of control they have obtained, and also the emotional, mental, and spiritual state of the individual.
- Symptoms Can Include:
- Physical abnormalities = supernatural strength, excessive weakness, malnutrition, overweight, uncleanliness, nudity, nerve disorders, sexual perversion, violence, unexplained illnesses, headaches, heart problems, and stomach problems.
- Mental abnormalities = restlessness, compulsions, reliance upon drugs, suicidal tendencies, fantasizing, self-deception, confusion, extreme fears, depression, shyness, and dominance.
- Spiritual = continual spiritual failures (even as a Christian), nightmares, hearing voices, seeing unusual things, and a lack of self-control.
- Repairing the Breach (Amos 9:11) – fixing the broken doors!
- This is what God wants!
- The Lord Jesus never intends on anyone being dominated by Satanic attacks! Satan does constantly attack, but God has provided a means by which to endure, and even conquer our enemy when he does attack!
- There is no victory in just trying to resist temptation, and repair things yourself. REMEMBER: A vacuum is an invitation for evil spirits to take over. Matt. 12:43-45.
- So, before you try and get rid of the problems in your life, you must:
- Open the Door of your life to Jesus!
- Isn’t it weird how many people will try EVERYTHING else except yielding to HIM?
- If you have opened doors into your life to sin, then you know how to open the door to Jesus! It is called yielding, wanting, seeking!
- Jesus is now knocking at the door of your soul (mind, will, and emotions) desiring to enter in and stay (Rev. 3:20)! Hey! By-the-way, He promises to NEVER leave once He enters (Heb 13:5)!
- Jesus is The Deliverer, the Repairer of the Breach!
1) “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1John 3:8.
2) Jesus DEMONSTRATED his own power and authority over evil spirits:
- a)By casting them out of people that He met. “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word.” Mark 8:16.
- b)By overcoming Satan in his death and resurrection. “And having spoiled principalities and powers (of darkness), he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them (all evil spirits, and even Satan himself) in it.” Colossians 2:15.
- Realise That You Now Have A New Resident
- If you have allowed evil spirits to enter into you house, then you should also know that you have no power of your own to overcome them. (Acts 19:15-16). You need the STRONGER POWER of the Spirit of Jesus in your life. (Luke 11:20-22).
- You may receive this stronger power by praying:
1) I confess to you Jesus that I have sinned.
2) I realized that the penalty for my sin is death.
3) I believe that you, Jesus, died for all my sins and arose again.
4) I give my life to you, Jesus, letting you become my LORD and SAVIOUR.
5) I ask you to come now and live inside of me by your Spirit.
- REMEMBER: Greater is the Holy Spirit in you than the devil and his spirits that are in the world. (1John 4:4)!
- Use HIM to Shut The Door On Satan (Gal 5:16) – Shut ALL the doors!
- You should not only open the door to the Lord Jesus, but should CLOSE the door on the devil!
- We have too many “christians” who have received Jesus Christ, but still keep the back door open for the tormentor!
1) By channel surfing – “accidently” coming across wicked TV scenes
2) By having uncontrolled access to the internet
3) By keeping filthy movie channels
4) By listening to rap and rock music
5) By hanging around wicked friends
6) By reading filthy romance novels
7) By allowing yourself a few drinks on occasion thinking they won’t control you!
- You are able by the grace of God (His will and power working in you) to overcome future attacks of the enemy. (Phil. 2:13; Eph. 4:27, 1Cor. 10:13)
- So, you CAN close the door (Philp 4:13) to the enemy by taking the following steps:
1) Put on all the armour of God and pray daily (Eph 6:10-18) – prepare for battle!
2) Understand nothing can separate you from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39, Jn 10:28).This battle will never determine God’s love for you! You are secure!
3) Cast all your cares upon Jesus because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7-9). Ask for help!
4) Begin House Cleaning – begin the wrestling match!
- a)With God’s help, be willing to repent of (turn from) all habitual sins. Act 3:19 SLAM!
