Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 12/4/2006

Question
What is "deliverance" and what are "deliverance ministries"? Is that a uniquely Pentecostal concept or do other Protestants use it?

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Thanks for this question.  As far as I know this ministry is basically a Pentecostal concept.  Deliverance ministries seek to expose demonic possession and cast out demons that are thought to cause sin, sickness, and poverty.  I believe that God can use us to cast out demons in the name of Jesus, but not from saved people... and I believe that it is unbiblical to blame demonic possession for sin.  I believe that the Bible teaches that we sin because we are suduced by OUR OWN lusts.

James 1:14-15
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

If you have further questions on this subject or any other I would be happy to try to help.

In Christ
Pastor Don