The Occult

Before you start this session, I would encourage you print-out the Occult Checklist.

One of Satan’s favorite weapons against us is occult involvement.  Occult involvement occurs when an individual seeks to gain knowledge or power from a spiritual source other than God.  (“Occult” means to conceal, or cause to disappear from view, secret, mysterious, supernatural).  It is a combination of deception and rebellion.  The scripture (1 Sam 15:23) says rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.  Witchcraft can be defined as “demonically inspired manipulation and intimidation for the eventual purpose of control and domination”. The special danger of occult involvement is that it appeals to our spiritual hunger, which is our innate desire to find the Lord, and it diverts us from right relationship with Him into the occult underworld—which opens people to the demonic. 

Satan and his dark angels continually labor to rob the Lord of praise, worship, and devotion, and to usurp or seize these for themselves; they try to keep us from knowing and experiencing God by deceiving people and leading them into the kingdom of darkness.  But God desires “truth in the inward parts” (Ps. 51:6) and that we be set (made) free from all the dark influences within our lives. 

Though at times an individual’s pursuit into the occult is intentional, most often people become exposed to the occult unsuspectingly, such as when they innocently have their palm read, they visit a fortune teller, or they play with an Ouija board or a visit to a witchdoctor.  When an individual seeks understanding, guidance, truth, etc., but inquires through occult means—rather than those means designed by God, they are opening their “spiritual hedge of protection” to the dark side, allowing this act to create chains and bondage. 

The ensnared person then becomes dependent upon these dark angels, returning to them again and again for guidance, healing, power, and satisfaction of their personal desires.  By so doing, these unsuspecting individuals receive the illicit attention and worship they so strongly desire, although it isn’t from God.

The Bible (in a number of passages, such as in Deut. 18:10-12, Is. 47:11-15, Acts 8:18-20 and 2 Thes. 2:9-11) strictly forbids occult participation.  There are 110 scriptures about God’s curse placed upon those who practice occultism.   Occult practices use “the powers of darkness” rather than “the power of God” to accomplish the desired end.  

When we open ourselves up to occult practices, we become guilty of idolatry, and therefore violate the first Commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3).  Occult practices, whether participated in ignorantly or not, always have consequences.  There is no “safe dabbling.”  These are sins of a most serious nature. 

Peter Wagner and others have divided “spiritual warfare” into three separately-identified levels, as stated below:

    1. Ground or Personal Level: where the casting out of demons from an individual (commonly called deliverance) is practiced.  This procedure is more thoroughly covered in a separate section titled “Healing from Influences of Darkness.” 
    2. Occult Level: which deals with demonic activity occurring in objects, such as is practiced in Satanism, witchcraft, shamanism, curandero, and freemasonry (as discussed in several other sections within this material). 
    3. Territorial Level: spiritual warfare which deals with powerful principalities and powers over houses, neighborhoods, city, territories, regions, and nations (and is likewise further discussed in the section on “Setting Your Church Free”).   

Many believers who come for prayer and deliverance have “dabbled” with minor forms of the occult, such as fortune telling, Ouija boards, certain books and games, and the like.  Even these minor exposures will often allow a demon to inhabit the believer.  These exposures can prevent the Holy Spirit from communicating with the seeker for the healing they desire in other areas of need; they act as serious roadblocks and must, therefore, be dealt with early-on in the healing process. 

Those individuals whose exposure in the occult has run deeper and is more serious (such as regularly taking part in séances, making Satanic vows, being involved in witchcraft or Satan worship, etc.) will require more serious prayer and attention.  Addressing this expanded involvement is beyond the scope of these teaching materials.  In such cases an experienced intercessor or deliverance team is advisable. 

    1. The unwitting entrance into Satan’s Kingdom: by engagement in spiritualism or other occult practices (for example, using with an Ouija board or playing the game “Dungeons & Dragons”) without intending to contact Satan 
    2. Knowingly seeking spiritual power to harm or dominate someone: by such practices as casting spells (for example, going to a voodoo practitioner or witch, because you seek success or want to curse an enemy) 
    3. Becoming a channel or witch: allowing a spirit to take over part of your life (for example, through the practice of automatic writing)
    4. Commencing a knowing, direct relationship with Satan: by, for instance, making a pact with Satan 
    5. Becoming part of a coven, engaged in Satan worship: a coven is “an assembly or band of usually 13 witches” with the most severe levels of evil involving sexual orgies, torture, blood sacrifices (animal or human), and parodies (distortions) of Christian worship

Names of the occult spirits change as they graduate up the scale.  MacNutt suggests these highest levels of spirits are, for at least four reasons, especially hard to cast out. 

    1. They rule over entire families and clusters of spirits which they have brought with them.
    2. They have supernatural attributes (the demonic reverse of the “gifts of the Holy Spirit”), attributes such as knowledge (enabling them to read into your past or into your imagination) or communication (enabling them to influence another spirit inhabiting someone else for the purpose of making an eruption in another part of a meeting or church, thereby distracting you from your prayer and/or frightening bystanders).
    3. They have the capacity to draw power from other spirits which are higher than they are in their spiritual hierarchy.
    4. They are protected by a number of blocking spirits which surround them with a rebellious, lying defense system.

People get involved in the occult for a number of reasons, some of which are listed below: 

Prosperity                                              Prestige                                                Power and/or control

Knowledge                                             Pleasure                                               Desire for healing                     

Entertainment                                       Impatience (in waiting on God)

Noel & Phyl Gibson in their book’ “Freedom in Christ”, chapters 8 & 9 suggest that occult activities are progressive.  They feel many innocent people who “dabble” in occultism graduate on to witchcraft, then become Satan worshippers.  However the exposure or participation is categorized, it requires very serious deliverance. 

Why are occult activities so dangerous?

Exodus 20:3-8 contains a list of the 10 commandments.  I believe they are listed in order of importance.  Note the first three:

       v1  You shall have no other gods before (or beside) me.

       v2  You shall not make for yourself any idols in the form of anything in heaven or above or on the                 earth beneath or in the waters below.

       v3  You shall not bow down to them or worship them.

       To break these commandments gives full spiritual authority for Satan to dominate the person, as         well as placing them under God’s curse.

        v5 is of particular interest.  “for I the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the gathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me”.  This provides the basis for generational or heritage sin. 

Symptoms (Possibly Indicative of Influence from Occult Spirits) 

      1. Psychic abilities, clairvoyance, divination (the feeling of having special powers)
      2. Inward perception of a separate personality, name, or voice, that prompts undesirable thoughts or behaviors
      3. Fearful, repetitive night visitations by an evil presence, sometimes of a sexual nature.
      4. Separation of the mind from the body (spacing out, dizziness)
      5. Inability to focus on and retain Biblical truths
      6. Difficulty staying focused or participating in prayer (agitation, nausea, anger, rebellion)
      7. Uncontrolled thoughts or impressions (for example, sexual perversion, cursings, violence)
      8. Uncontrolled compulsive behaviors (sexual sin, anger, chemical indulgence)
      9. Preoccupation with thoughts of death, despair, hopelessness
      10. Uncontrollable and irrational or paralyzing fear
      11. Unusual, non-typical emotional expressions (laughter, sadness, crying, anger)
      12. Extreme nervousness (at the mention of the name of Jesus, while reading the scriptures or while in prayer)
      13. Can’t say or pray the name of Jesus
      14. Thoughts about committing suicide
      15. Headaches occurring for no known physical reason

Other Symptoms Which Indicate Serious Occult Influence Include: (identified from “Blinding the Evil Eye”, page 46 Ministering Freedom from Occult Bondage by Doris Wagner Editor  2004)

      1. Repetitions of raps and other sounds
      2. Movements of objects (tables, chairs, etc.) without contact or with insufficient contact to explain the movement
      3. Apports (the paranormal transference of an article from one place to another or the appearance of an article from an unknown source)
      4. Moulds (for example, impressions made upon paraffin or similar substances)
      5. Luminous appearances (For example, sometimes images come to people: vague glimmerings, light, or faces—more or less defined.  Some of the people may be already dead or be in some other geographical location.  The images are seen as glimpses—dim, not definite, but with enough of an image that they know who they represent.  The image may appear unclear, observed partly in a shadow or in poor lighting.) 
      6. Levitation (the raising of objects from off the ground by supernormal means)
      7. Materialization or the appearance of a spirit in visible human form
      8. Spirit-photography (where the feature or form of a deceased person appears on a plate along with the likeness of a living photographed subject)
      9. Table-rapping in answer to questions
      10. Automatic writing or slate-writing
      11. Trance-speaking
      12. Clairvoyance; descriptions of the spirit-world
      13. Communications from the dead

The Occult Trap by James S. Wallace (see reference material at the end of this section) has an excellent list of primary and secondary symptoms (pages 212-216). 

It is important—in the process of healing from the occult—to know exactly what the occult involvement was (the root of the problem) and when it first occurred, in order to confess, repent, and pray for the eviction of the specific intruders. 

As you read through the following list, ask the Holy Spirit to recall to your mind every occasion of involvement you have had.  Keep in mind that many of these activities are clearly occult but the occult nature of others may not be as evident.  Mark all items that apply, even if there is a question in your mind as to their having (or not having) an occult nature so that you are confident that you have renounced all possible occult or demonic influences in your life. 

Occult Checklist

(Check those in which you are or have been involved.)

 Soothsayers, Fortune Tellers (Deut. 18:9-16, Dan. 2:26-28, Is. 47:10-15):

      1. Had your fortune told by tea leaves, palm reading, crystal ball, etc.
      2. Read or followed horoscopes or had a chart made for yourself
      3. Been hypnotized or practiced self-hypnosis, Yoga, or Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Necromancy, Spiritualism (1 Sam. 28:7-11, Is. 8:19, Lev. 19:31 and 20:6):

      1. Attended a séance or spiritualist meeting
      2. Believed in reincarnation or had a reincarnation reading
      3. Played with an Ouija board, tarot cards, a crystal ball, or played the game “Dungeon & Dragons”
      4. Played games of an occult nature (using ESP, telepathy, hypnotism, etc.)
      5. Consulted a medium or a numerologist, had your handwriting analyzed, acted as a medium, or practiced channeling
      6. Sought healing through magic spells or charms, a Christian Scientist, a spiritualists, or a psychic healing, or had psychic surgery
      7. Practiced table lifting, levitation of objects, pendulum swinging, lifting bodies, automatic writing, or soul-travel
      8. Used a charm or any kind of protection or “good luck” piece, or been superstitious
      9. Practiced water-witching to find out where to dig a well
      10. Practiced Transcendental Meditation or Yoga or connected with its spiritualist attendant
      11. Sought or communicated with apparitions that were not of God or with persons who have died
      12. Worshipped in pagan shrines or temples

Possessed or read books on any of the following (Acts 19:19-20):

      1. Astrology, the interpretation of dreams, Christian Science, Unity, Scientology, or Science of the Mind
      2. Witchcraft, fortune telling, magic, ESP, psychic phenomena or possession
      3. Anything in your home given to you by someone in the occult or of an occult nature or items made in non-Christian countries (which might be idols)
      4. Followed the writings of Edgar Cayce, Jean Dixon, Shirley MacLaine, L. Ron Hubbard (Church of Scientology), or any other New Age author
      5. Interest shown in demonic types of movies, such as “The Exorcist,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Omen,” or been drawn to things like horror shows or scary movies
      6. Accepted the humanist theory, that man is self-sufficient, not needing God

Sorcery or Magic  (2 Kings 17:17 and 21:6, Is. 47:9, Mal. 3:5, Acts 8:11 and 13:4-12):

      1. Practiced mind-control over any person or animal, cast a magic spell, sought a psychic experience or contacted a psychic in person or through a psychic hotline

Devil Worship (2 Chr. 11:15, Ps. 106:37, 1 Cor. 10:20-22, Rev. 9:20-21):

      1. Made a pact with Satan or been involved in (or witnessed) Satan worship or Black Magic
      2. Attended the meeting of a coven
      3. Attended a Black Mass
      4. Made a promise, pact, or blood compact with Satan
      5. Have been (or are) a victim of Satanic ritual abuse

Witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:23 and 28:7, 2 Ki. 9:22, 1 Chr. 10:13, Is. 8:19, 19:3 and 29:4, Mic.   5:12, Gal. 5:19-20):

      1. Attended witchcraft or voodoo activities
      2. Visited or was taken to a witch doctor. (Africa)
      3. Participation in tribal ceremonies such as at birth, circumcision, weddings or calendar celebrations. (Africa)
      4. Using traditional medicines (Africa)
      5. Listened to hard rock or acid rock music with a Satanic influence, as in KISS, Black Sabbath, 9” Nails, etc.
      6. Visited or worshipped in a shrine or temple of a non-Judeo/Christian religion, or have in your possession any books, articles, or statutes from a non-Judeo/Christian religion
      7. Been involved in freemasonry, Eastern Star, DeMolay, or Rainbow Girls
      8. Wished somebody else was dead or wished you were dead
      9. Planned or attempted to take your own life
      10. Hoped someone else would die

Contact with Objects:

      1. Have you any object, image, charm, statue, bracelet, necklace, jewelry, or book(s) in your possession or in your home, that may bring an evil presence or influence with it; has someone involved in the occult given you any amulet or object?

Generational Bondage (Ex. 34:6-7, Num. 14:17-19, Deut. 5:8-10, Josh. 22:16-29, Ps. 33:11, Jer. 11:10-13, Acts 2:38-39):

      1. Have any of your ancestors been involved in witchcraft, pagan religions, or fortunetelling?
      2. Has anyone in your ancestry been a member of the Masons (see the section on “Healing from Freemasonry”)?

Personal Experience

I have found that occult spirits are most difficult to dislodge if the parents or ancestors have dedicated off spring to Satan, the person has made a contract with Satan, or is married to a deceased person.  It is extremely helpful if there is a member of the ministry team that has a high level of the discerning of spirits gift, who is able to discern the initial experience in the ancestry of the seeker, and the circumstances in which the spirit received authority to move in.  In some cases, it is necessary to gather a number of experienced ministers together who have a high level of spiritual power. 

The greater the dark influence available at the time of entry, the greater the spiritual power needed to remove it.  In some cases it is necessary to mentally visualize the perpetrator and the initial experience, and pray against the perpetrator until he/she turns white, usually beginning at the head and eventually out the feet.  Then the influence is broken for good.

Release from Occult Influences

          First, destroy all books, jewelry, statues, objects, and paraphernalia associated with any cult, occult, or false religion source (see additional section on “Healing Objects and Places”). I recommend burning them so no one else will read them.

Pray the following prayer aloud, specifically against each separate type of occult activity: 

Lord Jesus, I recognize and confess (ex: witchcraft) as a sin in my life.  I am deeply sorry for this sin and I repent of it.  Please forgive me. 

I renounce Satan in this area in all his ways; I take back any spiritual territory I have given him and I now give it to God.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

After confessing and repenting of these sins, pray the following prayer aloud just once:

            In the name of the Lord Jesus, I repeat my baptismal vows and commit my life to Jesus.  Lord, I claim and thank you for all of the blessings made available to me because of your death on the cross. 

Lord, you gave us power over the adversary.  I therefore release myself and my family from any hold which any of these occult activities have, or have had, on our lives. 

I cancel any curse against me or against any member of my family.  And I claim the protection of the blood of Jesus over my mind, body, and spirit.  I close the door on you Satan, never to be opened again.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Sexual Immorality, Soul Ties

Sexual Sin

In the beginning God created Adam and Eve and intended they be joined as husband and wife.  “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; see also Mark 10:2-12).  Becoming one speaks of an inseparable union, spiritually and physically.  What was joined on earth (through sexual union) would be joined spiritually in heaven. 

God intended that there never be sexual relationships outside of marriage, and that the first marriage would be the only marriage.  Paul presses further, teaching us that God’s intentions for the relationship between husband and wife can be used as a picture of God’s intention for the relationship between Jesus and His church (Eph. 5:23).  But God also gave them (and us) free will.  Then Satan, the father of lies whose agenda is to distort and destroy, entered the picture, and he has been working continuously to twist the commands and will of God ever since that first, fateful sin-event in the Garden of Eden. 

Unfortunately there is as much sexual sin displayed within the body of Christ as is displayed outside of it.  For many, the Bible’s teachings are considered irrelevant or they are dismissed as out-of-date.  Today’s primary concern has been for the physical dangers of unprotected sex, rather than for the more significant spiritual dangers—of which we are unknowingly being blinded.

Consider the following scriptures on this subject: 

    1. Exodus 20:14 asserts, “You shall not commit adultery” (included earlier, in vs. 5, are the “iniquities of the fathers” that will be visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generations).
    2. Proverbs 6:32 exposes that whoever commits adultery “destroyeth his own soul.”
    3. Malachi 2:13-16 infers the Lord made them one in flesh and spirit (vs. 15).
    4. Matthew 5:32 implies that whoever is divorced and remarries, commits adultery (see also Mat. 19:9).
    5. 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19 confirm:  our body is the temple of God.  Immorality defiles God’s temple. 
    6. 1 Corinthians 5:1-6, where Paul speaks of immorality within the Church.
    7. 1 Corinthians 6:16-20 illustrates that sexual sins are spoken of in a separate category: “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body.  The two will become one flesh.”  Sexual sins cause a person to sin against his or her own body.
    8. I Corinthians 7:15 a cause for divorce.
    9. Galatians 5:21 reads, “… those that practice such things (sexual sins) shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
    10. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 advises us to “flee fornication”—it is a sin against our own body.
    11. Gal 6:8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption.”
    12. In at least two scriptures in the bible, sexual sins are listed first among reasons the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (I Cor 6:9-11, & Gal 5:19)
    13. Every perversion including divorce, adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality, prostitution, bestiality and incest are thoroughly and repeatedly condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. (See Lev 18:22-24, 20:10-21, I Cor 6:9, Rom 1:24-32, 13:13; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5;  1 Tim 1:10; Rev 21:8;  22:15.

Within no less than 55 passages, the New Testament denounces “porneia,” the Greek word for “sexual immorality.”  Sexual immorality is specifically applied to premarital sex in Paul’s admonition to unmarried Christians (1 Cor. 7:9).  There is no question as to whether or not God takes sexual sins very seriously.  Sexual sins are the third most-hated sins, after (1) “thou shalt have none other gods before me” (Deut. 5:7) and (2) murder (Deut. 5:17).  Be aware that these sins open up a very large hole in our spiritual hedge (reference to this teaching can be found on page 2 in the section titled, “Healing of the Spirit — Introduction”).  Consider also the 25 consequences of committing adultery (see Prov. 5:4-2, 6:20-25 and 16-22; 2 Sam. 10:12, 11:4-7, 12:1-7 and 13-14).

According to Jeremiah 3, God calls joining with or the worshiping of idols of any kind, a “joining” to another God.  He calls this behavior spiritual adultery.  In defining physical adultery as “all wrongful joining together—whether before or after marriage and as in same sex (homosexual) relationships or in relationships with animals,” the seventh commandment (Ex. 20:14) this has a much broader meaning than just that committed as “heterosexual sin by married people.” 

Through sexual union, there is a joining of spirit, soul, and body.  After intercourse, the bodies may separate but the souls and spirits are still joined together.  Something of the man becomes part of the woman, and something of the woman becomes part of the man.  The union creates a spiritual and a physical “soul tie” between the two partners.  This is as it was intended by God for the first union and marriage between a man and women.  Regrettably, when individuals have sex with those who are not their “first and only husband or wife,” the spirituality of “one flesh” becomes confused, and God’s perfect plan for us is thwarted, even as His plan for Adam and Eve was thwarted.  What is bound on earth is bound in heaven.  (Matt 16:19,  18:18)

When we join sexually with another person, we join or become connected to that person emotionally and spiritually.  Sexual union between a husband and wife (as defined in Gen. 2:24) allows the sharing of love and all other good gifts between them.  Sexual union outside of God’s design for marriage (Gen. 2:24) allows the receiving of all the corrupt things from this sexual partner (such as spirits of darkness, predispositions to addictions, all of the iniquities for which he or she may be the recipient—because of the sins of his or her ancestors that have been passed down through generational curses, as decreed in Ex. 20:5) and the additional results or consequences of sins this partner may have committed (such as dabbling in the occult). 

Through sexual union, we have become one with their spirit.  Not only are we connected with everyone with whom we have had a sexual relationship, we are additionally connected in chain-like fashion with everyone with whom they have had a sexual relationship.  Sex outside of marriage is a degradation of God’s creation and an insult to Him, of rebellion and foolishness.  Sexual sins allow any darkness or demons present in one partner to pass to the other partner.  Not only that, but it allows a partner to be exposed to every dark spirit from any of the previous partners either have had.  It spreads darkness like HIV. 

Some people feel helpless to be freed.  But now that you belong to Christ, no other power can force you to do anything unless you give it ground to do so through (1) disobedience (see John 14:30;  1 John 2:10), (2)  a love for sin (see Ps 52:3;  2 Thess 2:12;  Jam 4:4;  I John 2:15), (3) a self-righteous attempt to make yourself holy, (4) or a lack of desire to be free (See Rev. 3:15;16).   Even after forgiveness has been asked of god, and the sin placed under the blood of Jesus, there can still be a residue sense of shame.  Forgiveness of sin and cleansing of sin are two different things.

Soul Bondage and/or Ties

Soul bondage or soul ties result from any joining together.  Soul bondage or soul ties are the cleaving together of bodies, spirits, or souls in a relationship whereby two souls are joined or knitted together and become as one.  The term soul tie is not found in Scripture, but the concept is, particularly in the use of words knit and cleave. A soul tie can occur spiritually, emotionally, or physically.  Note that there are good (holy, God-empowered) soul ties such as Jonathan with King David (I Sam 18:1) as well as evil (unholy) soul ties such as when Shechem raped Dinah (Gen 34:1-3). The KJV says “His soul clave unto Dinah”. 

God-Empowered Ties

Ties that are God-empowered and blessed include those that are just and healthy within the “husband and wife” relationship in marriage, the parent and child relationship, sibling relationships, and other extended relative relationships (Gen. 2:24, Mat. 19:4-9, etc.).   When these soul ties are disrupted by death, divorce, or adultery, wounding can be severe.   

Unholy Satan-Empowered Ties

Unholy ties created by immoral sexual activities (and by dark vows, covenants, curses, oaths, and organizational secret oaths) are Satan-empowered and are an abomination to God.  Sexual sins produce unholy spiritual and physical soul ties that must be broken before healing can occur and the captives be set free. 

Non-Sexual Bonding Ties

Non-sexual bonding ties develop when one person dominates another in a manner not designed of God.  Sometimes unhealthy non-sexual soul ties are developed with parents, mentors or friends—those whom we strongly admire or with whom we have a close or intimate relationship.  Often these are evident in co-dependent relationships. 

Spiritual Adultery

Spiritual adultery takes place

(1) when a marriage partner gives to someone else what belongs only to their mate (for instance, giving personal and intimate communications from the heart or sharing deep fellowship with another),

(2) when a marriage partner’s heart has not yet learned to embrace it’s only source of manhood or womanhood in their marital companion,

(3) when flirting with or passionately kissing someone who is not your mate, or

(4) when sharing innermost feelings with another (who is not a counselor). 

Consequences of Sexual Sin Summarized

 Sexual sin blocks the love of God that flows between husband and wife in the true and holy expression of our sexual nature.

    1. Immorality is destructive and will eventually demand a price (the law of sowing and reaping applies here).
    2. Sexual sin produces sexual additions, prostitution, adultery, sexual abuse, incest, homosexuality, Sadomasochism, shame, guilt, and a lack of self-worth.
    3. Immorality and the Holy Spirit cannot abide together; if immorality continues, the Holy Spirit will leave.
    4. In ungodly sex, something of each partner is given away to the other and becomes part of them (See the example in 1 Cor. 6:16, where Paul talks of those who “join” together with a prostitute as “becoming one flesh.”).
    5. Sexual sin becomes a chain of bondage through which people are unknowingly influenced by the life and personality of those to whom they have been sexually joined.
    6. Ungodly soul ties provide opportunities for all of the following to be transferred (for the demonic to transfer from one person to another—both at the time of sexual intercourse and at any time subsequent): spirits of darkness, predispositions to addictions, all of the iniquities for which he or she may be the recipient through the sins of his or her ancestors as passed down through generational curses (Ex. 20:5), and the results or consequences of the sins the partner may have committed, such as involvement in the occult. 
    7. Those with many sexual partners begin to lose their own identity. They begin not to know who they really are. 
    8. Consider the 25 consequences of adultery noted in the following scriptures. (Prov. 1:8-20, 5:1-12 and 6:20-35, 7:1-27,  2 Sam 11:4-7, 12:1-14).
    9. God hates immorality. It is the third worst sin after idolatry and murder.

Healing Grace

The Good News is that God in heaven sent his Son Jesus to die for us on the cross that we might be forgiven of every sin, sexual and otherwise, washed clean by the blood of Jesus, and renewed in relationship with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord forgave King David, the woman at the well, and the woman caught in adultery. (2 Sam. 12:13, John 4:7-19, John 8:11).  He will forgive and release you also.

You may have already confessed your sexual sins to God when you were “born again” and been forgiven.  However, that does not necessarily also allow you to escape the consequences of your sin.  (For example, if you have an abortion, Will God will forgive your sin of murder?  Yes; He did that on the Cross; but will He immediately remove the consequences of that sin and return the fetus to life?  No.  The sin is on the head of the mother but the result or consequences of that sin is borne by the aborted fetus.  Christians can be totally repentant and still unknowingly be under the influence of darkness in parts of their spirit as a result of previous sin.) 

Until the open doors are closed and the legal rights which have been opened to darkness renounced and given to God, the adversary can still use these past sins against you, even though you are forgiven. 

Prayers for sexual sins, soul ties, and cleansing are identified below.   

Prayer for Sexual Sins

The prayer for release from sexual sins and bondage (or soul ties) should cover the following areas:  

    1. Pray for forgiveness.
    2. Pray for release and loosing.
    3. Pray to break the power of inherited lust; pray to forgive the one who introduced the problem into the family line.
    4. Pray for breaking of all soul ties between the seeker and every other partner or previous husband to which they are no longer married.

                  4a. Pray that the sword of the Spirit will separate each partner and break every                          soul tie. 

                 4b. Place the cross of Jesus between each partner and cover them with the                                blood of Jesus. 

                4c. “Loose” each partner from these unholy unions. 

               4d. In the name of Jesus, declare the spirits of the persons involved in                                         immorality to be separated. 

              4e. Take authority (in Jesus’ name), breaking any satanic power that exists in the                       person’s life as a result of illicit sex, non-sexual bondage, or spiritual adultery.

             4f.  If they are currently married to a “born again” spouse, pray that God will                                  recognize the current union as the “twain shall be one flesh” mentioned in                              Gen 2:24 and Mark 10:2-12).

    1. Pray for cleansing of body, soul, and spirit.

             5a. Pray to cleanse the person’s mind of pornographic images, ungodly sexual                           experiences and all sinful thoughts, words, deeds and acts. 

             5b. Pray to cleanse the eyes that have looked upon what they should not have                             seen. 

            5c. Pray to cleanse the ears from whatever they have heard that is unholy. 

            5d. Pray to cleanse the mouth, skin, hands, and sexual organs from what they have                    touched. 

    1. Pray against any spirits of immorality, pornography, and unusual sexual practices, particularly if the seeker has had an experience with a prostitute or with an animal.
    2. Pray the seeker is released from all iniquities and from the consequences of these sins.
    3. Pray the Lord heal all of these experiences so that Satan can no longer use them for evil purposes.
    4. Pray the seeker is healed of all guilt and shame.
    5. Pray for healing of all these sins and soul ties, that these be covered by the blood of Jesus.
    6. For single people, pray that all the “normal sexual emotions” be channeled into other acceptable and appropriate activities.
    7. Pray release from any immorality or polygamy of their forefathers.
    8. Renounce “Baal” (the god of sexual depravity) in the name of Jesus.

Sexual sin is an area in which it is most helpful to use an intercessor.  It is difficult for a seeker to pray for him-or-herself with complete success in this area.  The seeker needs first to confess the sins and to repent out loud naming the partner (or partners, if necessary, as the Lord directs). 

Again, the seeker should also repent from all illicit and unusual sexual practices and pornography, if applicable.  He or she needs to renounce the spirit of lust, lust of the eyes, and renounce Satan’s ground, previously given in all of these acts.  Most importantly, the seeker must be determined to live a chaste life in the future or to marry (1 Cor. 7:1-16). 

Because sexual sin causes the heart to be scattered, with a fragment given to each person he/she has relations with, it may be necessary for the seeker to repent of each instance of immoral conduct, naming names and breaking ties, and asking for his/her heart back that has been given to another and returning the part of each partner’s heart that was stolen. 

Previous sexual habits are difficult to break, particularly if the seeker is young and unmarried.  In every case, the seeker must be warned that Satan will sorely tempt them soon after their healing.

Prayer for Loosing and Release – Intercessor to pray

In the name of Jesus, I direct your spirit to forget these unions.  In the name of Jesus you are loosed from that person (or these persons).  I declare your spirit to be separated from each of these partners, and I place the cross of Jesus between you and each unholy union.  I cover you with the blood of Jesus as a protective shield from any and all detrimental influences to which you may have been exposed through sexual union with this (or these) partner(s). 

In the name of Jesus and according to Chapter six of the book of Ephesians, I take the sword of the Spirit and I cut every soul tie between you and any partner you have every been intimate with. 

I set your spirit free to cleave only to your own spouse.  I loose you in Jesus’ name, grateful for God’s word that proclaims, “…whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mat. 16:19).  (Continue with the prayer for cleansing, which follows.) 

The petitioner should pray the following:

In the name of Jesus, I renounce all sexual and spiritual bondage to (name of the person ) and to the authority I have given him (or her) by submitting myself to him (or her) and offering him (or her) my body.  I cut every soul tie with (person’s) name, and renounce every dark spirit that may have come to me through this union with him (or her).  AMEN

NOTE:  The person may need to pray this prayer for each one with whom they have had an immoral sexual union.  If there are many, or they are not able to remember their names, they can ask God to allow them to repeat this prayer for as many as they can remember and to put all the others into one “basket” and present them to the Lord as one.

In the authority of Jesus,  I plead the blood of Jesus to stand between me and this person.  I separate the one flesh union, I send back to them everything I have taken from them when I became one flesh with them.  I call back to me everything I gave to them in this one flesh union.  I declare the blood of Jesus to be a wall of separation between us.  Thank you Jesus for restoring my soul.  AMEN

Prayer for Cleansing

In Song of Solomon 4:12-5:1 the term “garden” is a specific symbol for a woman’s sexuality.  The term ruined gardens” implies sexual brokenness. Many times the seeker will feel dirty, unclean, or sexually broken, and need to be restored to innocence by God, and be cleansed in spirit and body.   This is a good opportunity for “behold and be held” prayer where we ask Jesus to come and take the seeker into His arms and make them clean and innocent again.  He many times will use the symbol of clean water being sprinkled upon them.

Lord, Jesus,  From both Ezekiel 36:25 (“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.”) and Acts 11:9 (“But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”) we trust you will cleanse and make new __________ (name of seeker); and through Hebrews 10:10 (“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”) we trust that through the offering once of the body of Jesus, she/he is sanctified.  I pray God pour His holy water over all that needs cleansing.  (Sometimes the Lord will give you a picture; pray over what you distinguish within the picture.)  

            Jesus, we ask you now to pour your streams of living water all over (name of seeker) and into every cell of his (her) being.  Let the water flow over every part of his (her) body, head, arms, private parts, legs, and feet.  

Thank you Lord that your living water is washing him (her) “white as snow,” (“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”—Is. 1:18) that every bit of defilement, shame, and guilt is being washed away. 

Thank you, Lord for making him (her) squeaky clean, inside and out.  Lord, you now see them as clean and white as the day you created them in heaven—you’ve given him (her) a new body in Jesus, perfectly clean and pure.  Thank you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Pornography

Pornography is derived from the Greek word “porne”, which can be translated as “female captives” or “prostitutes”.  Porneia is often translated as “fornication”, “whoredom” or “sexual immorality”. In the New Testament there are twenty-six references to porneia. 

Of these twenty-six, six occur in Paul’s letters to the Corinthian saints. The context of these letters is that believers are not to conform to the cultural norms that the church found itself confronted with.  .  “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Mat 5:28). 

I believe this scripture refers to women we look at online, in magazines, or in person.  Our bodies are not made for porneia (I Cor 6:13), we should run from it (I Cor 6:18), we should not seek it out ( I Cor 7:2) and we should repent if we fall prey to it  (2 Cor 12:21)

Unfortunately in the United States, the courts have determined that viewing pornography is one of our First Amendment rights of the Constitution.   With the advent of the Internet, pornography is pervasive in our society.  We can keep it a secret by viewing in our own homes with the blinds pulled.  People hide their porn habits and try to make sure that no one else finds out. Whatever is hidden is available to the devil to use against us.

A group called Promise Keepers was founded in 1990. The group held meetings of church men met in stadiums across the country.  Those attending were encouraged to commit to the 7 promises of the organization. In one of these meetings, the speaker asked the group of over 20,000 to raise their hands if they previously or currently had a problem with pornography.  Over 60% raised their hands. 

These were church men who attended church regularly and held positions as deacons and elders.    Out of this movement came some popular resources such as the video curriculum entitled Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation, as a part of “The Biblical Manhood” series for Promise Keepers developed by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson.

The problem is not isolated to a few “deviates” isolated from church. It is within the church as much as without.

Pornography dishonors the image of God in an individual by treating him or her as a sexual object to be consumed.  Pornography takes human sexuality out of its natural context, intimacy between two human beings and makes it a product to be bought and sold.

It debases the human body and reduces its value.  Pornography is the consumption of sexual poison that becomes part of the fabric of the mind.  It inherent degrades and dehumanizes. 

Pornography shapes and rewires us in such a way that we become unable to view women as we should.  It has numbed the healthy sexuality of men who are active consumers of it. Many men have confessed their frustration and shame as their inability to view women as beautiful human beings created by God, but rather immediately focus on the woman’s breasts, buttocks or hips and evaluating them in terms of potential sexual partners. 

Pornography demonstrates to women the reality that men are prone to selfishness, domination and violence.  Many men feel a deep sense of shame or guilt as a result of viewing and sexually acting out to pornography.  The more pornography a man views, the less freedom he has over what he thinks and pursues. 

Just as food is consumed and digested by the body, pornography is consumed by the senses and digested and deposited in the brain.  Pornographic images are stored as pictures in the brain forever, to be recalled at will, or by the influence of the adversary in our times of trial or lust. Research has shown that repeated exposure to pornography creates a one-way neurological superhighway where a man’s mental life is over-sexualized and narrowed.  It affects our brain in ways similar to drugs and alcohol.

It becomes very addictive.  Each time that an unhealthy sexual pattern is repeated, neurological, emotional and spiritual erosion carves out a channel in the brain that will eventually develop into a canyon from which there is no escape short of God’s intervention.  The brain is a complex organ.  How pornography affects our brain is a complex process

Pornography is not only addictive, it is progressive.  That is, over time it demands more and more visual stimulation progressing from soft porn, through hard core porn, viewing sex with animals, child porn and eventually to sadism & masochism (S&M) (if you do not know what this is, look it up in the dictionary.)  Porn is vicarious and voyeuristic at its core. 

Masturbating is almost always a part of viewing pornography.  When this occurs it causes an addiction to the fantasy.  Pornography and the masturbation fuels the sins committed against one’s own body (I Cor 6:17) Are bodies are temples of God (I Cor 6:12-20). 

When we engage in sexual activity not sanctioned by God (married man and wife) we dishonor the image of God.  .  It also grieves the Holy Spirit which will leave us.  Whenever we sin we grieve the heart of God and we defile His image (Eph. 4:31) .

Each time a man views pornography he impairs the ability of the Holy Spirit to direct him toward sanctification, and he slips further into depravity (I Thes. 5:19).

Remember all human beings, men and women, are created in the image of God.  We are created for the purpose of knowing, loving and worshiping Christ. We are to conform to the image of Christ Sanctification is the process by which we are made holy. It is the process by which we become what we are intended to be. This process of sanctification extends into our sexuality.  God calls us to live in sexual purity.

There should be no question about viewing pornography being a sin.  There may be some question as to whether accompanying masturbation is a sin.  But this is not the correct question.  Although the Bible is silent on this question the better question to ask is “Does masturbation lead me toward sanctification?  (Some quote Gen 38:9 “And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.” in support of the Bible saying masturbation is a sin, but that interpretation is in error. 

This passage speaks of the Israelite law requiring the brother of a deceased husband with no sons to impregnate the widow in order that the dead husband would have offspring to continue the family name. In this case Onan was disobedient to the law, so the Lord slew him also.)

How then do we re-wire our brain and move toward sanctification.  How does a man change from being addicted to pornography to become addicted to holiness?  How do we neurologically become “enslaved” to purity rather than porn? 

The answer is the same as for any other thing that leads us away from God rather than toward him:  Confession and repentance.  What remains hidden and secret is open to the adversary.  It is not enough just to confess to God.  We need to confess to God and our brethren”. 

This does not suggest we should necessarily confess before the whole congregation. But it does mean that we need to confess to a pastor, or if we are a pastor, to a fellow pastor or bishop.  Or someone of high spirituality to which we can become accountable, and who will mentor and encourage us.

And who will help us if we fall.  But confession is difficult for many men because it is an admission of failure.  It goes against our culture to admit weakness.  But many of God’s teachings in the Bible go against current culture. 

Then, whom shall we follow and who do we fear, or fellow man or God?  If we want to be healed, we have little choice.  There is no other way.  For more information on this subject and what it does to your brain.

Prayer for healing from Pornography.

After the seeker has been led in prayers of confession and repentance for the sins of lust, lust of the eyes and adultery in his heart (Matt 5:28) the intercessor should ask the Lord to bring to the seekers mind the very first time the seeker was exposed to pornography. 

Then a prayer of inner healing should be prayed, asking Jesus to come into that picture in the seekers mind, and to stand between him and the pornography. Pray the blood of Jesus cover the seeker. 

A prayer to behold and beheld is appropriate here. (This is described in more detail in another section)   The seeker needs to ask God to remove from his memory all the images that do not glorify God and to unwire his brain from the results of pornography.   Demons of lust, lust of the eyes, adultery and masturbation should be cast out.

Miscarriages and Abortions

 Some may question, “Why are the healings of miscarriages and of abortions included in the same section? 

One is involuntary (miscarriages) and the other is by choice (aborations). In both cases, however, a life is lost, typically there is no funeral, and rarely is there emotional closure.  There may also be spiritual and emotional connections with the fetus for years after the event which need to be healed.

Miscarriages

          There is no accumulative number of miscarriages.  Even so, death is an intruder in God’s plan; He never intended for us to die.  The sin of Adam and Eve changed all that. 

God certainly does not desire that babies in the womb die, but because we live in an imperfect world riddled with disease, miscarriages occur.  The emotional trauma experienced by the mother over the loss of a fetus is compounded by the somewhat insensitive attitude of many fathers, as in the comment, “Let’s put this behind us and move on,” when the mother is still grieving and in need of closure. 

However, before the mother can have peace from her loss, she will need to have spiritual and emotional closure of the experience, and she will need to release the baby to Jesus.  (This situation is not gender-specific to mothers alone, but we will be using the mother’s experience for the sake of explanation.) 

Most often, an unborn baby does not have a burial (or a committal or memorial service) and the mother often has not encountered closure of the experience or released the baby to the Lord.  Without this closure and release, the law of binding and loosing comes into effect:  the mother is bound on earth and the baby is bound in heaven.

For the sake of the mother’s peace, inner healing is usually required.  The mother may blame herself, feeling that she contributed to the miscarriage because of poor health practices or because she is unsure whether or not she could have done something to prevent it.  The thought that she could have prevented it may be a lie from the adversary that the mother has accepted and chosen to believe.  Fear that the mother won’t be able to conceive again or other similar issues (pain of separation or unfinished grieving and, therefore, a tie to the unborn child) may formulate.  In addition to these possibilities, the spirit of death may enter through the experience of miscarriage. 

Prayer for Miscarriages (the intercessor should follow these steps)

The mother did not sin, so there is no need for repentance.

Let us step through the torn veil and ask Jesus to go with us as we,

 

    1. Bring the experience before the Lord.
    2. Pray that the mother may see the child with Jesus (sometimes the Lord will reveal the sex of the child).
    3. Ask the mother if she is ready to release the child to Jesus.
    4. Pray a prayer of committal for release (that the mother frees her soul tie to the child and she also releases the child to Jesus, committing the baby to Him for whatever good purposes He has for the child).
    5. Pray the Lord bring peace between mother and child.
    6. Pray for healing of any guilt involved.
    7. Sometimes the Lord will reveal the name of the child; if not, have the mother name the child.
    8. Pray a blessing upon the mother and upon the child.
    9. Pray that what is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven (Matt 16:19)
    10. During the prayer, the grief may come out as either anger or deep hurt, and there may be much sobbing, which is part of the process of release.

Abortions

Sadly enough, it is estimated that nearly 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. end in abortion.  Regardless of the circumstances, God considers this the taking of life.  Repentance is required for this act.  Remember, God forgave King David for taking a life and He will forgive the seeker as well.  Within this process, there is almost always a spirit of abortion that needs to be cast out, along with other companion spirits of various sexual sins.

There may also be a spirit of murder, and sometimes depression.  One of the results of abortion may be endometriosis (endometrial-like cells appear and flourish in areas outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries) because it has to do with the hormonal interruption.

While the consequences of abortion have traditionally fallen upon the woman, others are equally responsible including:  the man who helped conceive the fetus, any who have encouraged her to have an abortion, paid money for it, or transported her for the experience.  All involved need to acknowledge their responsibility, confess, repent, and pray the following prayer. 

Prayer for Abortion (follow these steps)

    1. Have the seeker pray and confess the sin, repent, and ask God for forgiveness for the sin of murder.
    2. Have the seeker confess and repent for the sin of lust. .
    3. Pray for the healing of any guilt, shame, fear, and/or confusion that may have existed at the time of the abortion.
    4. If necessary, pray that Jesus will come into the experience.

The rest of the prayer is the same as for miscarriages.

    1. Pray a prayer of committal for release (that the mother frees her soul tie to the child and she also releases the child to Jesus, committing the baby for whatever good purposes He has in store for the baby).
    2. Pray the Lord bring peace between mother and child.
    3. Pray for healing of any guilt involved.
    4. Pray that the mother may see the child with Jesus (sometimes the Lord will reveal the sex of the child.).
    5. Sometimes the Lord will reveal the name of the child; if not, have the mother name the child.
    6. Pray a blessing upon the mother and upon the child.
    7. Pray that what is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven (Matt 16:19)
    8. Have both parents pray to forgive themselves. (During this prayer, the grief may come out as either anger or deep hurt, and there may be much sobbing, which is part of the process of release.) 
    9. Pray a prayer for cleansing.

How Gates Get Opened

 

In this next section of this study we will focus on the ways that doors in our spirit are opened. We will study in depth the most common ways that gates are opened.

Closing Spiritual Gates

Now that we have an understanding of the importance of confession and repentance in the process of healing, the next step in is the process of closing our spiritual gates and reconciling our relationship with God. When we take responsibility and identify the sin(s) in our lives –which open the gates through which Satan influences us.

When we sin, we set in motion the irrevocable forces of spiritual laws and give the enemy the legal right to influence us. One of these is the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, of consequence and retribution. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap(Gal. 6:7). Remember sin is the cause of the iniquity. When we sow words and actions which into sin which produces iniquity; you reap darkness, torment, fear, guilt, shame, pain, illness, depression, irrational behavior, and feelings of worthlessness. With this law comes the certainty of blessings for the obedience and likewise, curses or punishment for disobedience.

Seeking repentance and forgiveness for sin is a lifelong process: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Remember we are only accountable to God for the sins we know about; in His merciful nature, during our lifelong walk with Him, He only convicts us of our sins a few at a time. If He were to reveal all of our sins at once, we would be overwhelmed and feel defeated, we would not even begin to reconcile. Therefore, He reveals our sins to us in layers—as in our attempt to peel individual layers from an onion. The closer we grow to God, the more we see the sin of our lives.

To make things even more difficult, the father of sin—Satan—blinds us, preventing us from seeing our impurities, so we either don’t see them or we rationalize them as not being a true problem. While the sins of our actions (such as lying, fornicating, stealing, cursing, hating, drunkenness, not tithing or involvement with pornography) should be so obvious to us that we should not need the conviction of the Holy Spirit to realize we are in disobedience, the sins of attitude (such as pride, rebellion, unbelief, envy, selfishness, ambition, control, self-independence, self-sufficiency etc.) are much more subtle and more difficult for us to see. These sins are a part of who we are; they are a part of our spiritual inheritance, our personal “culture.”

We are in need of God’s help (through His grace) to see and heal them. God can seldom deal with “the sins of attitude” until we have dealt with “the sins of behavior” (listed hereinafter).

Exactly when we are forgiven of our sins is sometimes not clear. There is absolutely no question that our Lord Jesus Christ’s death upon the cross provided the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of all sin.

But when does that forgiveness actually occur in our life?

Is it at the moment of baptism or at the receiving of the Holy Spirit (being “born again,” John 3:3-6), or is it readily available, as is His grace which is always available to us but for which we must ask, and meet the conditions of confession and repentance in order to receive?

 Many individuals die without having first asked Jesus into their heart; the same may be true of their neglect in asking for forgiveness of sin. Many do not ask for forgiveness, therefore, they have not received it (Jas. 4:2, “… ye have not, because ye ask not”). When we confess, repent and ask for forgiveness, God immediately forgives us. (I John 1:9)

If we are unrepentant when we are baptized, will our sins be forgiven just because we “got wet?” I think not. Likewise, are we forgiven at baptism of the sins we don’t know about and for which we have not asked for forgiveness? I think not. But for these sins, neither are we held accountable until the Lord makes them known to us.

Christ died to cover the sins of the believer, as well as the sins of the heathen—who knows nothing of Jesus or His grace. As I have mentioned previously, we must remember that forgiveness of sin and the consequences of past sins are two different things, and will need to be addressed through two different processes.

There are those who know and trust that they have been forgiven, but yet feelings of condemnation, shame, and guilt continue to afflict them. These repented sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus and remembered by Him, no more.We therefore must depend upon the Holy Spirit to help us identify those sins that are currently (for whatever reason) uncovered and of which we are blinded.

