Is transferring spirits possible? What does the Bible say about transferring spirits?

The Bible does not mention transferring spirits, which is the belief that an evil spirit can be passed from one person to another by touch or proximity. There is only one biblical instance of a spirit being passed from one being to another, and that is the story of the demon possessed man in Luke 8:26-39 (Also Matthew 8:28-34 and Mark 5:1-20). Jesus met the man on the road and found he was being inhabited by a "legion" of demons. We don't know exactly how many "legion" refers to, but it is a large number. When Jesus sent the demons out of the man, they begged him to send them into a herd of pigs instead of to "the abyss" and Jesus allowed it. This is not the same thing as transferring spirits, however. Transferring spirits supposedly happens when one person touches another, and the spirit inhabiting one person voluntarily transfers to the other person.

There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that transferring spirits occurs. We don't know how demon possession happens, except that it cannot happen to those who are already indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The demons are afraid of Jesus and recognize His authority (Matthew 8:29). Furthermore, Satan flees from the soul who is submitted to God (James 4:7). Jesus never told His disciples to fear being possessed by demons, but He did give them authority to cast demons out of others (Luke 9:1).

Whether or not transferring spirits is possible, the only place that one can be truly safe from demons is in the arms of God. We live in the world system that Satan rules and controls (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9). He uses everything around us—religions and philosophy, governments and media, pleasure and pain—to deceive us into thinking that God does not exist, or that He doesn't care. But every believer is shielded by faith (Hebrews 11; Ephesians 6:10-18). "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).


Related Truth:

Is there demonic activity in the world today?

Is it possible for a Christian to be demon-possessed?

Spiritual warfare - What does the Bible say?

What is the full armor of God?

Does the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer?


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