The issue of generational curses, the linkage with deliverance ministry, and their impact on Christians is hotly debated in the Body of Christ. I would like to give my perspective, as one active in deliverance ministry, as I have seen it unfold during sessions with literally thousands of people!
Some of the confusion arises because people tend to use terms loosely without really defining what they mean. My background is Christian counseling and deliverance so I will rely exclusively on what the word of God says coupled with my experience.
From my perspective, the following is clear from Scripture:
- The sins of the father impact the third and fourth generations (Exodus 34:7). Generational curses pass down through the bloodline.
- Demonic spirits implement these curses in people’s lives. They can affect us from the outside by putting thoughts in our mind but also seek to enter into us. Deliverance ministry involves the driving out of demons, which are resident in a person’s body and/or soul.
- Jesus became a curse for us (Gal 3:13) and He broke the curses when he died and rose again after the cross.
- Although the curse has been broken, the spirits can still be operating in the person’s life. They do not necessarily leave automatically at salvation. We get a new, born-again spirit but not a new body or soul (John 3:6-7).
Salvation is a free gift received by grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9)). Jesus died for all sin for all men but each person must appropriate and take hold of the gift that Christ offers. In like manner, freedom from curses does not (typically) just happen; spirits must leave or be driven out before they can walk in that freedom. Sometimes God delivers people sovereignly and supernaturally but he also calls on the church to do deliverance ministry.
Just because a curse is active in a bloodline does not mean that everyone in the family will be afflicted. Many with a history of alcoholism in the family heritage do not go on to become alcoholics themselves.
I’m often asked why a curse does not impact everyone in the lineage and quite frankly I am really not sure. Some are not affected while others are not. Typically, the revelation and power of God moves in a person’s life to help them steer clear of that affliction.
He who the Son sets free is both a present reality and a future promise for those caught up in bondage and torment. Let every believer take hold of the abundant life that Christ has for us. Deliverance ministry can help be part of that process.
Do you see family “issues” at work in you or your bloodline where repeated counsel, prayer, treatment or medications are not gaining the victory? Are you willing to consider that your best help resides in getting delivered.
See a video blog post on this topic: Video Blog: Generational Curses And Deliverance Ministry
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