As I read through the spiritual sin checklist lists, be open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit with regard to those sins in your spirit which may be “uncovered,” those of which you may yet be blind. There may be other sins not listed which may come to mind, as well. Those sins which are identified “today” are those the Lord wishes for you to deal with “today.” Other sins may additionally be identified for which you do not feel a conviction. Remember “Line upon line” and “precept upon precept” is the way of the Lord.

 Spiritual Sin Checklist

As we go through the list of 72 behavioral sins, pray that the Lord will convict you of any sins of which you yet need to confess and repent. Use this opportunity to identify and mark (perhaps with the date) those unrepentant sins as the Lord reveals them to you.

As you go through the list allow the Holy Spirt time to address the sin. When I feel convicted of a sin, I have a tendency to feel sad or grieved in my spirit. If you be uncertain of the meaning of any of the following words, I suggest you stop the recording and look them up in the dictionary.

Behavioral sins are identified in the following scriptural references:

      • Ex. 20:1-17,
      • Mark 7:21-22,
      • Rom. 1:29-31,
      • 1 Cor. 6:9-10,
      • Gal.5:19-21,
      • Eph. 4:25-31 and 5:3-5,
      • 1 Pet. 4:3,
      • Phil 2:3.

Ask God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to reveal to you if there are any other sins not on this list that you may have forgotten yet need to address. These sins remain in your subconscious for your entire life until you deal with them. As long as they are there, your spiritual gates remain open and give gives Satan the legal right to continue to use them against you.

Be open to the ways in which God chooses to reveal things to you. He may reveal a picture of something that happened in the past that draws up feelings and/or thoughts that need to be addressed or the name of someone may come to you to spark another memory. If anything is unclear, just ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to enlighten your mind’s understanding.

On some occasions, however, there may be sins buried so deeply that you may need the assistance of an experienced intercessor to help in this process, in asking the Holy Spirit to identify them for you. Typically we are blind to our own baggage or “stuff;” without the Lord’s help and the help of another of His servants, we do not receive the healing we desperately need.

Let us pray,

Father, I ask for the grace necessary to confess my sins and the mercy necessary to receive my forgiveness and healing. I ask in Jesus name, amen.

Sins of Behavior (What we do)

 

Lord God, I confess and acknowledge and am guilty of…….

abortion                                                       evil concupiscence                                Lord’s name in vain

abuser of your body                                   evil thoughts                                           lover of money

abusers of themselves                              extortion                                                  lust

adulterers                                                     fearful                                                      lying

an evil eye                                                     filthy communications                         maliciousness

anger                                                             foolishness                                             malignity

backbiters                                                    fornicators                                               no graven images

bitterness                                                     gossip                                                       occult activity

blasphemy                                                    haters of God                                          other gods

boasters                                                        hatred                                                       pornography

clamor                                                           heresies                                                    reveling

covenant breakers                                       hypocrisy                                                  reviler

covetous                                                        idolaters                                                    sedition

debate                                                            idolatry                                                       slothful in finances

deceitful                                                         implacable                                                 strife

deceiving                                                       iniquity                                                         surfeiting

despiteful                                                      inordinate affection                                   thieves

disobedient to parents                               insecurity                                                      uncleanness

doubt/unbelief                                             inventors of evil things                               unforgiving

drunkenness                                                 jesting                                                            unmerciful

effeminate                                                     keep Sabbath holy                                       variance

emulation                                                       kill                                                                   whisperers

envy                                                                 lasciviousness                                              wickedness

without natural                                               affection                                                        witchcraft

not honoring father and mother

 Now let’s work on the Sins of Attitude (who we are)

prideful                                                             rebellious                                                      self-sufficient           

Independent                                                     seek to excel                                                slothful               

vain                                                                     controlling                                                    complacent

striving                                                               disbelieving                                                  self-righteous

…… as a sin in my life. I am sorry for my sin and I repent of it. I renounce this sin and give back the spiritual ground to my Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The process of confessing and repenting of the sins we’ve committed is the easiest step in the practice of closing open gates. Closing other gates may be more difficult. Although Jesus bore our sins, in some areas we have to appropriate the power of the cross in order to receive the desired freedom from sin (Acts 8:23 and 19:18, Eph. 4:28).

 Confession

I would encourage you to make a list of sins which the Holy Spirit shows and find a trustworthy friend, or a pastor, and share your list—for the purpose of confession. There is no need to go into specific details but you do need to verbally confess these sins. Ask your friend or pastor to pray for you, that the Lord might forgive and heal you of all your sins; pray that your spiritual gates in each of these areas may be closed and healed. Then give praise to Jesus.

 Prayer for Healing from the Sin of Lying

Lord God, I come now to confess and acknowledge the sin of lying. Father, only you know the many times I have lied. I know that lying is the language of hell. I am sorry for my sin and I repent of it. I renounce all the lies I have spoken. Release all those to whom I have lied from believing the lies I have spoken. I revoke all assignments of the lies I have spoken. I take back the spiritual authority I gave the darkness when I lied, and I give it to Jesus. I commit to you that I will not lie again. In Jesus name AMEN.

Court of Mercy

Presenting a Case in the Mobile (Mercy) Court

I hear from lots of people that they don’t know how to present cases in the Court of Mercy, that they don’t know the right protocols, that they can’t see or hear well. Let me just assure that there is SO much grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. You don’t have to be a professional before presenting your first case. In fact, God prefers to teach you the ropes Himself so He gives us grace for that very reason. It pleases the Father’s heart so much to see you take that tiny step of faith towards Him, and He will meet you where you are at. If He’s asking you to present this case and laying it on your heart, then He will do everything possible to help you succeed.  Here are some things that have helped me along the way:

1. Use your spiritual strengths:

I often hear “I just can’t see and hear as well as so and so. I can’t do this by myself.” But Job 32:8 says

But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. 

We are spirit beings; we have spiritual senses. We were MADE to see, hear, taste, touch, feel in the spirit. Many of us are beginners in learning to use these spiritual senses and that’s okay. A baby who is learning to look and see things doesn’t say to himself “I can’t see as well as my big brother. I just can’t do it, I’ll never be able to see.”  He just continues to look for the things that stand out to him. At first, he will see only things that are close to him, things that are black and white, and it may be blurry. But as his sense of sight develops and his brain continues to process the information he’s receiving, his depth perception will grow and change, along with his range of vision. So, it will be with you.

In the meantime, use what God gave you!  John 10:27 says

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”.

God says that you know His voice; that is truth. So, think about how He speaks to you the most.

Through Scripture? In a still small voice? As a gentle thought in your mind? In pictures? Through a “sensing” of what might be there? Through your writing? 

However God talks to you, that is your strength. Use it to your advantage in the courtroom. Right now, I see better than I hear, so I ask to “see” the accusation list so I can read what’s there. My brother uses his bible. When presenting a case, he keeps his bible open and Holy Spirit highlights to him through scripture what the accusations are. Use this list as a point of reference. 

These are the Accusations against “The Church” for Repentance. When you enter into the Court of Mercy reference the list below, you will know if you are guilty of any of the accusations.

2.Repentance:

Don’t try to justify or hide. Agree and repent. Our power is in the blood of Jesus and nothing else. 

Agree with your adversary (accuser) quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.

3.Trade: trade the sin for righteousness. 

God has repeatedly told me “Don’t leave a hole.” When you remove something, there is hole. If you don’t put something else in its place, there’s room for trouble. Matthew 12:43-45 says 43 

43“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. 

So, if you repent of hatred, ask that seeds of love be planted in your heart and for the love of God to be in your hearts and your minds. Ask that the doors of your first love gate be open to let the love of God through.  If you repent of idolatry, ask that God come take the throne in your life so that He is the only thing you worship.

Know that accusations often go with the type of case  you are presenting.

If you are petitioning for finances to be restored, you will most likely hear accusations of poor stewardship, greed, idolatry, robbing God, theft, dishonest scales, etc. 

Remember the enemy only has a legal right to block your finances, if the sins committed by you or your ancestors granted him that right. Knowing this, you can come armed with scripture related to your situation. Don’t get hung up on the accusation matching the case though, if you hear “murder” in a financial case, repent!. It may be that you or someone in your family line traded financially with anger in their heart (Jesus said anger in your heart is the same as murder.

Matthew 5:21-22

21You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER ‘ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell)

So, agree and repent no matter what, but look for there to be patterns that relate to the case. Let Holy Spirit, our Wonderful Counselor, guide you in this.

4.Scripture becomes an affidavit 

Holy Spirit will highlight to you important passages and scriptures as you present your case. These may even have been given to you as promises or words or even personal devotions that He has repeatedly sown into your spirit.  You take them to court and submit them as affidavits testifying on your behalf. The Righteous Judge loves nothing more than to hear “Lord, your word says….”  He loves to be reminded of His promises and covenants with us.

5.Your faith is evidence 

Hebrews 11:1 says Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  So ask that your faith be submitted as evidence for your case.  Even if your faith is small (the size of a mustard seed), it all counts to the Lord so use that in your favor.

6.Call for Witnesses 

Call for any witnesses to testify on your behalf. Hebrews 12:22-24 says

But you are come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things that that of Abel. 

All these voices testify on our behalf, along with our giving (see the story of Cornelius in Acts 10).  So, call them forth and ask them to give a witness on your behalf.

The 9 Voices of the Courts of Heaven:

      • The Blood of Sprinkling
      • The Mediator (Jesus)
      • The Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect
      • God The Judge of All
      • The General Assembly
      • The Church of the First Born
      • A Company of Angels
      • Heavenly Jerusalem
      • Finances

If God puts someone special on your heart to call forward, then do so.  Or sometimes it just may be that the cloud of witnesses and men in white linen will come forward on their own. Either way, be open to the Spirit’s leading.

7.Call for a verdict 

When the accusations have been answered, call for a verdict. When I first began presenting cases, I would often feel Holy Spirit nudge me to ask for a verdict at the end, but I was unsure if it “was just my own thinking”. Holy Spirit would have to nudge me 5-6 times, before I finally understood that accusations were answered and to ask for the verdict.  You may hear or see a gavel fall. You may have scripture come to mind “well done, good and faithful servant.” “go in peace, your faith has healed him.” Etc. You may see the papers stamped with NOT GUILTY or CLEARED OF ALL CHARGES.  However you receive it, thank the Judge and put them in your belly. Ask for it to be recorded in the books and for angels to enforce it.

8. Submit to the Court of Scribes and the Court of Hell so the verdict can be recorded.

Yes, there is a court in hell. Just like in the natural court system, if you are not present in court the Judge has only one option, find you guilty of the accusation made against you. When this is done the accuser gets the legal right to  keep blessing from you.

That’s pretty much it! Let Holy Spirit lead you in the way that you two best communicate and as your obedience flows, verdicts will follow.

Enter the Court and go through this list, if you are guilty agree with your accuser.  So let’s get started:

BAAL/WITCHCRAFT

      • divination, sorcery
      • judgment unto death/to destroy
      • aligning with the accuser
      • trading into an ungodly system
      • rebellion & independence
      • idolatry/idol worship
      • deception & deceit
      • fortunetelling, soothsaying
      • coming into agreement with unclean/unloving spirits
      • rejecting/abandoning commitment to God
      • bringing on lies & confusion
      • animal/human/blood sacrifices, sex rituals
      • astral projection, soul hunter
      • whoredom
      • infirmity
      • Satanism; Terror
      • Stalking, peeping tom
      • Perverting God’s inheritance; stealing/hoarding inheritance
      • Bestiality, incest, sodomy, homosexuality, pornography, sadomasochism, fornication, masturbation, necrophilia, sex with demons/priests, sexual sin
      • Perversion & debauchery
      • worshiping false gods, including worship of the moon, sun, nature
      • worshiping Jehovah while still worshiping other gods
      • participating & making oaths in Freemasonry and other secret societies
      • drinking & eating blood
      • eating human flesh
      • making covenants/agreements with the devil
      • pagan trades for generations
      • human trafficking, sex slavery
      • satanic ritualistic abuse
      • making curses, hexes, spells, incantations
      • engaging with the spirit of fear & foreboding spirit

LEVIATHAN

      • Causing division
      • lack of faith/trust in God
      • breaches in ministry relationships
      • lack of alignment
      • break-down in family relationships
      • lack of unity, love & identity
      • double-mindedness
      • rejecting/abandoning commitment to God • twisting the truth
      • marital discord/destruction
      • throwing coins/trinkets in water (offering to water spirits)
      • superstitious acts
      • spiritual weakness/disinterest
      • lukewarm attitude towards our calling/destiny
      • pride & arrogance
      • physical & spiritual barrenness
      • depression/heaviness
      • addiction
      • provoking fear
      • Using or enabling persons as source of security
      • Adultery & betrayal
      • sowing discord and seditions
      • being ruled by logic/ego
      • causing weariness
      • hard-heartedness
      • hindering operation of Spiritual gifts
      • engaging with unclean/unloving spirits
      • engaging with Kundalini & Python
      • destruction
      • self-glory & self-serving
      • false protection
      • physical & sexual abuse
      • Condescending attitudes towards others
      • Encouraging the breaking of God-ordained covenants
      • Mockery
      • Lying & false witness
      • Shedding innocent blood
      • Devising wicked plans
      • Running to evil
      • Stubborn & unteachable
      • Word curses
      • unwilling to pay price for obedience
      • lack of honor & respect •

JEZEBEL/ABSALOM

      • Ulterior motives
      • dishonor leaders
      • using position/role for selfish purposes • criticism
      • haughtiness
      • sowing strife/division/discord
      • ignorance
      • being an island unto ourselves (independent) • pitting people against others
      • manipulating God-given visions
      • stealing hearts, pulling heartstrings
      • fear of getting hurt • unrepentant
      • revenge
      • self-pity
      • control & domination
      • being a “people pleaser” instead of a “God pleaser” • bitterness & unforgiveness
      • fear of loss of control
      • bringing on guilt/shame
      • fear of failure
      • harboring negative feelings
      • gossip
      • Backbiting & idle words
      • Offense on all levels
      • seduction
      • hypocritical
      • passive-aggressive
      • manipulative
      • eating at Jezebel’s table
      • spiritual whoredom
      • usurping authority
      • center of worship and attention
      • spiritual blindness
      • vengeance of the flesh
      • hatred for true prophets of God
      • giving Jezebel/Absalom power thru pain/wounds
      • refusing to confront Jezebel
      • intimidation
      • fear of the prophetic
      • lack of humility
      • opposing righteousness
      • paralyzing the prophetic flow of God
      • false loyalty & submission
      • trying to discredit & ruin others
      • letting personal gratification & “quick fixes” rule

RELIGIOUS SPIRIT

      • division
      • immorality in the church (physical and spiritual) • covenant breaking
      • dishonor leaders
      • using position/role for selfish purposes
      • pride & stubbornness
      • strife/division/discord in the Body of Christ
      • apathy/complacency
      • passivity
      • compromise
      • silence/not taking a stand
      • trading into an ungodly system • sanctimonious attitudes
      • fear of man
      • legalism & doctrinal error
      • twisting God’s Word
      • the church rejecting and abandoning people
      • lack of faith/trust in God
      • Holiness driven by duty rather than our love for the Father
      • Reducing God to a formula
      • Body of Christ using/ discarding others
      • tolerating jezebel
      • not offering the true gospel
      • not standing for a righteous plumb line
      • fighting to “be” right instead of fighting for what “is” right
      • manipulating God-given visions
      • abusing position/power/role
      • twisting the truth
      • participating in pagan-rooted rituals & traditions of man
      • coveting others & jealousy
      • vanity & lust
      • keeping congregations dependent on their leaders by feeding them only ‘milk’ instead of ‘meat’
      • Relying on ourselves when we should be relying on God
      • We forgive all those who wronged us & wronged those in our communities. We ask to be healed from the burden of our past.

ANTI-CHRIST SPIRIT

      • false gospel /teaching • anarchy
      • rebellion
      • counterfeiting God’s blueprint & gifts • “anything goes” / liberal stance
      • deaf & dumb spirit
      • smoke & mirrors
      • prejudice
      • hatred
      • evil heart of unbelief
      • retaliation
      • fault-finding
      • murder / suicide
      • false prophecy
      • political/government corruption
      • participating in cults & false religions
      • new world order agenda
      • voting ‘shebnas’ into office
      • lawlessness
      • denying or omitting the blood atonement of Yeshua
      • blasphemy
      • shape-shifting into animals
      • worshiping God and false gods simultaneously
      • prayerlessness
      • cruelty
      • seared conscience
      • gluttony
      • love of mammon
      • greed
      • power-hungry
      • bribery
      • black-mail /threats
      • mating or engaging with Nephilim
      • trading with seed
      • turning our family lines over to the enemy
      • giving authority for the removal of righteous elders and permission for establishing unrighteous elders over us.
      • moving out of God’s time sequence into other time sequences
      • puppeteering
      • agreements of man superseding God
      • perversion of “first fruits” offerings & other God-ordained principles
      • pollution of seed
      • robbing God

LAND/BLOODSHED

      • Pagan altars
      • Shedding innocent blood
      • making demonic contracts
      • where we voted evil governments in place
      • where we wanted those economic privileges
      • trying to conquer other tribes
      • cannibalism
      • torture
      • slavery
      • when we took people’s resources and got rich by their misery • defiling ley lines, land, & water
      • blood oaths/covenants
      • dedicating land/water to the devil
      • Tribal & “turf” wars
      • Human Sacrifice
      • Massacres
      • Murders
      • Breaking righteous agreements/contracts
      • idolatry
      • immorality
      • moving/blocking rivers out of their God-intended design
      • not properly stewarding the land, including overt exploitation as well as neglect • all other violence and abuse
      • polluting water, altering & blocking waterways
      • abortions/ offerings /sacrifices to Molec
      • debauchery
      • ungodly rituals
      • ungodly contracts/ agreements
      • racism
      • putting ungodly & unrighteous laws into place • what ‘giants’ brought to the land
      • Failure to love and steward the land

INDIAN SETTLER INIQUITY

      • Worshiped false gods, animals, the land, Mother Earth, nature, the elements, planets, stars, ancestors, Satan, the dead, evil spirits, or any other spirit beings
      • Believed a mythical animal or mythical spirit guarded us
      • Dancing for false gods
      • Committed rituals with the dead, ritual cannibalism
      • Engaged with evil spirits for guidance, advice, war strategies, gaining power, strength, knowledge, and wisdom
      • witchcraft, divination, eating & drinking of blood
      • Dedicated the unborn to Satan in return for desired gender
      • unrighteous spirit journeys; used unrighteous beings as ‘spirit guides’
      • eating human flesh or body parts to steal that person’s ‘essence’ & for gaining power
      • believed we descended from mystical wolves
      • Believe we descended from a mythical wolf
      • Participated in unrighteous ceremonies, who cut/burnt themselves or others in unrighteous rituals, & who performed rituals of unrighteous chanting or praying to evil spirits
      • Joined in union with evil spirits through blood rites, unrighteous covenants, rituals, contracts, or trades
      • generational massacre, torture & torment, mutilation, scalping, head hunting, burning, rape, kidnapping, slavery, unrighteous shedding of blood
      • ceremonial fasting for the unrighteous purpose of gaining power
      • unrighteous use of any of our God-given gifting
      • generational addiction and alcoholism
      • On behalf of Indians, we forgive all those who victimized, hurt, killed, wronged & stole from us

SPANISH/MEXICAN/ANGLO SETTLER INIQUITY

      • Practicing Santeria
      • Worshipping Mary, Queen of heaven, saints
      • Being superstitious
      • Astrology
      • Sun God Worship
      • Engaging Psychic Powers
      • Forcing out first nations people • Forcing religion on people
      • Rape
      • Theft
      • Trafficking, black market
      • inhumane treatment of others
      • destruction of land and homes
      • slavery, slave trade, indentured servitude
      • robbing children of their childhood
      • suppressing & oppressing others
      • stripping those of their culture and heritage
      • misrepresented Yeshua to people
      • murder
      • Forced others to reject those things God ordained from the foundation of the world • Kidnapping
      • Abandoning and rejecting others
      • Displacing people’s identity
      • Breaking promises/agreements
      • forced women into marriages
      • swindling
      • bribery
      • worshiping Mammon
      • self-made ruler
      • lusting after our own glory, wealth and position
      • not helping those in need
      • Misogyny (hatred of women)
      • Condemning & word cursing others from different nationalities
      • Engaging in a caste systemCourt

Inner Healing and Deliverance

Over the years as a Christian, I have pondered Romans 7:15,

15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity].

What I failed to understand was that I was in bondage which allowed the enemy of my soul to influence me. I had to deal with anger, pride and much more. There are many Christians who do not recognize nor know they are in bondage and that they have strongholds and open “gates” or “doors” which allow darkness to influence them. The scriptural admonition stated in Hosea 4:6 is still applicable today: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Isa 5:13 says “my people are gone into captivity because they have no knowledge”.

One of Jesus’ purposes in coming to earth was to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:9-10). He came first to “preach the gospel to the poor” (those spiritually oppressed, Luke 4:18) and to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18; Is. 42:7, 49:9 and 61:1), then, second, “to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19, Is. 61:2). The order is very important.

Scripture also tells us that Jesus came to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:4, Matt 12:28). Several other scriptures help us understand what the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is; it  “not in word, but in power” (I Cor 4:20), “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you(Luke 11:20), “the Kingdome of God is within you”(Luke 17:21) and “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom 14:17).

These suggest the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is reclaiming that which belongs to God, but has been temporarily occupied by the kingdom of darkness. Being in bondage to sin separates us from God. Bondage blinds us and keeps us from seeing and hearing the Word of God (Is. 6:9-10, 42:7-9, 42:18-20, Mat. 13:15, 2 Cor. 4:4). Bondage causes us to lose what good news we hear (see Mat. 13:13-17). In ministering to others, we first loose them from darkness so they can spiritually see and hear, then we preach the Good News to them and then they bear fruit even 30, 60 and 100-fold (Matt 13:23).

Other reasons why we should preach, teach, and minister include:

      1. Casting out demons was the first sign mentioned for those who believe (Mark 16:17).
      2. We should follow Christ’s example, wherein an estimated one-third of Christ’s ministry was demonstrated through casting out demons.
      3. Jesus cast out demons to bring the Kingdom of God to seekers (those seeking out Jesus; refer to Jesus’ declaration in Mat. 12:28).
      4. Jesus cast out demons to show that the Kingdom of God is not in word only but in power (see Mat. 6:13, 28:18, 10:1 and 12:28).
      5. We preach, teach, and minister to bring release to seekers, giving “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Is. 61:3).

 Two Kingdoms

Scripture teaches us that before we were formed in our mother’s womb, God knew us (Jer. 1:5, Eph. 1:4-5). God even knows the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7). He created us in love. From the very beginning of time, God desired for us to be healthy: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Again, the order is important, as hereinafter revealed.

God created Adam and Eve in perfect health, in His own likeness and image (Gen. 1:26); He gave them dominion over all the earth (Gen. 1:28). Sickness and disease did not exist in the Garden of Eden. From the very beginning of his creation, man was not created to be sick or to die. Therefore, we know that God’s perfect will is for us to be in spiritual and physical health. In addition, from scripture, the attributes of the Kingdom of God versus those of the Kingdom of Darkness are made evident.

