Deliverance Ministry - An Explanation
Of This Movement

Over the last few decades a new movement has slowly been developing within the Christian church. It has crossed denominational lines and has become quite influential in some churches. Although many aspects are new, the basis for this movement is actually found in the Scriptures, notably in the ministry of Jesus. As this movement has gained wider recognition many Christians have begun to ask questions. These questions concern the Biblical basis for some of the teachings and practices which have been become an accepted part of this movement over the last few years.

The movement we are referring to is called Deliverance Ministry. What is this ministry? On a very basic level it is the removing of an evil spirit from a host, usually a human being. The most well known example of this is the movie, 'The Exorcist'. On a deeper level this ministry is very complex. It involves many theologies, philosophies, churches and leaders. Those involved in deliverance tend to have very detailed explanations of how the spiritual dimension operates. Because of the answers they provide, people who have moral and spiritual needs are drawn to this ministry with the expectation of receiving solutions which are not available elsewhere.

Although many Christians would like to ignore the existence of this ministry it is very hard to do this and still retain a Christian theology. The reason for this is the person most involved in this deliverance ministry was Jesus Christ. During his ministry, Jesus frequently cast out evil spirits. One example is found in Mark 5:13. "He (Jesus) gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned." Generally, there is agreement among Christians, both Roman Catholics and Protestants, that evil spirits do exist. However, many Christians feel very uncomfortable with this ministry and would only consider it in the most exceptional of circumstances.

Although most Christians feel uneasy about deliverance, there are others who see it as the most effective way of ministering to others. This is where the controversy over this ministry is causing division within the Christian community. The proponents no longer see deliverance only for non-believers who are troubled by spirits but they are promoting it within the Church as a ministry for Christians.

The problem this shift of emphasis creates in the Church and particularly in lives of Christians is enormous. Christians are being taught that it is possible to be indwelt by two different spirits which are completely opposite from each other. One of these is the Spirit of God, usually referred to as the Holy Spirit. The other is a an evil spirit or a demon. According to those involved in deliverance ministry these two spirits may dwell in a Christian concurrently. Therefore, according to them, deliverance is a much needed way of helping a believer who is struggling with some problem or area of sin. An example of this is the Christian who is struggling with anxiety. Deliverance ministers point to 1 Peter 5:7-8 and conclude anxiety is from the enemy, the devil. Therefore this person has a spirit, of anxiety, which needs to be removed through deliverance. It does not take very much knowledge of the Scriptures to recognize the serious problem this kind of thinking would create in the life of a Christian who is struggling.

This kind of thinking is best explained in a book entitled, "Pigs In the Parlor" by Frank and Mae Hammond. On this subject they write, "The Christian should consider indwelling demons as unnecessary and undesirable Trespassers." (p.1) "Demons spirits are confined to the soul and body of a believer. Demons afflict the emotions, the mind and the will and the physical body - not the spirit of a Christian." (p.137) They conclude, "the aim of deliverance is to remove the trespassing demon spirits from the soul and body in order that Jesus can reign over these areas as well" (p.137)

The very first question we must ask when someone claims that Christians can be indwelt by demons is, "what does the Bible teach?" The next question is, "what is the identity of the Christian?" Finally, "is it possible for Christians to be indwelt by spirits?" Anyone who is well grounded in the Scriptures would say, Absolutely Not! In fact to hold the view that Christians can be inhabited by demons is totally incompatible with Biblical Christianity.

These views are incompatible because the Scriptures teach that deliverance for the Christian has already taken place. It is called salvation. 1 Peter 1:8-9 Salvation mean deliverance, preservation, to rescue. Our assurance as Christians is that when we place our faith in Jesus Christ we are delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son and are seated in the heavenly realms in Christ! Colossians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:1-10 The Apostle Paul declaired this truth when he said, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom." 2 Timothy 4:17-18 Yes, we struggle with sin because God allows us to retain our sinful nature. This nature often causes us conflict. Galatians 5:16-18 But nowhere in Scripture does is say Christians are indwelt or possessed with an evil spirit! Instead it says we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-9 Thank God! Amen.