The concept of a “foothold” in spiritual terms refers to giving ground or opportunity for evil spirits to gain influence and exert control in a person’s life. It is based on the biblical understanding that there is a spiritual realm beyond the physical, consisting of God’s holy angels as well as fallen angels or demons who oppose God and seek to harm people.
Several key biblical passages address this idea of footholds and provide insight into how they operate:
Ephesians 4:27 – “And do not give the devil a foothold.”
This verse directly warns believers not to give the devil a foothold, or opportunity to gain influence. The implication is that we have a responsibility to guard our hearts and minds and not engage in thoughts, words, or behaviors that open a doorway for demonic oppression.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive…. in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
Here Paul indicates that unforgiveness can provide an opportunity for satanic schemes and influence. By holding on to bitterness and refusing to forgive others, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
Peter encourages vigilance because the devil seeks openings to attack believers, but submitting to God and resisting the devil causes him to flee.
Based on these and other passages, we can identify some potential footholds where people often unknowingly allow demonic oppression:
Strongholds of sin
When people engage in repetitive sinful thoughts or behaviors such as anger, lust, addictions, or immorality, it forms a stronghold where demons can gain influence. Confessing and repenting closes these footholds (see 2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Negative emotions
Harboring things like bitterness, hatred, chronic worry, or depression can open the way for demonic influence. We are to replace these with godly thoughts and attitudes (Phil. 4:8).
Occult involvement
Dabbling in areas expressly forbidden in Scripture such as witchcraft, astrology, psychics, séances, horoscopes, Ouija boards, tarot cards and the like can allow demonic infiltration and deception.
False teaching
Consuming spiritual teachings, doctrines, or ideologies that contradict the Bible can create confusion and provide areas of exploitation. We are to test all teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11).
Ungodly soul ties
Intimate relationships or close associations with those engaged in deception or unrepentant sin can open doors for enemy influence in a person’s life.
Generational curses
The sins or occult activities of parents and ancestors can allow demonic strongholds and patterns of sin that persist in families. But we have authority in Christ to break generational curses (Lev. 26:39-42).
Trauma and abuse
When someone experiences profound emotional, physical or sexual trauma and does not find healing, it can grant demonic access. But Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set captives free (Luke 4:18).
How to close footholds
The primary way to close footholds the enemy may have established is by submitting every area of our lives to God, resisting the devil by faith, and finding freedom through genuine repentance and deliverance in Christ. Additional steps include:
- Forgiving others and accepting God’s forgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15)
- Renouncing any involvement with occult practices or false teachings
- Removing any idolatry or inappropriate spiritual objects from home (Deut. 7:25-26)
- Replacing lies we have believed with God’s truth declared in Scripture
- Renewing our minds through Christ-centered teaching and meditation on the Word (Rom. 12:1-2)
- Breaking ungodly soul ties through spiritual deliverance and setting healthy boundaries in relationships
- Applying the full redemptive work of Christ through prayer and inner healing to areas of trauma or abuse
- Walking free from entangling sin through repentance and the empowering grace of God (Heb. 12:1)
- Putting on the full armor of God for protection (Eph. 6:10-18)
As we submit to this process, the devil loses his footholds. He is still prowling, but as we remain vigilant, stand firm in faith, and resist him, the only authority he can exercise over us is what we allow through footholds of our own making. God gives us everything we need to close those access points in the finished work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Walking in the light and truth of His Word, we can slam the door shut and lock out the enemy’s influence in our lives.
In summary, footholds represent areas of vulnerability that provide access where demonic forces can gain influence. This happens when we harbor sin, embrace deception, persist in ungodly patterns, or experience unresolved trauma. But through repentance, deliverance, renewing our minds in Christ, and exercising authority in Jesus’ name, we can close footholds and walk in freedom from spiritual strongholds and oppression. The key is submitting every area to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to Jesus, and remaining vigilant against the enemy’s schemes.