The Kingdom of God:

God’s kingdom is one of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

      • He offers us mercy and grace.
      • He is the God of all hope.
      • He is our peace.
      • He will never leave us nor forsake us.
      • He is our deliverer (Rom. 11:26, Mat. 6:13), who has destroyed the works of darkness(ungodliness).

The Kingdom of Darkness (Corrupted Light):

Satan came, bringing disobedience, rebellion, sin, sickness, separation, pain, and torment. He is known as “the prince of this world” (John 12:31,14:30, 16:11). He is called the “God of this age” (2 Cor 4:4). ”and the whole world lieth in wickedness”. (1 John 5:19).

We know that Satan’s kingdom is one where there is no love, no joy, no peace, no acceptance, and no forgiveness; his purposes are to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

In the Kingdom of Corrupted Light, there is only rejection, disillusionment, destruction, deceit, division, and despair.

We know that before man inhabited the earth Lucifer was expelled from heaven to the earth. On earth Satan continued his rebellion against God by tempting man to disobey God. Man sinned and became alienated from his Creator. Man then became vulnerable to Satan and the supernatural beings under Satan’s control, known as fallen angels, demons or evil spirits. Satan has a plan for your life, which is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10)

He first wants to keep us from believing in God and Jesus, if he fails in this, then he wants to keep us from knowing Jesus Christ personally, and if that fails, he wants to keep us from serving Jesus Christ effectively.

The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of corrupted light are engaged in a fierce conflict one against the other for the souls, spirits and bodies of men and women on earth. But God, not willing to allow His creation to come under the influence of darkness, prepared a way of escape (salvation) for mankind and sent His own Son, Jesus to earth to show us the way. It is through the message of Jesus and His works on the cross giving us power over the darkness that we are redeemed and set free.

Authority Given Us by God

You must be totally convinced of the absolute victory of the completed work of Jesus, of His absolute victory over darkness. (Rom 8:38-39). God gave Adam a measure of authority over the earth (Gen 1:26) Eve, through deception and Adam, through rebellion gave Satan their authority and subjected all mankind to demonic control (Luke 4:6, Romans 5:12-14, Eph 2:1,2, 2 Cor 4:3,4,1 John 5:19).

Satan offered his authority to Jesus in exchange for worship of Satan. Jesus declined (Luke 4:7) When Jesus die, rose and ascended, He totally and completely stripped Satan’s authority over any child of God (Col 2:13-15, Heb 2:14, 1 John 3:8).

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus has absolute authority in heaven and in earth.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt 28:18)

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church”. (Eph 1:21-22)

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it”. (Col 2:15)

Jesus gave this power and authority to the 12 apostles, (Matt 10:1) then to the 70 (Luke 10:9,19) and finally to us. (Mark 16:17-18) Those who belong to Jesus come out from under Satan’s authority, influence and control and move into God’s domain and are given the authority over Satan and his demons. (Rom 8:37-39, Col 1:13, 1 John 4:4, 5:18) The only authority the darkness has is what you or someone else gives them. Whatever you come into agreement with, you empower.

We are one In Christ. He is with us and in us. This principle of unification with Christ took place when you received salvation (asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life). You and Christ are one. (see Rom 6, 8, Eph 2, 4, Gal 2:20). We need to be assured of who we are, and who’s we are In Christ, and that we have absolute authority over darkness given us by Jesus Christ.

Remember that demons aren’t being made anymore. There’s the same number wandering around the planet today as there were in Jesus’ day, yet the population of people has increased into the billions. On top of that we all know from Scripture that there are two angels for every demon.

And since Jesus has ALL authority, (Matt 28:18) that leaves none for the devil. The “All” has been handed over to us. The devil only has the power and authority we give him.

Some authors have observed that not all believers can cast out demons (Mark 16:17); therefore, they make the case that while all believers have authority from Jesus Christ to do so, most believers do not yet have the power to do so.

The example given is the policemen standing at the corner under a speed limit sign. The policemen’s authority comes from the governmental jurisdiction, but the “power” comes from the court system. We know he has authority, but we probably would not slow down unless we knew he also had the “power” from the courts to uphold the law. Spiritual power comes from a closeness to Jesus, an anointing by the Holy Spirit, faith, education and experience.

Prayer For Authority

So let us take our places in the heavens, repeat this prayer with me….

I am a child of the King, I am a co-heir with Jesus the Christ. All that Jesus bought and paid for is my inheritance.

I am united with Jesus; I have been crucified with Christ. I died with Him, I am buried with Him, I was raised with Him, I am seated with Him in the heavenlies far above all rule, all power, all authority, and above every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. Therefore, I carry the authority of Christ.

I have authority over sickness, over sin, over demons, and over the world. I am the salt of the earth. I am the light of the world. I will displace the darkness. I have the full armor of God. I put on the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, the sandals of peace, I take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, for the weapons of my warfare are not carnal.

They are divinely powerful to tear down the strongholds of darkness. I can do all things through Christ, because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. (credit to Rodney Hogue) Amen

How Darkness Gets In

Adam and Eve listened to Satan’s lies and allowed sin to enter God’s beautiful world, thus causing all mankind to inherit the effects of sin, including sickness and death. Because God knew we would be born into a world whose prince (Satan) is evil, He created a spiritual “hedge” (as illustrated in Job 1:10) around us to shield us from the influences of the evil one (Job 1:10 and 2:4-6).

Even so, God provides spiritual armor for our protection (Eph. 6:13-18). Also,

God’s angels camp round about us to preserve and to protect us (Ps. 34:7 and 91:10-12).

All of us are born with a spiritual hedge like Job’s, but because of the original sin of Adam and Eve (and subsequent sins), we have doors or gates open in our hedge that allow Satan to inflict us, as Satan inflicted Job. Eccl: 10:8 says “. . . .whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

These open doors have many causes; here are the most common causes:

      • Our own sins (lying, stealing, cheating, pride, etc.)
      • Unforgiveness (bitterness)
      • Participation in or exposure to the occult,
      • Sexual sins (adultery)
      • Abortion (deliberate termination of a human)
      • Divorce (separate or dissociate (something) from something else.)
      • Curses (utter offensive words in anger or annoyance)
      • Inherited or Generational Sin: See Exodus 20:5 regarding the iniquities of the fathers being passed on to the children of the third and fourth generations.
      • Objects & Places
      • Secret societies (Free Mansions, Bones & Skulls)
      • Involuntary exposure to darkness
      • Trauma (Car Accidents, near death experiences)
      • Words, Lies
      • Vows and death wishes (dedicate to someone or something, especially a deity-desire for someone’s death / especially an unconscious desire for one’s own death)
      • Hurts, Emotions and Memories, Wounds and hurts deep within our spirit
      • Sins of others against us (physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, rejection, etc.)
      • Verbal Abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse
      • Rejection (the dismissing or refusing of a proposal, idea, etc)
      • Our Image of God (God is punishing God)

How It All Works

Sin opens doors or gates in our spiritual hedge of protection, thus allowing spiritual pollution to enter, which causes spiritual as well as physical problems. Sin can actually make us sick—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. There is no “safe dabbling” or “demon free zone” when it comes to associations with the powers of darkness.

The Good News is that God loves us and wants to restore us to His Kingdom, so much so that he sent His Son Jesus to earth that we may be forgiven, saved, healed, and delivered (Is. 53:5 and 61:1-3) from the works of darkness. The Good News is that God wants to restore us to Himself that we might walk in the peace and protection of His will.

Sins, wounds, and hurts are always barriers which separate us from approaching God or from feeling connected to Him. These dark influences in our lives (at times resulting in bondage) hinder or prevent us from being restored to our rightful relationship with the Lord, from hearing His voice and knowing His will for our lives.

Dark influences severely restrict our ministry; they keep us in bondage and prevent God’s healing power from working in us. Nonetheless, know that God wants whatever is separating us from Him to be healed. He wants to close the open gates in our spiritual hedge and to set us free from the influences of darkness.

He wants to remove all the chains (or ropes) binding people in the different areas of their lives. The Good News is that God’s love can heal us, can rebuild our hedge and restore our spirit, our emotions and our body to wholeness, and can transform us to allow us to experience and live the abundant life promised through Christ. Again, God wants us to be restored to Him in the purity and innocence that Adam first had in the beginning.

But most Christians don’t believe they can have these open gates and dark or binding influences—because they have experienced baptism. Even though baptism provides forgiveness for our sins if we repent, it does not necessarily take away the consequences of our sins or of those of our ancestors. These consequences (passed on through the generations as spoken of in Exodus 20:5, as well as in other scriptures) are called “iniquities.” Plainly stated, sin is the cause and iniquity is the result, consequences, or effect of the sin.

For example, if you are driving drunk, hit a pedestrian and put him in the hospital, and this person then has a permanent disability; will the Lord forgive your sin? Yes, if you repent.

Yes He provided for our forgiveness on the Cross; but will He immediately remove the consequences of that sin? No. The sin (the cause) is on the head of the driver but the result or consequences (iniquities) of that sin is borne by the pedestrian.

Christians can be totally repentant and still unknowingly be under the influence of darkness in parts of their spirit as a result of the consequences of previous sin. The problem is one of awareness. Again, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). “Where there is no counsel, the people fall” (Prov 11:14). “My people are gone into captivity because they have no knowledge” (Isa 5:13-14).

A person who is sick and doesn’t know they are sick will never go to a doctor. A Christian who is crippled on the inside, but who thinks his life is normal, will never ask God for healing; and “we have not because we ask not” (Jas. 4:2).

Many Christians struggle with major issues in their lives but are ignorant of the fact that the victory Jesus won for them on the cross not only assures them of eternal salvation but also provides the keys to healing (Is. 53:5, Mal. 4:2). Unfortunately many Christians believe that because they have been saved and born again they are protected from darkness. Satan loves such spiritual blindness and false beliefs. To think that salvation and baptism shields us from darkness is one of Satan’s biggest deceptions.

As an example, look at the Apostle Peter. Peter was obedient, he followed Jesus (Matt 4:19), he had power to cast out demons and heal the sick (Matt 10:1), he had faith to walk on water (Matt 14:29), he was a part of the miracles of feeding the 5000 (Matt 14:21), and the 4000 (Matt 15:38), and he was prophetic when he knew who Jesus was (Matt 16:16).

But when he was rebuking Jesus about going to Jerusalem, Jesus said unto Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matt 16:23). Many believe Peter had a demon; else Jesus would have spoken to Peter, not Satan.

Look at the struggle Apostle Paul had. In Romans chapter 6 & 7 Paul talks about his fight against sin, “I do what I hate” (Rom 7:15), “evil is present in me” (Rom 7:21) and says “Oh wretched Man I Am” (Rom 7:24-25). He mentions the word “I” over 40 times. But in chapter 8 he admits he can do nothing and needs the Holy Spirit. He mentions the Holy Spirit 16 times.

Healing of the Spirit involves the applications of the cross, the blood of our Lord Jesus, and the resurrection life and light of Jesus—to whatever is in the person’s spirit that has not yet been redeemed.

            With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Lord is asked to walk through our spiritual house, to cleanse it of all defilements and of every deposit of evil and sin. Many times physical healing comes, as well as inner spirit healings. God’s promises of healing, and the inherited rights of the believer given to us by Jesus’ death on the cross, are for those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts, have been baptized, and have a desire to follow Him. Before we address a number of the more common open gates in our spirits, and how to close them, we need to review four types of healing, and the scriptures relating to them.

