Can Someone Who Is Not Saved Cast Out a Demon?

The Question

Is it possible for someone who is not saved to pray for another person and successfully cast out a demon? Conversely, can a saved person pray for someone yet the demon refuses to leave?

1. Can an Unsaved Person Cast Out a Demon?

The short answer is no. A person who has not been born again lacks the spiritual authority to confront demonic forces. Scripture teaches that before salvation, all people are under the dominion of darkness:

Colossians 1:13

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Someone still living in sin is spiritually captive; therefore, they cannot deliver another captive. Jesus Himself made this point in Mark 3:23–27, using the parable of the strong man:

How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. … But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

Only those who belong to Christ—those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit—can exercise His authority over demonic powers. The unsaved, even if they use Christ’s name outwardly, are in danger of attack. This is what happened to the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13–16:

But the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?’ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

This incident shows that demonic forces recognize genuine spiritual authority. Using Jesus’ name without being in covenant with Him is spiritually dangerous and ineffective.

2. Can a Saved Person Pray, Yet the Demon Does Not Leave?

Yes, this is possible. All believers have been given authority over demonic powers:

Luke 10:19

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

However, the effectiveness of deliverance ministry often depends on:

Faith and spiritual maturity of the believer (Matthew 17:19–21)

Resistance of the demonic entity—some spirits are stronger and more entrenched than others (Ephesians 6:12)

Prayer and fasting—Jesus taught that some demons only come out through deeper levels of spiritual discipline (Mark 9:29)

Spiritual Hierarchies of Demons

Paul teaches in Ephesians 6:12 that demonic powers operate in ranks:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

This indicates that some spirits may resist simple commands and require persistent intercession, fasting, and spiritual discernment to dislodge.

Theological Reflection

Deliverance is not about human ability but about Christ’s authority working through a surrendered believer. The Great Commission confirms this.

Mark 16:17

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.

However, Jesus also warned in Matthew 7:21–23 that some will claim to cast out demons in His name, yet He will say, “I never knew you.” The issue is not just power, but relationship and obedience to Christ.

Conclusion

An unsaved person cannot cast out demons—they remain under the devil’s domain.

A saved person can cast out demons, but effectiveness depends on faith, prayer, fasting, and intimacy with Christ.

True deliverance flows from Christ’s authority, not human effort.

Invitation

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, receive Him today. Only in Him do we find freedom and authority over the enemy. As John 8:36 says: