Recent headlines have brought attention to a shocking incident on an American Airlines flight, where a passenger reportedly exhibited signs of demon possession. This unsettling event has sparked a larger conversation about the reality of spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry. While some might be quick to dismiss such occurrences as mere theatrics or mental illness, the truth is that demonic oppression is a very real issue that believers are called to confront.
As Alan DiDio and Isaiah Saldivar discussed in a recent interview on Encounter Today, demon possession and spiritual oppression are not foreign concepts in the Bible. From the Gospels to the book of Acts, we see Jesus and His disciples confronting demonic forces head-on. These occurrences weren’t isolated, sensationalized events, but demonstrations of God’s power and love, aimed at setting the oppressed free. Understanding these events in a biblical context helps us recognize the need for deliverance in our modern world.
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Deliverance: A Biblical and Accessible Ministry
Something Saldivar points out is that deliverance is a ministry that every believer is called to engage in. It is not reserved for special leaders or experts but is part of the mission that Jesus handed down to His followers. Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly cast out demons, healing individuals from spiritual oppression. This wasn’t just about the spectacle; it was a demonstration of God’s power to liberate His people from the enemy’s grip.
The practice of deliverance might seem intimidating to some, but it is something that every Christian can be involved in. It begins with understanding that believers have been given the authority in Jesus’ name to break the chains of spiritual oppression. Just as we are called to pray for the sick and witness to the lost, we are also called to help those who are bound by spiritual forces. Deliverance is part of the Kingdom of God’s work on earth and is available to all who believe.
The Reality of Demonization
Demonization, often misunderstood or dismissed, is a more common occurrence than many realize. Demons don’t always show themselves in dramatic or obvious ways, which is why many people remain unaware that they are under spiritual oppression.
It is essential for believers to understand that demonization doesn’t always involve visible or violent manifestations. In fact, many individuals unknowingly live under the influence of demonic spirits for years. This influence can range from subtle emotional and mental struggles to overt manifestations. Recognizing the need for deliverance is the first step in bringing freedom to those suffering under demonic oppression, whether or not it’s visibly obvious to others.
Understanding the Difference: Possession vs. Demonization
A critical distinction in deliverance ministry is understanding the difference between possession and demonization. While possession implies a complete takeover of a person’s body and spirit, demonization refers to various levels of spiritual oppression. Someone who is demonized may experience influence over their thoughts, emotions or behaviors, but they are not owned by the demonic.
It’s essential not to get caught up in terminology but to focus on the fact that demonic influence, whether mild or severe, can be addressed through the power of prayer, deliverance and the authority believers have in Christ. The goal is freedom, regardless of the level of oppression.
How Demons Gain Access
As Saldivar and DiDio explain, demons gain access to individuals through what is often referred to as “open doors”—situations or circumstances that provide an entry point for spiritual forces to take hold. One of the most common open doors is trauma, particularly childhood abuse or deeply painful experiences. These types of wounds can create spiritual vulnerabilities that demons use to gain a foothold in a person’s life, making it harder for them to experience true healing.
In addition to trauma, other open doors include involvement in the occult, unforgiveness or persistent sin. These behaviors or experiences invite spiritual forces into a person’s life, often without them realizing it. It’s crucial for believers to recognize these open doors and close them through repentance, prayer and spiritual warfare. When we understand how demons gain access, we can be proactive in protecting ourselves and others from spiritual attack.
The Role of Discernment in Deliverance
Discernment plays a crucial role in identifying whether someone’s struggles are rooted in spiritual oppression or if they stem from a physical or mental health issue. In today’s world, with increasing diagnoses of mental illness and the widespread use of medication, it can be difficult to distinguish between a spiritual issue and a medical one. However, the Bible teaches that spiritual forces are at work behind many of the struggles people face.
While medical professionals focus on the physical and mental aspects of health, deliverance ministry addresses the spiritual root. Deliverance does not replace medical care but works in tandem with it, targeting the unseen spiritual influences that may be affecting a person’s well-being. This discernment helps believers address the true source of a person’s struggles, whether they are mental, emotional or spiritual in nature.
Closing the Doors to Demonic Influence
The good news is that demons can be expelled and their access to a person’s life can be closed. Believers have the authority in Christ to close the doors to demonic influence, reclaiming the spiritual ground that has been taken. This begins with repentance, forgiveness and renouncing any known sin or negative influences in one’s life. Through prayer, fasting and the power of the Holy Spirit, spiritual freedom can be obtained.
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Once the doors are closed, it’s essential to walk in continued victory. This means staying alert and maintaining a close relationship with God, through regular prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Deliverance is just the beginning of a new journey in Christ. Remember, the power of Jesus is greater than any force the enemy can bring against us.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