Scriptures Concerning Healing

Let’s read Luke 4:18-19 to review the six aspects for which Jesus was anointed: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (you), because he hath anointed me (you) to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me (you). So let’s brake it down:

      1. to heal the brokenhearted,
      2. to proclaim liberty to the captives,
      3. and recovery of sight to the blind,
      4. to set at liberty them that are bruised,
      5. to proclaim the acceptable year of Lord

Healing Journey

Close your eyes and see yourself going into the cross. On the other side of the cross see yourself on an ancient path. As you begin going down this path, see yourself walking with Jesus…. invite Jesus to go with you into your spiritual house. Ask Jesus to cleanse your house of all defilements, of every deposit of evil and sin. Ask Him to cleanse and close every gate and door which has been opened to the world and the enemy. Ask Him to help you remove any obstacles which are prohibiting the Father from entering through your first love gate………

Dealing With Repentance and Forgiveness

In Isaiah 61:1-2: we see 6 things which a born-again Christian can do while In Christ.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me (you) to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me (you) to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

      1. preach the gospel to the poor” [in spirit]) (Also see Matt 5:3 It is the first Beatitude)

Healing, forgiveness, and repentance are interconnected.

      • Mat. 9:2                                         
      • Mark 2:5
      • Luke 5:20 and 7:47                 
      • Jas. 5:15
      1. Forgiveness and repentance are required to complete the healing process.
        • Mat. 3:2 and 4:17
        • Mat. 6:15,12                  
        • Mat. 18:35
        • Mark 11:26
        • Luke 13:3, 5
        • Jas. 5:9

Healing the Wounded Spirit

      1. heal the brokenhearted” – Deals with inner healing of emotions, wounds, and hurts.
        • Prov. 20:27
        • Is. 61:1-3                          
        • John 13:21
        • Ps. 30:5, 11 and 45:7 
        • Ezek. 11:19 and 18:31 
        • 1 Cor. 6:20
        • Ps. 51:10 and 92:10   
        • Ezek. 36:26-27
        • 2 Cor. 4:16
        • Ps. 35:18 and 41:4     
        • Mat. 6:22-23

Healing from the Powers of Darkness

 

      1. to proclaim liberty to the captives – Dealing with release from bondages)

Matthew                                                       Mark                                       Luke                            Acts

8:16                                                              1:23-26                                   4:33-35                        5:16

8:28-33                                                         1:32, 34                                  4:41                             8:7

10:1, 8                                                           3:10-12                                   6:18                            16:16-18

12:22                                                             3:14-15                                    7:21                           19:12

12:27-28                                                       3:22                                         8:2                              19:13-16

15:22, 28                                                      3:30                                         8:27-37

17:15                                                             5:1-14                                      9:1

                                                                        6:13                                         9:28-42

                                                                        7:25                                         13:11-13

                                                                        9:17-26

 

Healing of the Body:

      4. recovering of sight to the blind

Matthew                                                     Mark                                       Luke                            Acts

4:23                                                              1:31-32, 41-42                    4:39-40                         3:1-7

8:13, 15-16                                                   2:5-9                                    5:12-13, 17-18             5:16

9:6, 28-29, 36                                                5:23, 29, 41-42                  6:8, 19                          9:33-34, 40

10:1                                                              6:5, 13, 56                             7:14-15                       14:10

11:5                                                              7:34, 37                                  8:47, 55                     19:12

12:11                                                            8:25                                         9:1                             28:8

14:14                                                           10:46-52                                  14:4

15:28                                                                                                             18:42-43

20:34                                                                                                             22:51

John                                                              1 Pet. 2:24

4:50                                                              Is. 53:5

5:5-8

9:6-7

    1. set at liberty them that are bruised”)
    2. only then did he proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord

It is interesting that most people who come for prayer come for # the 4 healing of their bodies. This is their # 1 priority. However, God’s highest priority is healing of the spirit (thru repentance). We the church seem to have the priorities backwards.

Peter Wagner and others have classified “spiritual warfare” into three separate levels:

    1. Ground or Personal Level:

This is where the casting out of demons from an individual (commonly called deliverance) is practiced. This procedure is more thoroughly covered in a separate section entitled “Healing from Influences of Darkness.”

    1. Occult Level:

This deals with demonic activity occurring in objects, such as is practiced in Satanism, witchcraft, shamanism, curandero, and freemasonry (as discussed in several other sections within this material).

    1. Territorial Level:

This level deals with powerful principalities and powers over houses, neighborhoods, city, territories, regions, and nations (and is likewise discussed in the section on “Setting Your Church Free”).

 What Unclean Spirits Do

There are countless demons, one that corresponds to every sin. In the book entitled “Pigs in The Parlor” it lists over 250 demons. Characteristics of unclean spirits mentioned in the scriptures include:

    1. Continues to tempt people to sin (Gen. 3:1-6)
    2. Afflicts and destroys (Job 2:3-6)
    3. Opposes God’s angels (Zech. 3:1)
    4. Speaks, cries out (Mat. 8:29-31, Luke 4:41)
    5. Indwells humans and animals (Mat. 8:28-32)
    6. Steals truth from our minds (Mat. 13:19)
    7. Tries to express their nature (Mat. 17:15)
    8. Throws people (Luke 4:35)
    9. Torments people (Luke 6:18)
    10. Steals the Word of God from the hearts of the people (Luke 8:12)
    11. Breaks chains (Luke 8:29)
    12. Drives people into the wilderness (Luke 8:29)
    13. Recognized Jesus and Paul (Luke 9:38)
    14. Causes people to foam at the mouth (Luke 9:39)
    15. Bruises people (Luke 9:39)
    16. Binds physically (Luke 13:16)
    17. Opposes, harasses, and hinders the work of God’s servants (Luke 22:31, 2 Cor. 12:7)
    18. Tempts God’s people to sin (Luke 22:31)
    19. Steals, kills & destroys (John 10:10)
    20. Places wicked thoughts and plans into the minds of people (John 13:2, Acts 5:3)
    21. Enters and controls a person—as when Satan entered Judas (John 13:27)
    22. Lies (Acts 5:3)
    23. Counterfeits the genuine (Acts 8:9-11)
    24. Causes sickness and suffering (Luke 13:11)
    25. Attacks physically (Acts 19:16)
    26. Tempts believers to engage in immorality (1 Cor. 7:5)
    27. Blinds people’s minds to the truth of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4)
    28. Transforms himself into an angle of light (2 Cor 10:4)
    29. Takes advantage of weaknesses (2 Cor. 2:11)
    30. Orchestrates the work of demons (Eph. 6:11-12)
    31. Hinders the spread of the gospel (2 Thes. 2:1-10)
    32. Sets traps and snares to cause believers to fall into sin (1 Tim. 3:7)
    33. Encourages false religions and spirituality by doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1-3)
    34. Attacks viciously (1 Pet. 5:8)
    35. Incites persecution against believers (Rev. 2:10)
    36. Deceives all men (Rev. 12:9)
    37. Accuses and slanders believers (Rev. 12:10)

Symptoms of the Possible Demonic Habitation

Note: A true believer can only be influenced by a demon, but not possessed. Why, because it is the Holy Spirit resides within the true believer. Through the revelation concerning the Court of Mercy, we know deal with these demons in the Courts of Mercy

Here they are in Ascending Order according to the Degree of Influence

      1. Restlessness exhibited during worship services
      2. Tried everything else
      3. Sleep disturbances
      4. Feels compulsions for little or no reason
      5. Extreme behavior
      6. Commands to do something unrealistic
      7. Chronic fear, anxiety, or hatred—for no apparent reason
      8. Heaviness in the chest
      9. Feels conditional forgiveness
      10. Unrealistic suggestions
      11. Dislike revealed for anything associated with religion and/or Christianity
      12. Not reading the Scriptures or praying (at all)
      13. Not going to church
      14. Can’t read the Scriptures for any length of time
      15. Withdraws from church people
      16. Can’t pray
      17. Can’t say the name of Jesus
      18. Feels something is inside of them, controlling their actions and/or their speech
      19. Hearing voices in their mind speaking to them
      20. Exhibiting counterfeit spiritual gifts
      21. Having suicidal thoughts
      22. Attempting suicide
      23. Cutting themselves
      24. Having glazed eyes or a vacant stare
      25. When their speech is not their own; there’s evidence of a change of voice (or multiple voices or animal sounds
      26. Sudden appearance of marks on the body
      27. Having conversation with unseen beings
      28. Unusual behavior: animal-like movements, the inability to sit still, unusual postures or gestures, including nearly-impossible contortions of the body 
      29. Their eyes becoming white, unearthly, and vile; a stench or bad odor exists
      30. Object begin to come out of the nose or mouth
      31. An unseen force throws the person
      32. Uncontrollable fits and foaming at the mouth

Definitions

Much has been written about words to define or classify the degree to which a person is influenced by demons, such as demonized, influenced, oppressed, or possessed. Jesus did not use any of these words. Nor does the Bible define them, and uses “possessed” or “had” most often.

Because there is no agreement on the definitions of these terms, and because we believe that rather than levels of influence it is a matter of degree of influence, a continuum, from being mildly to severely influenced, with no distinct categories, we will not use these terms here. Some may feel the words describing demonic activity such as oppressed, demonized, possessed, devils, evil spirits are important, we don’t.

Even the different versions of the Bible don’t agree. It truly does a disservice to the seeker to describe them either within their hearing, or elsewhere using one or more of these inconsistent terms.

Why do we have to use definitions at all?

In this series, we have chosen to use terms such as “Healing of the Spirit”, and “influenced by darkness”, which are much more kind to seekers, and much more acceptable in many congregations. When some hear the word “deliverance”, or “demonized”, they think of “The Exorcist” movie. They become anxious and fearful. It is possible to provide ministry to those influenced by darkness without using any of the more common terms. We need to put the seeker first in our considerations.

Introduction- Inner Healing

My intention in offering this series is to educate the believer with regard to the total process of spiritual inner healing. Scripture offers many truths which are hidden to the untrained eye, scriptural truths which are designed to “set us free” (John 8:31-32). And, as King David confirmed, God desires “truth in the inward parts” (Ps. 51:7).

For those who believe and who are familiar with God’s Word, bringing these truths to greater light and understanding allows us to see more clearly how to utilize God’s design in the process of inner healing. As Christ read from, and in fulfillment of, Isaiah 61, He announced that God sent him “to proclaim liberty to the captives.

This series entitled “Healing of the Inner Man” with excerpts from Dr. Arlin Epperson,   practical manual for deliverance and inner heals attempts to reveal God’s truth with regard to many of the areas of bondage in which an individual finds himself in, and that he might be “made free.”

For truly, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

After accepting Jesus Christ with all their heart, a person must be ready to remove from their life all that prevents the absolute working of the Holy Spirit. An inquiry should be made about areas in the person’s life that may still be in bondage; we cannot set something free which has not first been surrendered.

Deliverance is not about shouting! It is about focusing on discovering what it is that is giving the enemy the legal right to remain in a person’s life. God’s motive is to restore human beings to His image and likeness as it was in the beginning. The Hebrew and Greek words for “salvation” imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness.

Finding oneself in spiritual bondage is like finding yourself bound with many chains or ropes. Every chain or rope represents a different area of one’s life where bondage has occurred.

Once the cause of these bondages is discovered (there are always more than one), then the individual can renounces these ties, and cuts the ropes one at a time. Once these ropes or ties are all cut, the demon(s) then has nothing on which to continue their hold, and with much joy it must go when it is commanded to leave. And the person is free to the glory of God.

Many believers have not been taught, and are unaware, that before they knew the Lord Jesus Christ; that they had submitted their life—or areas of their life—to a different lordship. These believers have never been led to take back or renounce the legal authority given over to the enemy, thus who may still be maintaining their position—if only partially—and who will assert his right whenever possible, thereby oppressing the believer.

Whatever authority hasn’t been given to Jesus is claimed by Satan. Evil spirits can only inhabit where they have a legal authority. Satan always stands at our right hand ready to bind us, if we allow it. If we open our hedge, a serpent shall bite us (Eccl. 10:8).

So let’s get started…..