In one of today’s headlines, another New-Ager comes to Christ. I watch CBN for the news only. When it comes to their doctrine and their promoting of ‘The Chosen,’ it is something a believer should be very wary of. It is always joyful news to hear of one encounter the saving power of faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 15:7,10). We can listen to people’s testimonies at face value and some God truly uses to lead people to salvation. However, we cannot completely be naive and overlook the proliferation of counterfeits.
Deliverance ministers are popping up out of the blue without these new converts being accountable to elders who could point them to sound biblical doctrine. Genuine new believers truly have the desire to pass on what Jesus has done for them, but since they are not deeply rooted in the faith yet, they can easily be vessels of promoting heretical teachings. It would be something to truly remember that a person simply deciding to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is enough to be delivered.
“And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’”
Acts 2:21 NKJV
“ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
John 8:36 NKJV
What about demonic oppression?
The apostle Paul was oppressed by a messenger of Satan, so yes, oppression can happen to genuine believers, NOT possession. Every demonic possession in Scripture always pointed to unbelievers (Matthew 12:43-45).
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NKJV
verse 8 | Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me – As we can see, Paul simply prayed to the Lord to help him deal with his demonic oppression.
There would be no need in the church for “Deliverance” ministers. These people claim to be delivered by believing in Jesus Christ and those seeking for deliverance ought to call out only to Jesus Christ. If you hear someone make claims that a Holy Spirit-filled believer can be possessed, you need to avoid such false teachers. There has been a lot of spiritual warfare going on since the dawn of time, but as we are living in the end times, it will only get worse as time progresses.
“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:13-17 NKJV
If these Deliverance ministers peddle false doctrine to do their “good work,” they could well end up being the ones hearing Jesus tell them to depart from Him.
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV