Satan and the Occult - Chapter Nine

by Bruce Pringle

Is Deliverance from Demons Possible?

One does not have to read very far in the New Testament before there is the realization that Jesus Christ had victory over demonic powers. Some examples are: 1) The man with an unclean spirit at Capernaum - Mark 1:21-28; 2) The blind and dumb demoniac - Matthew 12:22-29; 3) The Gadarene demoniac - Luke 8:26-39; 4) The Syrophenician woman's daughter - Matthew 15:21-28; 5) The epileptic boy - Mark 9:14-29; 6) The woman with the spirit of infirmity - Luke 13:10-17.

Not only did Jesus Christ set the demon-invaded captives free, but He also gave the authority to all those who would believe on His name. Philpott certainly believes in a deliverance ministry in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. He states:

Some very important considerations must be recognized in the deliverance ministry. Firstly, Jesus Christ said the believer in Him could minister freedom to the captives. See Mark 16:17. A second consideration is power over the enemy. "Behold, I give unto you power", says Jesus, "to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Thirdly, use the Word of God when contending with the enemy. Remember, if Jesus Christ, the Son of God used the Word of God to defeat Satan, how much more do we need to utilize the Bible. A fourth consideration for deliverance of the possessed is the blood of Christ. God inspired John the Apostle, exiled on the Isle of Patmos, to write: "And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." The fifth key in deliverance is using the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially in context of His overcoming power to defeat Satan. See Ephesians 1:17-23 and Colossians 2:14-15.

Koch suggests the demon possessed renounce occult subjection in his life. The renunciation implies a psychological element. Prior to renunciation the demon or demons were hidden, but now they are revealed. Demons are stripped of their mythical character and are recognized as a dreadful reality. Renunciation is an official declaration before witnesses. This gives added strength to the captive. The renunciation by a person under occult subjection is likewise concerned with his deliverance from the demon cult.

A summary statement of demon possession will be quoted from Kurt Koch. He writes:

Once delivered from occult practices one must press on in the Spirit controlled life or he will leave himself open to more demonic activity. Freedom must be maintained by a continuous state of standing in the power of Christ. A diligent study of the Word of God, a daily prayer life, church attendance and a life of faith will ensure an ongoing, victorious Christian life.

Thank you Lord for the freedom we have in our Lord Jesus Christ and the overcoming power that we have because Christ is greater than any other power. Amen.