Deliverance Ministry - Casting Out Demons

This article will serve as a guide on how to minister in deliverance and self-deliverance. It is also a foundational teaching on deliverance ministry. It is important to be grounded in the scriptures so that we will have a greater revelation of Jesus and how He operated in casting out demons. Christ is the One that we must base our ministry model on and look to for the example. There are many deliverance ministries operating today that seem to be doing “whatever seems good in their own eyes.” We are to follow Jesus.

Evil Spirits

There were a few occasions in the Old Testament in which evil spirits tormented people. Demonic spirits came from Satan, but the Lord does use them for a purpose (just as He does with Satan). It’s important to understand how demons can be used as judgment if we really desire to know the truth:

“When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:” (Judges 9:22-23 KJV)

“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our Lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” (1 Samuel 16:14-16 KJV)

The Lord sent evil spirits as a form of judgment, and he also used them to cause prophets (who only wanted to prophesy their own will) to prophesy falsely (1 Kings 22:1-28). As the scriptures clearly state, the Lord has not changed. The Father will turn believers over to tormenting spirits if they hold unforgiveness in their hearts towards other believers:

“Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”” (Matthew 18:32-35 NKJV)

Unforgiveness and offense are two of the biggest doors that open a believer up to tormentors or torturers. However any sin can be a doorway to the demonic. There are consequences to willfully breaking God’s moral law, regardless of the false teachings that suggest otherwise. A ‘grace message’ that tells us we can continue practicing sin and keep getting God’s grace and mercy is a false grace message. It’s a doctrine of demons because demons know that if we believe it, then they will keep open doors to enter believers whenever they want.

Sin Opens Demonic Doors

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4 NKJV)

If we allow Jesus to live through us, we are walking by the Spirit. He loves through us and lives through us. Christ in us releases grace so that we don't sin against the morally righteous law. This is the New Covenant of grace. However, if we choose to live by our own self-life and fulfill the carnal desires of the flesh, we are walking in the flesh and will sin. When we break the law, it opens the door for demonic spirits. When we walk by the Spirit we don’t have any condemnation, but when we walk by our flesh we will have condemnation. The righteous requirement of the law is only fulfilled in us if we walk by the Spirit.

I have witnessed demons re-entering a believer after they were cast out because the believer engaged in a sinful activity again. The demons had to be cast out again so the person could be free. Once a believer asks for forgiveness for a sin and repents, evil spirits have no right to come back in the person. However, repentance must be maintained by walking according to the Spirit and not the flesh (this is the key to maintaining freedom after a believer has been delivered).

““When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”” (Matthew 12:43-45 NKJV)

The above scripture states that when an unclean spirit “goes out of a man,” not “is cast out” of a man. Believers must be forgiven of sins and repent of sins or demons can come and go as they please. Once those things have taken place a demon can be cast out and it does not have any legal right to reenter or bring others with it.

Christians - Children’s Bread

Some believers have argued that Christians cannot have demons because they have the Holy Spirit in them. I wish this were true, but unfortunately it is a false teaching that keeps believers bound by demonic influence. The Holy Spirit comes into our human spirit when we are born again. However, we still have a body and a soul. Demons can attach themselves to our souls (mind, will, and emotions). This is why believers struggle with fear, anxiety, depression, lust, etc. The Bible tells Christians that they need to cleanse their bodies:

“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said: “I will dwell among them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord, “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor], And I will be a Father to you, And you will be My sons and daughters,” Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18 AMP) 

“Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life—a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1 AMP)

Paul, speaking to believers, says we must cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates our bodies. Sin, false doctrine, and demonic spirits are some things that contaminate our bodies (our temples of the Holy Spirit).

Receiving A Different Spirit

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (II Corinthians 11:3-4 NKJV)

The scriptures also make clear that we can receive a different spirit than the Holy Spirit if we open ourselves up to sin, a different gospel, a different Jesus, false doctrine, or demonic impartation. When you receive something false, it goes into your body or soul and brings corruption.

The Children’s Bread

“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV)

Healing and deliverance are referred to as the children’s bread because those blessings are for the children of God. Deliverance is not for the unsaved because demons could simply come right back into a person. Sins must be forgiven to prevent demons from re-entering and sins cannot be forgiven unless someone is born again by the Spirit by believing in Jesus.

Many believers are not told about healing and deliverance when they get born again. They are only told about salvation. Therefore many believers remain sick in their bodies and bound in sin because of demonic spirits. Think about why so many Christians struggle with things such as sexual sin, lust, cursing, fear, worry, anxiety, depression, disappointment, and discouragement (to name a few). Most of our issues or sin cycles have a demonic source that keep us bound. Once a believer receives deliverance, sin or oppression is much easier to overcome as we yield to the Holy Spirit. Demons want believers to think that they cannot have demons so they can keep believers bound in sin.

Curse of the Law

Some believers use the following scripture to argue that once we are born again, we are instantly set free from demonic spirits:

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV)

I would agree that what Christ did gives us the right to be set free from all demonic bondage. However most believers are not instantly set free when they are saved. The Lord can instantly deliver a believer the moment they come to Christ if He chooses to, but most often we have to seek healing and deliverance after we are saved.

An action was required for us to be saved. We had to believe in Jesus by faith and ask for His forgiveness for our sins (which is grace). The same is true for healing and deliverance. Jesus died for the sins of the world, but only those who personally come to Him will be forgiven and saved. Many people in the world will never call on Jesus for salvation. The same is true for healing and deliverance. Jesus paid for our healing and deliverance but we must believe it and contend for it:

“Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. [Matt. 8:17.] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” (Isaiah 53:4-5 AMPC)

Breaking Curses

Galatians 3:13-14 and Isaiah 53:4-5 reveal Christ’s authority in us to break generational curses (the curse of the law) off of our bloodline after we have received forgiveness of sins and repented for our sins. Curses can be broken by simple prayers of faith by the authority of Jesus in us. For example, a person can pray, "Father, forgive me and my ancestors for any sin committed that would have brought the curse of adultery and divorce on my bloodline. In the name of Jesus Christ, I break that generational curse off of my bloodline."

Oftentimes when you break a curse, you will feel something lift off of you, or you may experience a demon come out through your throat and mouth. Curses empower demons to take up residence in your body. Once a curse is broken, they do not have a right to stay. Someone can have salvation in Christ and still have a curse on them that empowers demonic activity. This is demonstrated in the manifestation of generational problems, diseases, and sins within Christian families. Here is the scripture that refers to generational curses:

““You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6 NKJV)

In 2015, I was traveling in Brazil and ministering with a team of believers. I was praying for a man who had been in chronic pain for two years from a motorcycle accident. I commanded his body to be healed and nothing happened. Suddenly, I found myself breaking a generational curse over him that was preventing him from being healed. I commanded his body to be healed and instantly he was 95 percent better. He couldn’t believe it. The Lord was teaching me that sometimes curses hinder someone from receiving healing.

Strongman Demons

“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matthew 12:28-30 NKJV)

Some demonic spirits are stronger than others. Jesus referred to these as “strongmen.” When conducting deliverance we should follow Jesus’ counsel and bind the strongman spirit first. Many times there is a strongman spirit who is a ruler over lesser demons. For example, a person could have one strongman spirit of pride ruling over four weaker spirits of pride. This is true with most other classifications of demons in people. I know this from experience and not just theory or books.

Deliverance Anointing

“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:23 KJV)

The Holy Spirit can minister in a “deliverance anointing.” When He is working in this way, demons will begin to manifest when they come in close proximity to a minister. This was evident in the ministry of Jesus:

“Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”” (Mark 1:23-27 NKJV)

Allowing Demons to Speak

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. (Mark 1:32-34 NKJV)

Most of the time, Jesus did not allow demons to speak. This should be our example. Jesus would command the demons to be silent. Jesus didn’t need to know ‘how the demon entered the person’ in order to cast it out. He didn’t need to know ‘the name’ of the demon to cast it out. Jesus didn’t need to know ‘the sin’ of the person in order to cast it out. Jesus simply cast the demon out.

Our model for deliverance ministry should be like Jesus Christ. There are a number of ministers in our day who are making big spectacles of people and demons publicly. Obviously Jesus conducted a public deliverance ministry and there is nothing wrong with doing so. However, we should not be ‘putting on a show’ with demons speaking through believers. This may look good on social media and help attract large followings, but it is not the love of God.

The love of the Father does not want believers to be embarrassed because a demon is speaking through them and sharing a lot of private information. Love is doing to others as you would want others to do to you. Would the ministers who are allowing this with the Lord’s precious people want this done to them? Would these deliverance ministers want to have a demon speak through them and say embarrassing information about the person while everything is being recorded so it can be uploaded to social media? Love considers the feelings and wellbeing of others.

I know from experience that general prayers are effective. For example, if a demonic spirit is manifesting and you don’t know what spirit it is or what sin allowed the demon access to the person, you can have the person ask forgiveness for whatever sin they committed that would have allowed this demon in. Then you break the power of the demon manifesting and command it to come out. You do not have to know the details or spend 10 minutes trying to get the demon to talk through the person with everyone watching.

Most of the time, Jesus simply casted the demons out without requiring the person to pray a prayer of forgiveness or repentance. Obviously we need to repent of sin and be forgiven so demons cannot reenter. However, sometimes believers are under such great bondage that they are not able to repent until after the demon is cast out. Jesus understood this and it was reflected in His ministry.

Manifestations in Deliverance

We must look to Jesus as the example in the ministry of deliverance. What type of manifestations occurred when He encountered people with demons? Did demons scream, and if so, how did they scream? What did Jesus allow demons to do and not do? We do not base deliverance ministries off of any other person or method than Jesus.

“There was a man in the synagogue who was possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud and terrible voice, “Let us alone! What business do we have [in common] with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent (muzzled, gagged) and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown the man down among them, he came out of him without injuring him in any way. They were all astonished and in awe, and began saying to one another, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out!”” (Luke 4:33-36 AMP)

Jesus commanded the demonic spirit to be silent. Some deliverance ministers have departed from this example. They allow demons to talk extensively which, according to Jesus’ demonstration, is unnecessary (with the exception of one occasion for a brief moment). Jesus didn’t need to know anything from the demon in the above passage. He simply commanded it to be silent and cast it out.

Obviously there is nothing wrong with doing public deliverances, but Jesus didn’t turn it into a ‘big show’ or spectacle. He didn’t turn it into the ‘demon show’. God gets glory and the Kingdom comes when demons come out of people and people are set free from bondage. However, Jesus demonstrates to His disciples that we do not allow the demon to take control of the ministry time and make a spectacle.

“They brought the boy to Him. When the [demonic] spirit saw Him, immediately it threw the boy into a convulsion, and falling to the ground he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth.

When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering [around them], He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!” After screaming out and throwing him into a terrible convulsion, it came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse [so still and pale] that many [of the spectators] said, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he stood up.” (Mark 9:20, 25-27 AMP)

We can see in the above scriptures that demons can scream or yell when they come out. Demons can also bring a person’s body into convulsions when they leave (depending on their strength). Different demons have different levels of strength or power. Most of the demons that I have personally cast out, came out in a ‘gurgling’ sound (with extended exhales) from the person as those spirits left through the throat and mouth area.

Jesus demonstrates that His disciples or deliverance ministers should use Christ’s authority and keep everything under control while setting people free. We have established that a demon can convulse a person and scream a little bit when it comes out. However, there should not be an abnormal amount of screaming and shaking that goes on for extended periods of time creating a ‘demonic circus’.

Some manifestations that are occurring in deliverance ministries are actually just people shaking and screaming under demonic torment of witchcraft. Sometimes we only see manifestations and not true deliverance. When Jesus sets someone free, they get free. However I have seen videos in which people are screaming in torment for 10-30 minutes while the deliverance minister is praying for others. This is not the will and love of God. The love of God doesn’t allow people to scream under torment and witchcraft, while it allows a demon to put on an extended show through a different person.

Legion - The Bottomless Pit

“Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.” (Luke 8:26-37 NKJV)

Demons are afraid of going to the bottomless pit (abyss) before their time of judgment. Some ministers tell demons to “go back to the pit where they came from.” Demons have never been confined to the abyss and will not be until their judgment at the end of this age, when Christ returns. We do not have authority to execute judgment on demons and send them to the place of torment before their proper time of judgment. Jesus did not send these demons to the abyss but rather allowed them to enter some animals (which demonstrates a side point that animals can have demons in them and be influenced by demons).

I have found that the threat of sending demons to the bottomless pit is a good way to get demons to come out of a person more quickly. They do not want to go there ahead of their appointed time of judgment and would rather come out of a person than face even the slightest possibility of being sent to the abyss. Realistically, the scriptures show us that the bottomless pit is now locked and will not be opened until the fifth angel blows his trumpet (Revelation 9:1-3). The bottomless pit is a spiritual place and no spirits can get in or out of it since the door is currently locked. So it may sound good when deliverance ministers command demons to go there, but really it’s just the traditions of men. Jesus did not do it.

Satan Can’t Cast Out Satan

“But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25-26 NKJV)

Demons cannot cast out other demons. However, false ministers could potentially make it appear like demons are being cast out when, in reality, demons are simply manifesting and then faking it. Satan is a master at deception and we should be aware that his ministers are as well. Demons love to work with one another to pretend and ‘fake out’ Christians. Thus we need to exercise discernment in these last days.

False ministers or ministers of mixture can actually cast demons out of some people in the name of Jesus while imparting demonic spirits to others. The ministers themselves have demons in them or can be operating in a demonic anointing, so when they lay hands on someone a demonic impartation is released. These are ministers like Judas. They are ministering in healing and deliverance but are worshipping an idol in their hearts (fame, glory, money, recognition, ministry). These ministers will deceive many, as Jesus mentions multiple times in Matthew 24. They will also receive a terrifying rebuke from Jesus on the day of judgment:

““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 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?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV)

Following Jesus

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matthew 12:30 NKJV)

The above verse was spoken by Jesus in the context of casting out demons. Leaders and believers who don’t want to address demons are not with Jesus. If they are not with Him, then they are against Him on this issue and in ministry. Those who don’t gather around Jesus in regard to casting out demons will be scattered by the enemy. We have to be with Jesus and gather with Him if we are going to partake of His grace to overcome this world.

Demons that Cause Infirmities 

Here are some verses in scripture that show demons are the cause of many different sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities. Sometimes we cannot receive healing until the demonic source of our infirmity is removed. Then we can partake of healing from the Lord:

“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”” (Mark 9:25-29 NKJV) 

“Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.” (Luke 13:10-13 NKJV)

“Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”” (Matthew 12:22-23 NKJV)

Sins of Physical and Spiritual Death (1 John 5:16-17)

Certain sins open us up to spirits of infirmity which cause the destruction of our fleshly bodies. Sins of death open believers up to spirits of death that will kill the physical body.

“The man who lies [intimately] with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall most certainly be put to death; their blood is on them.” (Leviticus 20:11 AMP)

The New Testament bears witness to the old. Under the law, the above sexual sin was judged by the Lord to be worthy of death. Under grace, the same unrepentant sexual sin is judged by the Holy Spirit to be worthy of eternal spiritual death in Hell:

“It is actually reported [everywhere] that there is sexual immorality among you, a kind of immorality that is condemned even among the [unbelieving] Gentiles: that someone has [an intimate relationship with] his father’s wife.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to hand over this man to Satan for the destruction of his body, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:1, 4-5 AMP)

As we see in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit tells the church to remove the unrepentant believer from fellowshipping with the church, which will open the man’s body up to physical attacks of sickness from Satan. The man’s flesh or natural health will decline until he repents of his sins. Once the man repents of his sins, his spirit will then again be saved. This scripture clearly indicates that the believer lost his salvation through his dark and evil lifestyle of sexual sin.

This above scripture paints a very different narrative about God, eternal salvation, and judgment than many common teachings and doctrines do. We are saved by faith in Jesus and by His grace, but then we have to allow Jesus to live through us and produce good fruit (the character, nature, and self-control of Christ). Jesus living through us fulfills God’s perfect moral law, which is truly what “grace” is. Those who continue in certain unrepentant sins worthy of spiritual death will not have their spirits saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. The Lord sometimes allows judgment to come upon believers (bodies being destroyed) to bring them to repentance and eternal life.

If we have committed sins that allow access to a spirit of death, we must repent as soon as possible. Then we need to be delivered from the spirit of death that entered during our sin. If the spirit of death is left unchecked, then it can kill us before the proper time assigned by the Lord. Cancer can be caused by a spirit of death, for example. Cancer can also be from a spirit of cancer as well. 

Freely Receiving, Freely Giving

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:1, 6-8 NKJV)

When Jesus gives power and authority to heal the sick and cast out demons, we must be extremely careful not to prostitute the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We cannot use power to exalt our ministries and make a name for ourselves. Neither can we charge money for the Gospel, healing, or for deliverance. Charging money for what God says must be free is an abomination to the Lord. It will open a doorway for demonic activity.

I have heard a female deliverance minister from California teach that sometimes people need to give money in order to receive deliverance. She also taught that sometimes people need to give in order “to seal” their deliverance so that demons can’t come back. This is directly defying the commands of Jesus Christ. This type of evil activity is anti-Christ because it is the opposite of Jesus’ clearly communicated will. Once the minister teaches the opposite of Christ, they open themselves up to demonic operations and antichrist spirits. Jesus was our sacrifice and paid the price for our salvation, healing, and deliverance. To teach that we must give money (in addition to Christ’s sacrifice) is blasphemous.

Discipleship is the Key to Authority 

The Lord taught me early on in my walk with Him that power and authority to heal the sick and cast out demons are only given to His disciples. Many Christians think that because they have read words from the Bible, they can then do what they read. They call this faith, but it is actually a presumption. Moses parted the Red Sea in the Scriptures, so does that mean we can part a sea if we choose to? Peter walked on water, so does that mean you can go to the nearest body of water and walk on it simply because you read about it in the Bible? We cannot ‘name and claim’ whatever we want in the scriptures.

Peter could not minister in miracles because he read about Elisha doing miracles. Peter could only do miracles when Jesus gave him the power to do so. The same is true for us. Only when we personally receive power and authority from the Lord can we function in healing and deliverance with regular success. Most of the people in Israel were not ministering in healing and deliverance during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Only Jesus’ disciples were functioning in power because Jesus only gives that grace to His disciples.

You do not get power and authority from seminary, the supernatural ministry schools, or the prophetic schools. You get power and authority if you choose to pick up your cross of suffering and follow Jesus as a disciple. The Charismatic Church has preached an expensive way to receive power and authority. “Come and pay for our schools and training,” they say. But the “training and equipping” from the church can’t give you the power of God. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can fashion you into who you must be in order to receive God’s real power and authority. There are not any shortcuts. When they were ready, Jesus fully commissioned His first eleven disciples:

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And 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 28:16-20 NKJV)

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” (Mark 16:15-18, 20 NKJV)

The Lord is releasing His messengers of hope in our generation. The Lord is looking for more disciples to seek Him and fully walk with Him. He wants to give power and authority to His disciples so that they can set the captives free. The Lord has heard the cries of His people in bondage and wants to send deliverers as an answer to those cries. He knows that many believers will become His disciples if they are set free from demonic bondage. May we be the ones to answer the call of the Lord and become His disciples. The lives of many people may depend on us being who the Lord has called us to be.

-Ty Unruh (October 2023)

List of Demons for Deliverance