Praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s study the Word of God together and uncover an important spiritual truth that affects every believer and non-believer alike.
WHAT HAPPENS TO DEMONS AFTER THEY LEAVE A PERSON?
Have you ever wondered what happens to evil spirits when they are cast out of someone? Do they just disappear? Do they go straight to hell? According to the Bible, demons do not die or vanish. Instead, they wander, looking for another person to enter. And if they find no suitable host, they often return to the one they left—especially if that person hasn’t truly changed or surrendered to God.
Jesus Himself explained this clearly:
Matthew 12:43–45 (NKJV)
“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.”
In other words, unless a person fills their life with the presence of God—especially through the Holy Spirit—they remain vulnerable. Evil spirits recognize this “emptiness” as an open invitation.
DEMONS DON’T DIE—THEY CYCLE THROUGH PEOPLE
Just like money doesn’t get destroyed when it leaves your hand, demons don’t cease to exist when cast out. They keep looking for where they can be welcomed—either by sin, spiritual negligence, or rebellion against God. This explains why deliverance without true repentance and sanctification can leave someone worse off than before.
SATAN AND DEMONS PRESENT CASES TO GOD
Many Christians are unaware that spiritual beings—even fallen ones—still function under certain rules in God’s spiritual courtroom. Satan, in particular, is called “the accuser of the brethren.”
Revelation 12:10 (ESV)
“…for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.”
He accuses believers before God, just like he did with Job. In Job 1:6–12, Satan presents himself before God and questions Job’s faithfulness, ultimately receiving permission to test him.
Similarly, in the case of King Ahab, we’re shown that spirits can request permission from God to influence events:
1 Kings 22:19–23
“Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And He said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’”
This shows that God’s sovereignty is supreme—nothing happens without His knowledge. But also, it teaches us that sin opens legal doors for Satan and demons to act.
SIN CREATES OPEN DOORS FOR DEMONIC ENTRY
When people live in unrepentant sin—such as sexual immorality, hatred, idolatry, or witchcraft—they make themselves spiritually vulnerable. Demons can then “petition” God for permission to enter that person, and if no intercessor or repentance stands in the way, the petition may be granted.
This is why Scripture says:
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)
“…do not give the devil a foothold.”
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE: SEXUAL SIN AND DEMONIC ACCESS
Take, for example, someone who constantly engages in sexual immorality. In the spiritual realm, this person is surrounded by unclean spirits seeking access. Initially, God may delay their entry, giving the person opportunities to repent—often through preachers or convictions from the Holy Spirit. But if the person continually ignores God’s warnings, the demons may be given permission to enter. The result could be severe consequences—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Diseases like HIV, for instance, may sometimes be spiritual judgments rather than mere infections (though not always, and not in every case).
Paul warns:
1 Corinthians 6:18–20 (NIV)
“Flee from sexual immorality… Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
DEMONS EVEN BEGGED JESUS FOR MERCY
Even during His earthly ministry, Jesus encountered demons who begged not to be tormented before their time. This proves that demons are aware of divine timelines and legal boundaries.
Matthew 8:28–32
“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”… The demons begged Jesus, ‘If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’”
Jesus granted their request, showing that spiritual beings can ask, and God may permit based on divine wisdom and timing.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DEMONIC ENTRY
To remain free from demonic oppression, a person must repent and stay spiritually filled. It’s not enough to be “cleaned out”; you must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 (NIV)
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
True repentance involves action:
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Forgive those who’ve wronged you (Matthew 6:14)
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Cut off sinful relationships (1 Corinthians 15:33)
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Destroy spiritually harmful materials (Acts 19:19)
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Stop watching pornographic or ungodly content
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Replace worldly music with worship and truth-filled songs
Tangible steps prove your repentance is real. This kind of repentance drives out demons naturally—you may not even need deliverance prayers, because darkness cannot remain where the Holy Spirit lives.
FINISH YOUR DELIVERANCE WITH BAPTISM
After repentance and cleansing, seek baptism in water by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. This completes your obedience to the Gospel.
John 3:23 shows that Jesus’ disciples baptized in places with “much water”—a symbol of total cleansing.
Once you’ve truly repented, filled yourself with God’s Spirit, and been baptized, demons lose all legal ground. Their accusations won’t stand, and you will live in freedom.
James 4:7 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus