LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 2. Continued.
Method of Deliverance.
Wherever there has been occult participation in any form, it is essential that the following procedure be undertaken and carefully followed or liberation from occult subjection or oppression will not result. We cannot overemphasize that those suffering from occult oppression or subjection cannot be fully delivered in the usual manner by mere exorcism of spirits.
Those who have allowed themselves to be bound by these dark powers can be liberated only by direct confession of occult sins and renunciation of Satan and his work in their lives. An experienced deliverance minister has seen those who have been prayed for previously for deliverance, sometimes several times without success, set free from Satan's bondage when the correct Scriptural procedure was undertaken.
The same procedure is also necessary for those who were "passively" subjected or oppressed, who never willfully or actively participated in occultism. Those suffering affliction from the powers of darkness as a result of their identification and association with others who were involved in the occult, or who were subjected to such occult contacts as children, must confess and renounce these associations and contacts.
1. Confession of faith in Christ.
If the person needing liberation is already a Christian (as many are), he needs only to affirm his faith in Christ. Others, however, will have to be led to make this confession before the way is opened for their deliverance.
Occasionally, there are those who are primarily seeking relief from demonic oppression, but who have no real interest in following Christ. Such individuals cannot be liberated, at least not permanently, for without a sincere commitment to Christ, there is no permanent basis for resisting the enemy's power.
On the other hand, some are unable to make such a confession of Christ without help. One characteristic of occult subjection is the inability to make this confession. In such cases, the oppressed person, bound by the powers of darkness, must be led by a Christian to faith in Christ, repeating after him a saving confession. Do not be concerned about the sincerity of the confession in such cases, for if the subjected individual were not in earnest he would not be seeking liberation. Moreover, all the powers of darkness are often brought to bear upon the oppressed individual in an attempt to prevent just such a confession of faith, which, as they well know, opens the way for liberation from their bondage. Sometimes a person is so bound by these evil powers that Satan's hold must be broken by calling upon the power of the blood of Jesus. Then the individual will be able to follow another in a confession of faith in Christ.
2. Confession of occult sins.
All occult involvement must be confessed if liberation is to be realized. The oppressed should name each specific form of participation which can be recalled and confess it to God as sin. The individual should make a confession similar to the following: "Father, I confess that I have sinned against your Word by consulting a fortune teller (or by attending a seance, or Spiritualist meeting; by inquiring with the ouija board; by having warts or burns removed by magic charming; by following the horoscope, being hypnotized, or divining for water, as the case may be). I confess these practices as sin, as well as anything else of this nature which I may have forgotten. I ask for and accept your forgiveness, in Jesus' Name."
Occasionally, a Christian suffering oppression and needing deliverance, whose occult involvement took place before his conversion to Christ, will question the necessity of confessing these practices now that he is a Christian, since all his sins were forgiven upon conversion. What we must bear in mind is that our present concern is not the oppressed individual's salvation, but his need for deliverance from occult oppression.
Obviously, if the Christian seeking deliverance had been set free from Satan's oppression just by confessing faith in Christ, he would not be seeking liberation from this oppression! Moreover, in many cases, these individuals have also had prayer for deliverance and were not set free. There must be some hindrance and valid reason why their conversion to Christ and prayer for deliverance have not resulted in their liberation. An experienced minister has found that liberation does not come until occult sins are recognized and acknowledged as the cause.
In the case of occult participation, one has, in essence, called upon other "gods" (Exodus 20), and has thereby opened the door to these oppressing spirits, who have access as long as the victim does not uncover their presence. The reason for such acknowledgment of occult participation is that one must go back to the place where he opened the door and gave access to the powers of darkness, and close it at that point. Admission of occult practices is an acknowledgment that the oppressed individual now recognizes such participation as a violation of the Scriptures.
The necessity of such acknowledgment is seen in the fact that most who are oppressed as a result of occult involvement do not even know that they have violated God's commandments against these practices. Satan resists such admission because acknowledgment of specific occult sins uncovers his presence at the exact point where he has a hold on the victim. Satan hides, as it were, behind the unconfessed occult practices which keep the person bound. Confession removes this barrier and betrays Satan's presence, thus preparing the way for liberation from his bondage.
It is true that upon conversion to Christ one's sins are all forgiven; but this does not guarantee he will not reap the consequences of what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). This is seen in the case of David, to whom God said that the sword would never depart from his house because of his sin with Bath-sheba (II Samuel 12). If one has lived such a life of disobedience and sin before conversion that the enemy has afflicted him with disease and sickness as a result, he is not automatically set free from such oppression, nor cured of these things, merely because he has confessed faith in Christ and has been forgiven those sins which caused his ailments. Upon conversion, spirits of infirmity such as epilepsy, blindness, dumbness, deafness, and so on, do not automatically leave their victims, who many times are innocently oppressed with these afflictions. So there is no Scriptural basis to think that oppressing spirits, who entered as a result of occult involvement, quietly depart when one becomes a Christian.
By stressing that Christians need to acknowledge to God any involvement in occult practices which took place before their conversion, we are not suggesting that their sins were not all forgiven at Calvary. Rather, by making such admission to God, they now recognize and acknowledge these occult practices as a violation of Scripture, and as the cause of their oppression. When Christians are shown that their oppression is caused by previous occult involvement, and that such participation is a violation of Scripture, their acknowledgment to God of such practices opens the way for liberation from oppression.
Obviously, those who have had occult involvement after conversion should make a confession similar to that already suggested, as soon as they learn that occult participation is a violation of Scripture, just as they would need to confess any sin they might commit as a Christian. But in cases where all occult involvement was before one's conversion to Christ, the individual needs to acknowledge to God his recognition that the practices of which he was guilty were sin, and were the cause of his present oppression. Such an admission, preparatory to liberation, uncovers the presence of the enemy at the exact place where he has a hold to oppress his victim. It might be expressed this way: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for now showing me the sinful character of occult practices. I now acknowledge that it was my visit to the fortuneteller (inquiring with the ouija board, attending a seance, and so on) in violation of the Scriptures, which opened the door to my oppression, and which was the cause of my present problems at the hands of the enemy. I believe that all my sins are under the blood of Christ, including these which You have now shown me, in Jesus' Name."
One should not allow Satan, through pride or on the basis of theological argument, to hinder him from confessing or acknowledging occult participation, for the purpose of such admission is to unmask the presence of the enemy and reveal the point at which he holds his victim in bondage. Refusing to confess simply means that Satan remains concealed, hidden behind the unconfessed sin itself, for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
3. Renunciation of Satan and command to depart.
This must be a direct command to Satan himself (not a prayer or request). The person seeking or needing the deliverance must command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name! Nobody else can do this for the oppressed or subjected person, since it was an act of this individual's will that opened the door to the enemy in the first place. At least for permanent liberation, Satan will heed a command to depart only if it comes from the same individual. This is one reason why many who are occultly subjected or oppressed are not permanently liberated, although others have prayed for them to be delivered. Satan contends, in the case of occult involvement, that he has the "right of access" to this person who has invited him in through occult participation, and that he will not leave until this same individual, by an act of his will, renounces him and commands him to depart. At this point, the oppressed individual should say, for example, "Satan, I hereby renounce you and all your works in my life. I command you in Jesus' Name to depart and trouble me no more! I hereby close the door to you forever."
4. Exorcism: the prayer of deliverance.
We believe that one can liberate himself by faith from occult bondage and oppression by (1) a confession of occult involvement, and (2) a renunciation of Satan, with the command for him to depart. A minister has found that liberation is usually felt quite definitely by the person who is suffering oppression during this act of exorcism when Satan is commanded to loose the victim and set him free in Jesus' Name. Again and again, a countenance which has been marred by depression as a result of Satanic oppression is immediately transformed, amid expressions of rejoicing and praise to God at the joy of actually experiencing the departure of the dark powers. Therefore, in unusual instances where the hold of demonic power is extremely strong, they should not hesitate to ask help from those who understand the nature of occult oppression and subjection and have in person deliverance. Fasting also may be required to cast out strong demons for Jesus said “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28-29.)
5. Responsibility of the liberated.
The important thing to remember after deliverance has taken place is that deliverance is a walk, not a once for all experience without any responsibilities on the part of the person who has been set free. After deliverance it is necessary to build certain safeguards around the ground that has been liberated and recovered from the enemy. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 that deliverance is not necessarily permanent unless one takes certain spiritual precautions against the enemy's attempts to return. Thus, if the life of the liberated individual is not filled with faith and spiritually wholesome things, the evil spirit can return bringing with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, ... and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
After a person is set free he should avoid all future contact with any form of spiritism or religious cults, and be on guard against new or strange doctrines that are not in harmony with Scripture. Moreover, one should not neglect to destroy all occult objects and literature (without regard to their cost), such as fortune telling cards, ouija boards, occult games, magic books, literature from such cults as Rosicrucians, Christian Science, Unity, and New Age, or by such authors as Edgar Cayce, Annalee Skarin, Harold Sherman, and so on (See Acts 19:18-19). It is imperative that one cultivate a strong faith and spiritual life after deliverance. We suggest the following:
(1) Study of the Scriptures.
Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and believing the Word. Strengthen your faith with such passages on deliverance, protection, and the power of Jesus' Name and blood as: Psalm 91; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:11; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 54:11-17; Ephesians 2:6; 6:10-18; Exodus 12:23.
(2) Prayer.
Develop a consistent prayer life. Pray much in the Spirit. Praying in fellowship with other Biblically sound Christians in a prayer group develops faith and encourages spiritual growth. Prayer partners are recommended. See Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20.
(3) Fellowship.
Spiritual fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ is essential. A member separated from one's physical body would soon atrophy and die. An ember taken from the fire soon grows cold. One who has suffered oppression especially needs communion with the saints in worship for mutual encouragement, and for spiritual nurture, growth, strength, and development. See Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47.
(4) Resistance.
After liberation, Satan may seek to oppress again, or through temptation attempt to entice the individual to yield to him, in order to gain access to his life once more. It is well to remember, therefore, that Satan must have the consent of the individual's will in order to gain an entrance. We are told in I Timothy 4:1, for example, that those who departed from the faith gave heed to seducing spirits. We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil," and in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." However, even if the enemy breaks through in a moment of weakness, one should immediately take a firm stand, refuse to give him further access, and demand that he depart.
In order to maintain one's victory over the powers of darkness and prevent any future invasion of one's life by these malevolent spirits, it is essential to keep in mind the following principles of spiritual warfare:
a. Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11).
b. Boldly state your authority over Satan by virtue of your position with Christ "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6; Colossians 2:13-15; Psalm 91; Mark 16:17).
c. Use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in time of temptation or assault from the enemy. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying: "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul admonishes, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16).
d. Resist Satan in faith, for we are in a spiritual warfare in which we can always have the victory if we will take it by faith (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:41; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27).
e. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This should be done in faith daily, especially in time of great trial.
f. Command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name when he tempts or attacks in any unusual manner, particularly when he seeks to take some advantage of a weakness, or makes an attack through another individual (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17).
g. Guard your mind and thoughts. Absolutely refuse entrance into your heart and mind anything of a negative, critical, contrary, resentful, selfish, base, or depressive nature. Guard your mind jealously, for this is where the enemy usually strikes. Refuse every thought that is impure, unkind, offensive, unjust, evil, detrimental, or envious. Resist and repulse thoughts of pride, hate, resentment, slander, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, indifference, wrath, and self-pity. In so doing the enemy can gain no access to your life, inasmuch as the greater part of his effort is directed toward invading your mind. Few people resist him as they should at this point and thus fall prey to his influence and control. Failure to guard the mind and heart against Satan's deceiving, depressive, negative and destructive thoughts and suggestions is one of the major causes for oppression, sickness, fear, discord, depression, despair, strife, and failure. "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).
The responsibility of the one liberated to keep the door closed to further invasions by the powers of darkness cannot be over-emphasized, for a minister has seen a few who neglected their responsibility suffer oppression again. This warning should be especially heeded by those neurotic individuals who manifest a spirit of "self-pity" and "self-centeredness" as were described in our study on “Evidence of Occult Oppression and Subjection.” These individuals desire attention at any cost. Though it is a morbid and pathological desire for recognition, nevertheless, they feel such a deep-seated need for attention that they actually (often subconsciously) fear full deliverance, lest they lose the notice of others. They feel unable to face life or make independent decisions, and are threatened with a specter of failure and misfortune, so they do not follow through with their responsibility to keep the door closed to these dark powers. They constantly lament their fate, confess their doubt, fear and failure, and voice their problems and troubles to any and all who will listen.
These individuals are to be firmly admonished concerning their failure to accept their responsibilities. They must never be pitied and sympathized with, since this only feeds the spirit of self-centeredness which thrives on attention and will depart only when it fails to get it. Pray for them, but do not, under any circumstances, encourage this condition. They must admit their weakness in this regard, command this spirit to leave, and firmly resist its efforts to return by not encouraging it with their own appetites for attention.
There is no cure for the ego-centered person whose liberation from occult enslavement rests entirely in his own will. If he expects permanent victory, he must resist any new inroads by this spirit as resolutely as a former alcoholic or drug addict would resist taking another drink or injection of narcotics. In all cases, one maintains his position of victory by resistance and faith. State your victory by faith in the promises of God and stand on it.
In summary, liberation from occult subjection and oppression basically involves three steps, which are the essential things to remember in dealing with those who have had any form of occult involvement. They are:
(1) Confession of sins of occult participation;
(2) Renunciation of Satan and the command for him to depart;
(3) Exorcism (when required).
In one minister's experience every person was liberated from the powers of darkness who sincerely desired it and followed these Scriptural requirements.
After prayer for deliverance, accept the fact of your liberation from the powers of darkness by faith. Do not rely on "feelings" or "appearances" at this point. Stand on the Word of God. The assurance and evidence will come. Some who have received prayer for deliverance have not seen an immediate change; yet later they have testified of their definite liberation from oppression and subjection to occult powers. Many feel an immediate change and many do not. Stand on the promises of God no matter the feelings!
Satan must release his victim when commanded to do so in Jesus' Name. Therefore, you should expect to see a change. However, he does not always obey immediately, so symptoms may not disappear right away. At this point, you must act your faith and boldly state the fact of your liberation with a promise from Scripture such as Colossians 1:13 "God has delivered me from the powers of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of His Son". Do not do as many and go by feelings and say it feels and looks like nothing changed in my circumstances so I must not be delivered. God said you were based on His word if you will believe and boldly state His word to all demonic oppression whenever it tries to manifest. Resist the devil and he will flee; we are admonished in James 4:7. The manifestation will surely follow your steadfast endurance and resistance to the powers of darkness, for the victory is won by faith! Edited. Shared.
May God grant you the understanding and grace to overcome in all things, walk pleasing in His sight, used by God to help others find freedom also.
God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
❤️LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 2. Continued.
Method of Deliverance.
Wherever there has been occult participation in any form, it is essential that the following procedure be undertaken and carefully followed or liberation from occult subjection or oppression will not result. We cannot overemphasize that those suffering from occult oppression or subjection cannot be fully delivered in the usual manner by mere exorcism of spirits.
Those who have allowed themselves to be bound by these dark powers can be liberated only by direct confession of occult sins and renunciation of Satan and his work in their lives. An experienced deliverance minister has seen those who have been prayed for previously for deliverance, sometimes several times without success, set free from Satan's bondage when the correct Scriptural procedure was undertaken.
The same procedure is also necessary for those who were "passively" subjected or oppressed, who never willfully or actively participated in occultism. Those suffering affliction from the powers of darkness as a result of their identification and association with others who were involved in the occult, or who were subjected to such occult contacts as children, must confess and renounce these associations and contacts.
1. Confession of faith in Christ.
If the person needing liberation is already a Christian (as many are), he needs only to affirm his faith in Christ. Others, however, will have to be led to make this confession before the way is opened for their deliverance.
Occasionally, there are those who are primarily seeking relief from demonic oppression, but who have no real interest in following Christ. Such individuals cannot be liberated, at least not permanently, for without a sincere commitment to Christ, there is no permanent basis for resisting the enemy's power.
On the other hand, some are unable to make such a confession of Christ without help. One characteristic of occult subjection is the inability to make this confession. In such cases, the oppressed person, bound by the powers of darkness, must be led by a Christian to faith in Christ, repeating after him a saving confession. Do not be concerned about the sincerity of the confession in such cases, for if the subjected individual were not in earnest he would not be seeking liberation. Moreover, all the powers of darkness are often brought to bear upon the oppressed individual in an attempt to prevent just such a confession of faith, which, as they well know, opens the way for liberation from their bondage. Sometimes a person is so bound by these evil powers that Satan's hold must be broken by calling upon the power of the blood of Jesus. Then the individual will be able to follow another in a confession of faith in Christ.
