Matthew 8:16-17-- When
the even 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: That it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Matthew 10:8--Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 12:28--But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the
kingdom of God is come unto you.
Mark 16:17--And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name
shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Luke 9:1--Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them
power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:17--And
the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject
unto us through thy name.
1 Thessalonians 5:23--And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible is clear that man is a tripartite being and that
Jesus’ sacrificial death provided for the whole man. Old time Pentecostals used
to refer to what they called the “three-fold cure.”
Salvation of the spirit is what we commonly call simply
“salvation.”
Salvation of the body, we call healing.
Salvation of the soul is deliverance from demonic
oppression.
Many people avoid this vital aspect of the believer’s
ministry, either from fear or a desire to avoid controversy. This IS a ministry
that has received well deserved criticism due to its frequent excess and abuse.
Much needless ignorance exists in this area.
Misunderstood, overlooked and rejected, it remains an
important hallmark of true apostolic ministry, as demonstrated by the above
verses. We have just as much of a Biblical basis for this as we do the ministry
of healing. As children of God we have been given authority over the demonic by
virtue of our position and through the Name of Jesus.
There is much that can be said in this area, as well as much
to be avoided. The fact remains, this is a vital area of personal ministry and
people continue to suffer needlessly through our ignorance and neglect.
I would invite you to visit my blog on “Spiritual Dominion,”
that examines some aspects of the Biblical basis for this ministry: http://miraclesinaction.weebly.com/blog.html.
We will do well to consider this
issue as it will greatly enhance your ability to minister effectively to the
hurting around us.
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