Christians frequently suffer from long-term crises which pass unhindered from one generation to the next. These include such problems as explosive anger, depression, disease, alcoholism, lying, domination, manipulation, and numerous other destructive habits. Few realize these are not unavoidable ancestral "traits" or that they can be stopped. Since demons and curses are spiritual in nature they can only be corrected by spiritual means. Medical, psychiatric, or other forms of therapy, excellent as they are, may relieve symptom but not touch sources of spiritually-based problems. Such depths can be penetrated solely by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Years ago, a Christian psycho-therapist who understood only the psychological nature of such problems sat in my office and said, "I have often wished I could reach inside my patients and pull out the offender." I looked him straight in the eye and said, "You can."
The foremost question regarding Deliverance Ministry is this one: Did Jesus intend that the modern church continue His work of casting out demons? The answer is found in numerous Scriptures--but one in the Great Commission is primary. Read it carefully:
“Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Jesus clearly expected believers “to the end of the age” to be taught “all things,” maintain the same disciplines, and do the same works, He gave to His original followers. There is no way to avoid the clarity and directness with which He spoke: “Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Language cannot be more explicit. Yes. Jesus intended that the modern church do the same works as the ancient church. This includes exercising authority over demons and driving them out. To refuse obedience to Christ on this point is as inexcusable as disobeying Him on any other.