2. Confession of occult sins.
All occult involvement must be confessed if liberation is to be realized. The oppressed should name each specific form of participation which can be recalled and confess it to God as sin. The individual should make a confession similar to the following: "Father, I confess that I have sinned against your Word by consulting a fortune teller (or by attending a seance, or Spiritualist meeting; by inquiring with the ouija board; by having warts or burns removed by magic charming; by following the horoscope, being hypnotized, or divining for water, as the case may be). I confess these practices as sin, as well as anything else of this nature which I may have forgotten. I ask for and accept your forgiveness, in Jesus' Name."
Occasionally, a Christian suffering oppression and needing deliverance, whose occult involvement took place before his conversion to Christ, will question the necessity of confessing these practices now that he is a Christian, since all his sins were forgiven upon conversion. What we must bear in mind is that our present concern is not the oppressed individual's salvation, but his need for deliverance from occult oppression.
Obviously, if the Christian seeking deliverance had been set free from Satan's oppression just by confessing faith in Christ, he would not be seeking liberation from this oppression! Moreover, in many cases, these individuals have also had prayer for deliverance and were not set free. There must be some hindrance and valid reason why their conversion to Christ and prayer for deliverance have not resulted in their liberation. An experienced minister has found that liberation does not come until occult sins are recognized and acknowledged as the cause.
In the case of occult participation, one has, in essence, called upon other "gods" (Exodus 20), and has thereby opened the door to these oppressing spirits, who have access as long as the victim does not uncover their presence. The reason for such acknowledgment of occult participation is that one must go back to the place where he opened the door and gave access to the powers of darkness, and close it at that point. Admission of occult practices is an acknowledgment that the oppressed individual now recognizes such participation as a violation of the Scriptures.
The necessity of such acknowledgment is seen in the fact that most who are oppressed as a result of occult involvement do not even know that they have violated God's commandments against these practices. Satan resists such admission because acknowledgment of specific occult sins uncovers his presence at the exact point where he has a hold on the victim. Satan hides, as it were, behind the unconfessed occult practices which keep the person bound. Confession removes this barrier and betrays Satan's presence, thus preparing the way for liberation from his bondage.
It is true that upon conversion to Christ one's sins are all forgiven; but this does not guarantee he will not reap the consequences of what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). This is seen in the case of David, to whom God said that the sword would never depart from his house because of his sin with Bath-sheba (II Samuel 12). If one has lived such a life of disobedience and sin before conversion that the enemy has afflicted him with disease and sickness as a result, he is not automatically set free from such oppression, nor cured of these things, merely because he has confessed faith in Christ and has been forgiven those sins which caused his ailments. Upon conversion, spirits of infirmity such as epilepsy, blindness, dumbness, deafness, and so on, do not automatically leave their victims, who many times are innocently oppressed with these afflictions. So there is no Scriptural basis to think that oppressing spirits, who entered as a result of occult involvement, quietly depart when one becomes a Christian.
By stressing that Christians need to acknowledge to God any involvement in occult practices which took place before their conversion, we are not suggesting that their sins were not all forgiven at Calvary. Rather, by making such admission to God, they now recognize and acknowledge these occult practices as a violation of Scripture, and as the cause of their oppression. When Christians are shown that their oppression is caused by previous occult involvement, and that such participation is a violation of Scripture, their acknowledgment to God of such practices opens the way for liberation from oppression.
Obviously, those who have had occult involvement after conversion should make a confession similar to that already suggested, as soon as they learn that occult participation is a violation of Scripture, just as they would need to confess any sin they might commit as a Christian. But in cases where all occult involvement was before one's conversion to Christ, the individual needs to acknowledge to God his recognition that the practices of which he was guilty were sin, and were the cause of his present oppression. Such an admission, preparatory to liberation, uncovers the presence of the enemy at the exact place where he has a hold to oppress his victim. It might be expressed this way: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for now showing me the sinful character of occult practices. I now acknowledge that it was my visit to the fortuneteller (inquiring with the ouija board, attending a seance, and so on) in violation of the Scriptures, which opened the door to my oppression, and which was the cause of my present problems at the hands of the enemy. I believe that all my sins are under the blood of Christ, including these which You have now shown me, in Jesus' Name."
