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Mat 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Mat 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished.
Mat 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh 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. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians that use this verse in the way you speak of seem to forget one thing....that is that when one is delivered into eternal life through Jesus Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who then lives within us. A demon (evil) cannot co-exist in the same place (inside of us) as the Spirit of God.
Demonic possession and demonic interference are two completely different things, and should not be confused.
ATA!!!
Yet I think the purpose of Jesus parable was to illustrate the principle of removal and replacement. When we obey God and cease in a sinful practice, said practice leaves a hole. As God put it and I paraphrase it, "If you put it in the ground it will produce fruit." Sadly, even if it is killed, there's still a hole. That "hole" must be filled or it will be revisited and made worse. I've been on both ends of this one to see it fleshed out. Holds too much personal truth in there for me to think Jesus was simply speaking of demonic possession.
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