Deliverance ministry refers to the practice of casting out demons or evil spirits from a person in order to set them free from demonic influence and possession. Those involved in deliverance ministry believe that Christians can be possessed or influenced by demonic spirits that need to be cast out through deliverance. The practice of casting out demons is seen throughout the New Testament, leading many Christians to believe that deliverance ministry is biblical and valid for today.
Accounts of Jesus and the apostles casting out demons
There are numerous accounts in the New Testament of Jesus casting out demons from people who were possessed or influenced by them. Jesus often engaged in this as part of His broader ministry of healing and restoration (Matthew 4:24). Here are some examples:
- Jesus cast out a demon from a man in the synagogue, amazing those who saw it happen (Mark 1:23-27).
- Jesus cast many demons out of two men from Gadara who were extremely violent and lived in tombs (Matthew 8:28-34).
- Jesus cast a demon out of a mute man who then began to speak (Matthew 9:32-33).
- Jesus cast a demon out of a Canaanite woman’s daughter who was severely demon-possessed (Matthew 15:21-28).
- Jesus gave His disciples authority to cast out demons as part of commissioning them to ministry (Matthew 10:1,8).
After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples continued to cast out demons in His name:
- Philip cast out many evil spirits in Samaria (Acts 8:7).
- Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18).
- The seven sons of Sceva unsuccessfully tried to cast out a demon without the authority of Christ (Acts 19:13-16).
These examples demonstrate that casting out demons was a significant aspect of Jesus’ own ministry and authority. He passed on this authority to the disciples to continue this practice as they preached the gospel and made disciples. This provides a strong biblical basis for the idea of deliverance ministry.
Jesus’ teaching on spiritual warfare
In addition to His examples of casting out demons, Jesus also taught explicitly about the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to take spiritual authority over demonic spirits. Here are some key passages:
Matthew 12:43-45 – When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.
Jesus teaches that demons can be cast out but also return to the person they inhabited if their spiritual condition is not filled with God’s presence. This requires ongoing spiritual warfare after deliverance.
Luke 10:17-20 – The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus confirms the disciples have authority over demons but reminds them their identity in Christ matters more than power over evil spirits.
Luke 11:24-26 – “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
Jesus again warns that without filling our lives with God’s presence, demons can return and make things worse than before they were cast out.
Passages like these demonstrate Jesus’ belief in the reality of spiritual warfare. He equipped His followers to engage in deliverance ministry even as He warned them about the dangers of operating without God’s power and presence.
Commands to resist the devil
The New Testament contains direct commands to resist the devil and stand firm against him and his demonic activity.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.
Ephesians 6:10-13 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
These verses indicate there is an active spiritual conflict happening that Christians are called to engage in. Resisting the devil is directly tied to standing firm in our faith, praying, and putting on spiritual armor. Deliverance ministry aims to help people wage this kind of spiritual warfare at an experiential level when facing demonic harassment or possession.
Warnings about false teachers and prophets
The New Testament also contains warnings about false teachers and prophets who are actually mouthpieces for demonic spirits trying to deceive believers.
1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
1 John 4:1-3 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.
These passages indicate the existence of “deceitful spirits” and demons that are actively trying to distort the faith through false teachings. Part of resisting them must include identifying and rejecting these false teachings just as Jesus rebuked false religious leaders during His ministry.
Accounts of demonic possession
The gospels contain several accounts of confrontation with demonic possession that help establish the biblical validity of deliverance ministry:
- The Gerasene demoniac – As mentioned previously, this man was completely overtaken by a legion of demons before Jesus cast them out (Luke 8:26-39).
- The Syrophoenician woman’s daughter – She was described as being “oppressed by a demon” and in desperate need of deliverance (Mark 7:24-30).
- The boy with a deaf and mute spirit – A demon rendered the boy unable to speak and subject to violent seizures that Jesus healed by rebuking the spirit (Mark 9:14-29).
These instances reveal demonic influence over people’s physical health and mental state. The solution in each situation was to authoritatively cast out the demons in Jesus’ name. Clearly the gospels support the need for deliverance ministry in severe cases of demonization.
Cautions about deliverance ministry
While the Bible validates the practice of casting out demons, it also includes some important cautions. Deliverance ministry should be exercised carefully according to these warnings:
- Focus on salvation and life in Christ more than spiritual manifestations (Matthew 7:21-23).
- Operate under the authority of Jesus, not our own power or rituals (Acts 19:13-16).
- Avoid sensationalism and spectacle (Mark 1:43-45).
- Beware deceiving spirits who may appear to leave but intend to return (Matthew 12:43-45).
- Guard against spiritual pride, knowing our identity is in Christ (Luke 10:17-20).
When exercised appropriately under Jesus’ authority and with a right biblical focus, deliverance ministry can free people from demonic influence. But various errors and excesses can develop without wisdom and accountability.
Questions about deliverance ministry
Deliverance ministry is a complex practice that raises many additional questions for many Christians. Here are some common ones that require thorough answers grounded in Scripture.