- b)Destroy by fire all physical objects in you possession associated with the occult or false religions. 7:25-26, Acts 19:13-19. Some examples are books, magazines, records, Rock and Rap music CDs, tapes, videos, statues, art objects, charms and other objects of worship. SLAM!
- c)Destroy all personal possessions of drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Jam 1:14-15. SLAM! SLAM!
- d)Reject all wrong thoughts and run from all temptations to sin (2 Cor 10:4-5, 2Tim 2:22) SLAM!
- e)Confess to God the specific sins of your parents. 26:40. SLAM!
- f)Confess to God all known sins in your own life asking for His forgiveness. This is not to be born again, but to be free from Satan’s dominance in your life! SLAM!
- g)Tell God that you are willing to forgive everyone who has offended you and hurt you. SLAM!
- h)Then ask God also to forgive them. Mt 6:12, 18:22-35, Lk 23:34, Act 7:59. SLAM!
- i)Yield all personal rights that you have, to Jesus letting Him take control over all areas of your life. 12:1-2, Rev. 3:20. SLAM!
- j)Read, memorize, meditate upon and obey God’s Word. 1:3, Psa. 119:11, Josh. 1:8, James 1:21-22. SLAM!
- k)Join a local church and submit yourself to the authority of the Pastor. 10:25, 13:17. Make assembling with other believers THE priority in your life to keep you humble, and keep your challenged! SLAM!
- You will then watch your life be a habitation of the presence of almighty God, and no longer of Satan!
III. Conclusion
- There are doors in our life that should NEVER be opened, or at least, LEFT OPEN!
- You see, the devil is not only a sneaky liar, he is a THIEF and a DESTROYER!
- So, if you want to quit being robbed by the devil every day and week of our lives, then there are some BIG doors that must be slammed shut and locked!
- And it all begins with understanding The House Concept (Matthew 12:43-45). We were designed by God for Him to dwell in us! Yet, usually we cater to wrong and evil spirits!
- And it didn’t happen by accident!
- We have seen now, The Door Concept. When you choose (by your will) to entertain, to enjoy a specific evil thought, then you actually leave a door open for an evil spirit to enter into your life. That is how Satan accesses our mind, and our feelings; by us opening a doorway!
- We have learned how Satan uses Openings in our lives
- An Uncontrolled Tongue
- An Uncontrolled Imagination
- Fears
- Sinful Habits.
- Stubbornness
- Emotional hurt.
- Any kind of occult involvement.
- Drug, cigarette, and alcohol use.
- Sins of your parents.
- We have learned some of the Symptoms of Demonic Attack, like: uncleanliness, nudity, nerve disorders, sexual perversion, violence, unexplained illnesses, headaches, heart problems, and stomach problems, restlessness, compulsions, reliance upon drugs, suicidal tendencies, fantasizing, self-deception, confusion, extreme fears, depression, shyness, and continual spiritual failures!
- But best of all, we have learned now how to Repair the Breach – fix all the broken doors!
- Open the Door of your life to Jesus! Jesus is The Deliverer, the Repairer of the Breach!
- Realise That You Now Have A New Resident – the powerful Holy Spirit of God!
- Use Him to Shut The Door On Satan – Shut ALL the doors!
- Be willing to repent of (turn from) all habitual sins.
- Destroy by fire all physical objects in you possession associated with the occult or false religions.
- Destroy all personal possessions of drugs, alcohol, and pornography.
- Reject all wrong thoughts and run from all temptations to sin
- Confess to God the specific sins of your parents
- Confess to God all known sins in your own life asking for His forgiveness. This is not to be born again, but to be free from Satan’s dominance in your life!
- Tell God that you are willing to forgive everyone who has offended you and hurt you.
- Then ask God also to forgive them.
- Yield all personal rights that you have, to Jesus letting Him take control over all areas of your life.
- Read, memorize, meditate upon and obey God’s Word.