One should not allow Satan, through pride or on the basis of theological argument, to hinder him from confessing or acknowledging occult participation, for the purpose of such admission is to unmask the presence of the enemy and reveal the point at which he holds his victim in bondage. Refusing to confess simply means that Satan remains concealed, hidden behind the unconfessed sin itself, for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
3. Renunciation of Satan and command to depart.
This must be a direct command to Satan himself (not a prayer or request). The person seeking or needing the deliverance must command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name! Nobody else can do this for the oppressed or subjected person, since it was an act of this individual's will that opened the door to the enemy in the first place. At least for permanent liberation, Satan will heed a command to depart only if it comes from the same individual. This is one reason why many who are occultly subjected or oppressed are not permanently liberated, although others have prayed for them to be delivered. Satan contends, in the case of occult involvement, that he has the "right of access" to this person who has invited him in through occult participation, and that he will not leave until this same individual, by an act of his will, renounces him and commands him to depart. At this point, the oppressed individual should say, for example, "Satan, I hereby renounce you and all your works in my life. I command you in Jesus' Name to depart and trouble me no more! I hereby close the door to you forever."
4. Exorcism: the prayer of deliverance.
We believe that one can liberate himself by faith from occult bondage and oppression by (1) a confession of occult involvement, and (2) a renunciation of Satan, with the command for him to depart. A minister has found that liberation is usually felt quite definitely by the person who is suffering oppression during this act of exorcism when Satan is commanded to loose the victim and set him free in Jesus' Name. Again and again, a countenance which has been marred by depression as a result of Satanic oppression is immediately transformed, amid expressions of rejoicing and praise to God at the joy of actually experiencing the departure of the dark powers. Therefore, in unusual instances where the hold of demonic power is extremely strong, they should not hesitate to ask help from those who understand the nature of occult oppression and subjection and have in person deliverance. Fasting also may be required to cast out strong demons for Jesus said “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28-29.)
5. Responsibility of the liberated.
The important thing to remember after deliverance has taken place is that deliverance is a walk, not a once for all experience without any responsibilities on the part of the person who has been set free. After deliverance it is necessary to build certain safeguards around the ground that has been liberated and recovered from the enemy. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 that deliverance is not necessarily permanent unless one takes certain spiritual precautions against the enemy's attempts to return. Thus, if the life of the liberated individual is not filled with faith and spiritually wholesome things, the evil spirit can return bringing with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, ... and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
After a person is set free he should avoid all future contact with any form of spiritism or religious cults, and be on guard against new or strange doctrines that are not in harmony with Scripture. Moreover, one should not neglect to destroy all occult objects and literature (without regard to their cost), such as fortune telling cards, ouija boards, occult games, magic books, literature from such cults as Rosicrucians, Christian Science, Unity, and New Age, or by such authors as Edgar Cayce, Annalee Skarin, Harold Sherman, and so on (See Acts 19:18-19). It is imperative that one cultivate a strong faith and spiritual life after deliverance. We suggest the following:
(1) Study of the Scriptures.
Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and believing the Word. Strengthen your faith with such passages on deliverance, protection, and the power of Jesus' Name and blood as: Psalm 91; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:11; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 54:11-17; Ephesians 2:6; 6:10-18; Exodus 12:23.
(2) Prayer.
Develop a consistent prayer life. Pray much in the Spirit. Praying in fellowship with other Biblically sound Christians in a prayer group develops faith and encourages spiritual growth. Prayer partners are recommended. See Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20.
(3) Fellowship.
Spiritual fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ is essential. A member separated from one's physical body would soon atrophy and die. An ember taken from the fire soon grows cold. One who has suffered oppression especially needs communion with the saints in worship for mutual encouragement, and for spiritual nurture, growth, strength, and development. See Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47.
(4) Resistance.
After liberation, Satan may seek to oppress again, or through temptation attempt to entice the individual to yield to him, in order to gain access to his life once more. It is well to remember, therefore, that Satan must have the consent of the individual's will in order to gain an entrance. We are told in I Timothy 4:1, for example, that those who departed from the faith gave heed to seducing spirits. We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil," and in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." However, even if the enemy breaks through in a moment of weakness, one should immediately take a firm stand, refuse to give him further access, and demand that he depart.
