Deliverance

Deliverance

The term deliverance in religion describes the process by which a person is delivered from the control a demon or demons.

Deliverance is achieved by driving out evil spirits using the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If a person has ever been involved in occult practices, whether done innocently or not, they have opened the door to the powers of darkness, even though such occult activity may have occurred many years ago or before they became a Christian.

Individuals can also open the door to demonic activity by visiting fortune tellers, visiting witch doctors, consulting the Ouija board, playing with popular occult games, studying horoscopes, attending séances, watching horror and occult movies, reading demonic books, engaging in hypnosis, and so on.

Deliverance from evil spirits is an important part of the continuing mission of Jesus Christ. The Bible contains many examples of deliverance both during and after the earthly ministry of Jesus. Believers in Jesus today have the authority and opportunity to continue His deliverance ministry to those who are oppressed and possessed.

The New Testament has many accounts of Jesus casting demons out of people. A major part of His ministry was devoted to deliverance. Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan.

Jesus merely spoke to these real yet invisible beings and they obeyed Him.

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. - Luke 9:1

And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. - Luke 10:18-19

Jesus has given us the same authority to drive out evil spirits and to set people free. The evidence of this is in the New Testament accounts of the ministry of His disciples and that of the Apostle Paul.

Prior to His ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned His church to preach the gospel throughout the world and to confirm the Word with signs following. The first sign mentioned is deliverance from demons.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues. - Mark 16:15-17

People who are unable to free themselves from physical, emotional or spiritual bondage need deliverance. The ministry of deliverance is about bringing spiritual victory and freedom to those who are in bondage, whether they are oppressed or possessed by demon spirits. The bondage may also be associated with a yielding to selfish and sinful desires and the problem could reveal itself in many different forms whether it is a stronghold, generational curse, or demon possession.

Recognizing Oppression and Possession

Deliverance ministers typically look for a combination of symptoms that point to demonization and may include:

* Physical manifestations such as certain types of sicknesses or diseases

* Unexplained bodily pains

* Distorted voice

* Distorted posture

* Extremely fierce or hostile behavior

* Foul odors in the vicinity of the person

* Obsessive or compulsive behavior

* Being driven to do something

* Self-destructive behavior

* Nakedness in public

* Abnormal living patterns and behavior

* Difficulty in reading the Bible and worshipping God

* Difficulty confessing and renouncing a specific sin

* Bodily contortions or convulsions

* Foaming at the mouth

* Mocking

* Superhuman strength

* Severe phobias or fears

* Addictions

* Night visitations from an evil presence

* Recurring nightmares

* Tormenting thoughts

* Voices in the mind

* Cursing

* Lack of peace

* Too much or too little sleep

It should be remembered that there are emotional and medical disorders that can produce many of the above symptoms. Demons can be involved in these conditions but may also not be. Attempting to cast demons out of a person that is not demonized could lead to further emotional and spiritual damage.

Some of the people manifesting one or more of these symptoms could be set free by repenting and accepting Jesus as their Savior.

To overcome demonic powers it is important to be able to recognize their presence and tactics.

It is important to have a confirmation from the Holy Spirit that a demon is present, either through a word of knowledge or spiritual discernment.

The Holy Spirit has provided a special spiritual gift for this purpose.

The gift of discerning of spirits enables a believer to discern the spirits operating in others. It prevents deception by seducing or lying spirits.

For example, some deafness and dumbness can be caused by a spirit.