EMBRACING THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST: A CALL TO ABANDON UNSCRIPTURAL DELIVERANCE PRACTICES
I ran into a friend who recently gave his life to Christ and as we both excitedly discussed his testimony, he said he was now going through a series of deliverance sessions to free him from ancestral sins and curses and he had to fast for weeks and people needed to pray for him to free him. I was sad and tried to assure him all these were unnecessary, but he did not budge. I would have mentioned his very popular church here but will not.
In recent times, a belief has emerged among some Christians suggesting that after one is born again, they must undergo additional deliverance sessions to be freed from ancestral sins or generational curses. This perspective implies that Christ’s redemptive work is incomplete without human intervention, thereby undermining the foundational Christian doctrine of salvation by faith alone.
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST
Scripture consistently affirms that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is wholly sufficient for the redemption of all believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Colossians:
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us… This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14)
This passage underscores that through Christ’s death and resurrection, all our sins are forgiven, all generational curses and stigmas revoked, and any record of debt is canceled. There is no biblical basis for the notion that believers must undergo additional rituals to address ancestral curses etc
YOUR SALVATION IS THROUGH FAITH AND NOT WORKS
The New Testament teaches that salvation is a gift received through faith, not by works or human efforts. Paul writes to the Ephesians:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Introducing mandatory deliverance sessions as a prerequisite for complete salvation contradicts this teaching, suggesting that Christ’s work is insufficient without human-added rituals. SO CHRIST HAS THE POWER TO SAVE BUT NOT ENOUGH POWER TO DELIVER? GOD FORBID!
THE DANGER OF UNSCRIPTURAL PRACTICES
Adopting practices not rooted in Scripture can lead believers away from the true gospel. The Apostle Paul warns against deviating from the original message:
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
It’s imperative to measure all teachings and practices against the Word of God, ensuring they align with the gospel of Christ.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO BELIEVERS
To all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, rest assured that His sacrifice is entirely sufficient for your salvation and deliverance. There is no need for additional rituals to cleanse you from ancestral sins and curses. No extra fasting. No extra prayer sessions. No deliverance sessions. No pastor has greater powers than what Jesus has done. Go ahead and embrace the freedom and completeness found in Christ, and be cautious of teachings that suggest otherwise.
Finally, friend, let us hold firm to the truth of the gospel, rejoicing in the finished work of our Saviour, and live in the liberty He has graciously provided.
HE WHO THE LORD HAS SET FREE IS FREE INDEED. AMEN.
LOLU AKINWUNMI, A COMMUNICATION EXPERT, WRITES FROM LAGOS