- Join a local church and submit yourself to the authority of the Pastor. Make assembling with other believers THE priority in your life to keep you humble, and keep your challenged!
Shutting the Door on Satan – Handout
Shutting-Off Satan’s Access to Your Heart and Life
Ephesians 4:27
- Introduction (John 10:10)
- Usually in the Bible, doors are openings, opportunities that God is laying out for us (as in Rev 3:8).
- But there are other doors that should NOT be opened.
- You see, the devil is not only a sneaky liar; he is a THIEF and a DESTROYER!
- So, if you want to quit being robbed by the devil, then there are some BIG doors that must be slammed shut!
- Message
- The House Concept (2Cor 6:16).
- Jesus describes a man as being a HOUSE, a dwelling place God!
- But more often than we are aware, our lives are dwelling places for evil spirits (Mt 12:43-45).
- A human has three parts: body, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and spirit (1Thes 5:23).
- Even a Christian may allow evil spirits to enter his body or soul (Acts 5:3).
- The Door Concept.
- The mind of a man is like a big tumble-dryer of various thoughts that are constantly in motion.
- Our thoughts come from different sources:
- From God. He speaks to us!
- From physical stimuli (the five senses: touching, taste, hearing, smelling, and seeing).
- From self (your own memory and your imagination).
- From the powers of darkness (evil spirits). They are very real!
- Man was given a “conscience” by which he can judge the purity of his thoughts. (Rom. 2:14-15).
- Man was also given the power of his will to choose which thoughts to entertain or reject.
- When you choose (by your will) to entertain, to enjoy a specific evil thought, then you actually leave a door open for an evil spirit to enter into your mind and life.
- That is how Satan accesses our mind, and our feelings; by us opening a doorway!
- The Opening.
- Evil spirits crouch like wild animals at the door waiting for an opening to enter (Gen. 4:7).
- The door may be opened by:
- An Uncontrolled Tongue (Prov 15:4)
- An Uncontrolled Imagination (2Cor 10:4,5)
- Fears (Matthew 26:69-74)
- Sinful Habits. (Eph 4:26,27)
- Stubbornness (1Sam 15:23)
- Emotional hurt. (Prov. 15:13).
- Any kind of occult involvement. (1Chron 10:13).
- Drug, cigarette, and alcohol use. (1Cor 3:17).
- Sins of your parents. (2 Kings 22:13). Problems can be passed down upon you!
- Symptoms of Demonic Attack.
- Physical abnormalities
- Mental abnormalities
- Spiritual abnormalities
- Repairing the Breach (Amos 9:11) – fixing the broken doors!
- Open the Door of your life to Jesus! (Rev 3:20; 1John 3:8)
- Realise That You Now Have A New Resident (Luke 11:22; 1John 4:4)
- Use HIM to Shut The Door On Satan (Gal 5:16) – Shut ALL the doors! (Eph 4:27)
- With God’s help, be willing to repent of (turn from) all habitual sins. Acts 3:19.
- Destroy by fire all physical objects associated with occult or false religions. Dt 7:25-26, Act 19:13-19
- Destroy all personal possessions of drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Jam 1:14-15.
- Reject all wrong thoughts and run from all temptations to sin (2 Cor 10:4-5, 2Tim 2:22)
- Confess to God the specific sins of your parents. Lev. 26:40.
- Confess to God all known sins in your own life asking for His forgiveness (1Jn 1:9)
- Tell God that you are willing to forgive everyone who has offended you and hurt you.
- Then ask God also to forgive them. Matt. 6:12, 18:22-35, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:59.
- Yield all your personal rights to Jesus letting Him take control. Rom. 12:1-2, Rev. 3:20.
- Read, memorize, meditate upon and obey God’s Word. Rev 1:3, Psa. 119:11, Josh 1:8, Jam 1:21-22.
- Join a local church and submit yourself to the authority of the Pastor. Heb. 10:25, 13:17.
