A Biblical approach to
the ministry of deliverance
Jesus referred to deliverance as children's bread
and said it was not fit to cast before dogs
(those outside of covenant with God)
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Deliverance is meant for God's children
In Isaiah 53:5, we find some things being prophesied that Jesus would fulfill in the atonement:
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
Now was this work done for the non-believing, or the believers? I believe it is obvious that Jesus' work here was done for those who believe upon Him. After all, this same verse is speaking of the forgiveness of sins, which is clearly not for the non-believing.
Now let's turn forward to Matthew 8:16-17, where we find Jesus demonstrating the fulfillment of this prophecy:
"When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."
Notice that two things are mentioned here. The first is the casting out of demons, and the second was the healing of physical sickness. According to these verses in Matthew, the first one is clearly pointing back to Isaiah 53:5, where He took our iniquities. This was something that Jesus took upon Himself so that we could be freed from the grips of demonic spirits! Did Jesus take the infirmities of the non-believers? Or was this meant for those who believe?
Notice that the demons did not automatically leave, but they were driven or cast out of the people. Like healing, which is spoken of in both these passages, was not automatic manifested, nor is it in the lives of believers today. If believers today automatically received the benefits to those works that Jesus did for us, you would see people being completely healed the moment they accept Jesus.
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deliverance should be!