Can Christians be possessed by demons?
There is debate on this issue. Some believe true Spirit-filled Christians cannot be possessed since the Holy Spirit resides within them (1 John 4:4). Others point to accounts like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-5) to argue that believers can be influenced by Satan and demonic spirits. Ultimately, Scripture does not seem to give a definitive answer on whether genuine demon-possession is possible for Christians.
However, demonic influence, harassment, and deception are clearly shown as possibilities for Christians if we “give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). Deliverance may be needed even for true believers if severe demonization occurs through willful sin.
What gives demons power?
Demons have limited power in themselves as created beings (Mark 1:27). Any spiritual authority they have comes through human cooperation with sin and the curse (Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:2). This is why resisting sin is key to resisting the devil (James 4:7). Through Christ’s victory on the cross, demons are a defeated foe (Colossians 2:15), but they still deceive and attack people who open doors to them.
How do demons interact with mental illness?
There is sometimes overlap between mental illness and demonic influence. However, they are not the same thing. Many mental disorders likely stem from biological causes or trauma, not just demons. But in some severe cases, demonic spirits may exploit mental illness and gain power over a person’s mind. Wise discernment and medical treatment is needed to address each element of a person’s condition.
Is exorcism still valid today?
The Catholic Church has retained the practice of formal exorcism rites, though there is debate among Protestants. Some argue the authority for this rite was confined to Christ and the apostles. They point to instances like Acts 19:13 where unauthorized Jewish exorcists tried to cast out demons by using Jesus’ name like a magical incantation. This failed because they did not have a genuine relationship with Christ through the Spirit.
The biblical evidence overall suggests exorcism as a ritual is not required. Rather, all believers can resist the devil and cast out evil spirits by exercising the authority given to them as children of God and proclaiming Christ’s victory through the gospel (Luke 10:17-19).
Should deliverance be practiced publicly?
Accounts of public exorcisms in the New Testament suggest there is validity to openly demonstrating Christ’s victory over evil spirits. However, the potential for abuse and spectacle is also high. Practicing deliverance privately or in small groups may help avoid hype and manipulation that could dishonor God.
What protection steps should be taken?
Practicing deliverance ministry without wisdom can be dangerous, both physically and spiritually. Here are some precautions that can be taken:
- Have other believers present for support and protection.
- Ask God to send His angels and hedge of protection.
- Know your authority in Christ but rely fully on His power.
- Limit physical interaction and avoid lengthy rituals.
- Have follow-up care and counseling ready for the delivered person.
Operating under the Spirit’s guidance and discernment is crucial since deliverance ministry deals directly with demonic forces seeking to deceive and destroy.
Key principles from Scripture on deliverance ministry
In summary, here are some key biblical principles to have in mind when approaching deliverance ministry:
- Jesus has absolute power and authority over demonic spirits (Colossians 1:15-20).
- He gives believers authority in His name to deliver people from demons (Luke 10:17).
- Demons must submit and flee when believers operate under Jesus’ authority (James 4:7).
- We wrestle not just with flesh and blood but with spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
- Deliverance gives a foretaste of Christ’s final victory over Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15).
- Without repentance and life in the Spirit, demons can return and regain influence (Matthew 12:43-45).
- Excess focus on demonic manifestations can lead to error and distraction from Christ (Mark 1:43-45).
With these principles in mind, Christians can engage in deliverance ministry while avoiding unbiblical extremes and staying focused on Jesus’ love and redemption as the heart of spiritual warfare.
Practical considerations for deliverance ministry
For Christians and churches considering incorporating some elements of deliverance ministry, here are several practical things to keep in mind:
Look at underlying issues
Don’t assume demonic possession is the problem. Assess whether medical needs, trauma, addiction, or other issues may be causing or contributing to the spiritual distress. Pursue wholistic treatment of the whole person.
Have pastoral oversight
Appropriate authority and accountability structures should govern the practice of deliverance. Safeguards help prevent misguided freelancing and abuse of power.
Mention demons sparingly
Avoid fixating on demons themselves and graphic details that can create unhealthy fascination. Keep the focus on Jesus’ power and redemption.
Use spiritual gifts
Incorporate spiritual gifts like discernment, healing, and prophecy under leaders’ guidance to gain wisdom and insight into each situation needing deliverance.
Prepare people spiritually
Ensure those receiving deliverance ministry are committed Christ-followers willing to renounce sin and pursue holiness by God’s grace. Total surrender to Jesus is essential.
Have aftercare in place
Connect those delivered to a caring community that can provide accountability, counseling, and continued growth in their faith and identity in Christ.
Avoid sensationalism
Conduct deliverance ministry modestly and privately when possible, keeping the focus on God’s glory rather than hype and spectacle.
With wisdom and balance, deliverance can be one aspect of gospel-centered spiritual care that sets captives free through Christ (Luke 4:18). It must always proceed from a foundation of God’s love, truth, and transforming salvation by grace.