In order to maintain one's victory over the powers of darkness and prevent any future invasion of one's life by these malevolent spirits, it is essential to keep in mind the following principles of spiritual warfare:
a. Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11).
b. Boldly state your authority over Satan by virtue of your position with Christ "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6; Colossians 2:13-15; Psalm 91; Mark 16:17).
c. Use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in time of temptation or assault from the enemy. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying: "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul admonishes, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16).
d. Resist Satan in faith, for we are in a spiritual warfare in which we can always have the victory if we will take it by faith (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:41; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27).
e. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This should be done in faith daily, especially in time of great trial.
f. Command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name when he tempts or attacks in any unusual manner, particularly when he seeks to take some advantage of a weakness, or makes an attack through another individual (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17).
g. Guard your mind and thoughts. Absolutely refuse entrance into your heart and mind anything of a negative, critical, contrary, resentful, selfish, base, or depressive nature. Guard your mind jealously, for this is where the enemy usually strikes. Refuse every thought that is impure, unkind, offensive, unjust, evil, detrimental, or envious. Resist and repulse thoughts of pride, hate, resentment, slander, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, indifference, wrath, and self-pity. In so doing the enemy can gain no access to your life, inasmuch as the greater part of his effort is directed toward invading your mind. Few people resist him as they should at this point and thus fall prey to his influence and control. Failure to guard the mind and heart against Satan's deceiving, depressive, negative and destructive thoughts and suggestions is one of the major causes for oppression, sickness, fear, discord, depression, despair, strife, and failure. "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).
The responsibility of the one liberated to keep the door closed to further invasions by the powers of darkness cannot be over-emphasized, for a minister has seen a few who neglected their responsibility suffer oppression again. This warning should be especially heeded by those neurotic individuals who manifest a spirit of "self-pity" and "self-centeredness" as were described in our study on “Evidence of Occult Oppression and Subjection.” These individuals desire attention at any cost. Though it is a morbid and pathological desire for recognition, nevertheless, they feel such a deep-seated need for attention that they actually (often subconsciously) fear full deliverance, lest they lose the notice of others. They feel unable to face life or make independent decisions, and are threatened with a specter of failure and misfortune, so they do not follow through with their responsibility to keep the door closed to these dark powers. They constantly lament their fate, confess their doubt, fear and failure, and voice their problems and troubles to any and all who will listen.
These individuals are to be firmly admonished concerning their failure to accept their responsibilities. They must never be pitied and sympathized with, since this only feeds the spirit of self-centeredness which thrives on attention and will depart only when it fails to get it. Pray for them, but do not, under any circumstances, encourage this condition. They must admit their weakness in this regard, command this spirit to leave, and firmly resist its efforts to return by not encouraging it with their own appetites for attention.
There is no cure for the ego-centered person whose liberation from occult enslavement rests entirely in his own will. If he expects permanent victory, he must resist any new inroads by this spirit as resolutely as a former alcoholic or drug addict would resist taking another drink or injection of narcotics. In all cases, one maintains his position of victory by resistance and faith. State your victory by faith in the promises of God and stand on it.
In summary, liberation from occult subjection and oppression basically involves three steps, which are the essential things to remember in dealing with those who have had any form of occult involvement. They are:
(1) Confession of sins of occult participation;
(2) Renunciation of Satan and the command for him to depart;
(3) Exorcism (when required).
In one minister's experience every person was liberated from the powers of darkness who sincerely desired it and followed these Scriptural requirements.
After prayer for deliverance, accept the fact of your liberation from the powers of darkness by faith. Do not rely on "feelings" or "appearances" at this point. Stand on the Word of God. The assurance and evidence will come. Some who have received prayer for deliverance have not seen an immediate change; yet later they have testified of their definite liberation from oppression and subjection to occult powers. Many feel an immediate change and many do not. Stand on the promises of God no matter the feelings!
Satan must release his victim when commanded to do so in Jesus' Name. Therefore, you should expect to see a change. However, he does not always obey immediately, so symptoms may not disappear right away. At this point, you must act your faith and boldly state the fact of your liberation with a promise from Scripture such as Colossians 1:13 "God has delivered me from the powers of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of His Son". Do not do as many and go by feelings and say it feels and looks like nothing changed in my circumstances so I must not be delivered. God said you were based on His word if you will believe and boldly state His word to all demonic oppression whenever it tries to manifest. Resist the devil and he will flee; we are admonished in James 4:7. The manifestation will surely follow your steadfast endurance and resistance to the powers of darkness, for the victory is won by faith! Edited. Shared.
May God grant you the understanding and grace to overcome in all things, walk pleasing in His sight, used by God to help others find freedom also.
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God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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