Believers can still struggle with influences of evil spirits, even after being born again — but the Bible shows that this influence is external, not ownership, because believers belong to Christ. Deliverance is part of Jesus’ ongoing ministry to His people.

Bible evidence:

1. Believers can give “place” to the devil.
   “Neither give place to the devil.” — Ephesians 4:27
   Paul wrote this to born-again Christians. If it were impossible, the warning would be meaningless.
2. Christians can be oppressed or tormented.
   “How God anointed Jesus… who went about… healing all who were oppressed of the devil.” — Acts 10:38
   “Oppressed” means pressured, harassed, afflicted.
3. Believers can have areas needing cleansing after salvation.
   “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 7:1
   This is written to saved people, showing there can still be “unclean” influences.
4. Spiritual warfare targets believers.
   “Stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11
   If Christians could not be attacked, there would be no need for the armor of God.
5. A believer can be influenced by Satan if they open a door.
   Peter was a disciple, yet Jesus said:
   “Satan has desired to sift you as wheat.” — Luke 22:31

Conclusion (Bible-based):
A Christian cannot be possessed because they belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
But Christians can experience evil influence, oppression, and spiritual bondage in parts of their lives — and may need deliverance

1. Bible Examples of Believers Receiving Deliverance

There are several instances in the New Testament where believers receive deliverance from oppression or demonic influence.

• The Apostle Peter (Acts 12:1-19)
  While this isn’t a typical deliverance from a demonic spirit, Peter was imprisoned by Herod, and the church prayed earnestly for his release. God sent an angel to deliver him from prison. While not direct deliverance from an evil spirit, this shows God’s intervention for believers in bondage.
  Key takeaway: Deliverance for believers is a response to prayer and God’s will, even in seemingly impossible situations.
• The Church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:4-8)
  After the persecution of the church, Philip went to Samaria and preached. Many who were tormented by unclean spirits were healed, and demons were cast out of them.
  “For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.” — Acts 8:7
  Key takeaway: Deliverance ministry was actively practiced to free believers from demonic oppression, even in a context where many were already saved.
• The Ephesians (Acts 19:18-19)
  After hearing Paul’s preaching, many of the Ephesians came forward, confessing their sins, and burning their magic books (related to witchcraft and occult practices).
  “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men.” — Acts 19:18-19
  Key takeaway: The new believers in Ephesus needed deliverance from their past occult involvement. They confessed and renounced these activities, which was a form of deliverance from spiritual oppression.

2. Signs of Spiritual Oppression in Scripture

Spiritual oppression or demonic influence can manifest in a number of ways. Some signs are:

• Mental confusion or torment
  In Luke 13:11-16, Jesus heals a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. Jesus says she was bound by a spirit of infirmity. This woman’s affliction was both physical and spiritual, showing how oppression can affect the mind and body.
  Key takeaway: Spiritual oppression can manifest as mental torment or confusion, physical ailment, and debilitating conditions.
• Fear and anxiety
  In Matthew 8:28-34, two men possessed by demons from the region of the Gadarenes were so tormented that they were violent and lived among the tombs. The demons recognized Jesus immediately and cried out in fear.
  Key takeaway: Unexplained fears, anxiety, or feelings of terror could be a sign of demonic oppression.
• Inability to control behavior (self-destructive tendencies)
  Mark 5:1-20 describes a man possessed by a legion of demons who lived in the tombs, cutting himself with stones. His behavior was uncontrollable, and he was isolated.
  Key takeaway: Self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting, can be linked to demonic oppression or possession, though not every case is spiritual. It requires discernment.
• Chronic illnesses that don’t have natural explanations
  In Luke 13:10-16, the woman was physically bent over due to a spirit of infirmity. While not all chronic illness is caused by demons, there are cases in Scripture where physical afflictions were a result of spiritual oppression.
  Key takeaway: Spiritual oppression can cause or exacerbate physical ailments that resist medical treatments.

3. How Jesus and the Apostles Ministered Deliverance

• Jesus’ Ministry of Deliverance (Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 1:32-34)
  Jesus regularly healed those oppressed by evil spirits. For example, in Matthew 8:16-17, it says:
  “When the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.”
  Jesus didn’t just cast out demons; He used His authority and words to set people free, demonstrating that He had power over all demonic forces.
  Key takeaway: Deliverance involves direct spiritual authority, using God’s Word to expel demonic forces.
• The Twelve Apostles (Luke 9:1-2)
  Jesus sent out His apostles with authority to cast out demons and heal the sick:
  “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.”
  The apostles were empowered to do the same things Jesus did — cast out demons and heal the sick.
  Key takeaway: Jesus gave His followers authority to cast out evil spirits in His name.
• Paul’s Ministry of Deliverance (Acts 16:16-18)
  In Acts 16, a girl with a spirit of divination followed Paul and his team, shouting about their authority. Paul eventually turned around and cast out the spirit, saying,
  “I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” — Acts 16:18
  Even though the girl was not “oppressed” in the traditional sense (like the others), her spirit of divination was a demonic influence.
  Key takeaway: Deliverance often involves the use of the name of Jesus and commanding the spirit to leave in Jesus’ authority.
• The Church (Mark 16:17)
  Jesus told His disciples that signs would follow them as they preached the gospel:
  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…”
  This shows that deliverance was not just for the apostles but for believers at large. Deliverance is part of the authority every Christian can walk in when they are operating in faith.

Summary

• Deliverance in the Bible is not just for unbelievers but is something that affects believers, as seen in the examples of the apostles and new converts.
• Signs of spiritual oppression can include mental or emotional torment, fear, anxiety, physical ailments, and uncontrollable behaviors.
• Jesus and His apostles ministered deliverance by using the authority of Jesus’ name, commanding demons to leave, and healing those oppressed by spirits.

Deliverance, based on Scripture, is not only for salvation but also for healing and freedom in every part of the believer’s life. As Christians, we can pray for deliverance and stand firm in the authority we have in Jesus.

1. Inherited Sin, Curses, and the Impact on Believers

Inherited Sin and its Consequences:

The Bible teaches that sin affects families and generations (Exodus 20:5), but it also makes clear that each individual is responsible for their own choices.

• Exodus 20:5-6 says,
  “For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
  This verse indicates that sin and its consequences can be passed down, but God also offers mercy and restoration.
• Ezekiel 18:20 states,
  “The soul that sins, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
  This clarifies that while generational consequences can occur, each person is judged based on their own actions, not the sins of their ancestors.

Curses in the New Testament:

While the Old Testament contains more direct teachings about curses, Galatians 3:13-14 is a key New Testament verse on this topic:

• “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
  Jesus broke the power of curses related to the law by taking the curse upon Himself, so that believers can live in freedom, receiving God’s blessing rather than judgment.

Deliverance from Curses and Inherited Sin:

If believers feel they are under the effects of generational curses, deliverance is possible because Jesus has already redeemed us from the curse. This doesn’t mean we live in denial of struggles or that the effects of sin can be ignored — but we are empowered to break the legal rights of any spiritual influence over us through prayer and renouncement.

Key step for deliverance:

• Repentance and Renouncing: Recognizing any patterns or behaviors linked to past family or personal sin and repenting for those, asking God for healing, and renouncing any connection to curses.
• Faith in Jesus’ Redemption: Acknowledging that Jesus’ death and resurrection have broken the power of every curse and sin.

2. Witchcraft and Divination in the Believer’s Life

Witchcraft and Divination:

Witchcraft, sorcery, and divination are forms of spiritual manipulation by demonic forces. The Bible gives clear warnings about participation in occult practices:

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 condemns witchcraft, sorcery, and divination.
  “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells…”
  These practices are explicitly forbidden because they open doors to demonic oppression and defilement.

Deliverance from Witchcraft and Divination:

Even if someone has been involved in witchcraft or divination before becoming a believer, deliverance is available through the name of Jesus, who has authority over all spirits.

• Acts 16:16-18 shows how Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a girl:
  “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.”
  Renouncing past involvement in witchcraft or occult practices is a vital step in deliverance.

Key step for deliverance:

• Renunciation of any occult involvement: In prayer, repent for any participation in witchcraft, sorcery, or divination, even if it was done unknowingly or out of ignorance.
• Breaking spiritual ties: Praying to break any spiritual ties or covenants made with demonic forces and asking for the Holy Spirit to cleanse and fill the individual with peace and healing.

3. Abused Persons and Emotional Struggles: Hatred, Revenge, Bitterness

Trauma and Emotional Struggles:

Emotional trauma from abuse (whether physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal) can lead to deep rooted bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, and even vengeful thoughts. These unresolved emotions can open the door to spiritual oppression.

• Ephesians 4:26-27:
  “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
  This shows that harboring anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness opens a legal door for demonic influence.
• Hebrews 12:15:
  “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
  Bitterness can defile the soul and even affect relationships and spiritual health.

Deliverance from Bitterness and Hatred:

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful keys to freedom from emotional bondage and spiritual oppression. Jesus taught this clearly.

• Matthew 6:14-15:
  “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
  Unforgiveness can open doors to bitterness, rage, and oppression.
• Luke 4:18:
  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…”
  Jesus’ anointing brings healing to emotional wounds, including trauma from abuse.

Steps for Emotional Healing and Deliverance:

• Forgiveness and Prayer: Acknowledge the pain, but choose to forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiveness does not mean excusing the abuse; it means releasing the right to get revenge and trusting God to bring justice.
• Renounce Bitterness: Speak out loud and declare that you renounce bitterness, hatred, and the desire for revenge. Ask God to fill you with His love and healing.
• Declare God’s Healing: Ask the Holy Spirit to heal emotional wounds and break any strongholds of trauma.

4. Deliverance Prayer and Ministry for Believers

1. Breaking Curses: Pray a prayer of renouncement of any generational curses, and command any spiritual oppression tied to those curses to leave in the name of Jesus.
2. Renouncing Witchcraft or Divination: Pray a prayer to renounce any involvement in witchcraft, divination, or occult practices, breaking any spiritual ties in Jesus’ name.
3. Forgiveness and Healing: For those dealing with bitterness, hatred, or emotional wounds from abuse, ask God for the grace to forgive, renounce bitterness, and receive emotional healing.
4. Claiming Victory: Stand firm in the victory of Jesus. “He who the Son sets free is free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that Jesus has redeemed us from curses, broken the power of witchcraft, and offers healing for those wounded by abuse and emotional trauma. Deliverance for believers includes:

• Breaking generational curses and renouncing inherited sin.
• Repenting from past involvement in witchcraft and divination.
• Forgiving those who have hurt us to release the spiritual grip of bitterness and hatred.

Deliverance is not just about expelling evil spirits, but also about healing and setting the captive free, spiritually and emotionally. This process can take place through prayer, faith in Jesus, and standing in His victory.