Rejecting Deliverance Theology | Historical Overview & Biblical Response

Rejecting Deliverance Theology | Historical Overview & Biblical Response

I have enclosed a personal letter for everyone listening to this series

https://member.bulldozerfaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Introduction-Letter-for-the-Series-Deliverance-Pitfalls.pdf

In today’s teaching, we explore the historical

development of the deliverance ministry movement - from early church

practices to modern-day trends- and why it departs from sound biblical

doctrine.

Key Points

1st- 3rd Century: Exorcism was for

unbelievers prior to baptism—not for Spirit-filled believers.

1970s Onward: Teachers like Derek Prince

and Frank Hammond introduced controversial doctrines—e.g., believer

demonization, naming spirits, generational curses.

1980s - 1990s: Sensational teachings (e.g., Rebecca

Brown) led to paranoia and spiritual confusion.

Biblical Pushback: Leaders like John MacArthur,

R.C. Sproul, and even Assemblies of God rejected these teachings

as unbiblical and harmful.

Why It Spread: Emotional testimonies, spiritual

sensationalism, and lack of discipleship left many vulnerable.

Common

Errors Exposed

Confusing sin with demon possession

Replacing sanctification with exorcism

Promoting fear over faith

Undermining the finished work of Messiah

What the Bible Teaches

Freedom comes through repentance, truth,

and discipleship (John 17:17; Romans 6–8).

The Holy Spirit dwells in believers - not

demons (1 Cor. 3:16).

Our identity in Christ gives lasting victory (Gal.

2:20; Col. 2:15).

Goal of this Series

To equip the Body of Messiah with biblical truth, expose error, and restore

confidence in the power of the Gospel - not deliverance formulas.

Let’s walk in truth, freedom, and maturity—together.