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Q1. The subject of deliverance is grossly misunderstood in Christendom and I too am not fully established in it. In one of your previous responses you said that some Christians are bogged down by the doctrine of generational curses and end up wasting their energies in fighting these "curses." You said that one must stand on 2 Corinthians 5:17 and they would be totally free from such curses. Does this apply to every generational sin/weakness?
Yes, if they have the faith level and teaching level to do so. It is like the understanding about eating vegetables (Romans 14) and eating of idol food in the markets (1 Corinthians 8 - although there is also an area where one does not do it because it involves false worship - 1 Corinthians 10:20, 21). Some of the methodology of helping people from generational curses have NO NEW TESTAMENT examples or Scriptural basis. The closest that one can find is in Acts 8 where Simeon the former magician now converted still had the 'root of bitterness' in him (he would be a prime example of one who had a past of idolatry, witchcraft, magic) and he was told to 'repent' rather than to 'renounce generational curses.' Like Romans 14:23 says, what is not of faith is sin. When a person is taught or from his background believes that eating vegetables enhances his spirituality or keeping a certain day a week enhances their spirituality, then it does for them for they would receive according to their level of faith. If a person is taught that their problems came from generational curses (rather than a lack of faith or knowledge) or has a culture that believes that such can continue to cause problems, then the person would receive according to what they believe - and needs to be freed accordingly. The methodology is always adapted to the person's faith level. At times Jesus wanted to lay hands and heal but a greater faith level (Luke 7:9) changes the methodology. The key principle is this 'the method of healing or deliverance or reception of any promises of God is always dependent on the faith level of the recipient.'
Q2. I will create a little scenario to illustrate my point (it is not a total fabrication of my mind). A young man in a family dedicated to Satan gets born-again. His siblings are into occultism. Practising witchcraft has been a family tradition and the family is an established "principality" in a certain territory.
a) If this young man stands on 2 Corinthians 5:17 will this suffice?
Faith grows according to Romans 10:17. The person must not just be taught 2 Corinthians 5:17 (it can be used as a base) but must also be taught his authority as a son of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - and anything else that would helped him grow in faith. The right teaching is very important. Like everything else in life, it might take time before the teaching holds in his heart and become manifestedly true in reality as he faith takes hold of the revelation. Sometimes, constant teaching is needed before faith understands and takes hold of the revelation.
b) Does he need to engage in spiritual warfare to uproot the witchcraft altars in his family like Josiah?
If he has faith, he can rest in the finished work of Christ for him. Jesus has conquered satan and all his prinicpalities (Hebrews 2:14, 15; Colossians 2:15), he can receive the love of Jesus and become MORE than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). If he believes it and receives it as Scripture says, than 2 Corinthians 5:17 works for him and he needs to do nothing else. If in his mind he assents but within his heart he still feels that he needs to renounce, then doing so might help release his faith at his level and bring some relief to him. But in the end for permanent walk of authority and power, he would still ultimately need the revelation of WHO Jesus is, WHAT Jesus has done, and WHO HE IS IN CHRIST.
c) Considering that his forefathers and his family members have been bewitching people will God bring judgment on his family? If yes, what must he do?
It does not matter what the family has done, each one in the NT only answers for his own sin. In the NT, God deals with both the personal sin and the inherited sin nature at the cross of calvary. Of course, where the consequences of sin of the forefathers still hurt people, the release of forgiveness is an important part of releasing the love of God into the situation.
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