Occultism, Oppression & Bondage

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Published by: Crossroads Publications 10681 Princes Highway Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Australia “OCCULTISM, OPPRESSION & BONDAGE” Study 6 Christian Foundation Studies Series One CONTENTS OCCULTISM, OPPRESSION & BONDAGE.............................................................................1 CULTS AND FALSE TEACHING..........................................................................................1 OCCULT ACTIVITY...............................................................................................................3 What Does God’s Word Say Concerning Occultism?.........................................................4 Satan’s Use Of The Occult Media.......................................................................................7 Evidences Of Occult Oppression And Bondage..................................................................7 Important Questions To Be Considered...............................................................................9 HOW TO GAIN FREEDOM FROM OCCULT....................................................................10 OPPRESSION AND BONDAGE..........................................................................................10 OCCULT, OPPRESSION AND BONDAGE........................................................................14 Study Questions.................................................................................................................14 OCCULTISM, OPPRESSION & BONDAGE This teaching will help bring you into a basic knowledge of occultism in its various forms, as well as providing some information in regard to cults. Many people view occultism as the practice of Satanic rituals involving various types of sacrifices. While this is true, occultism also incorporates many other more subtle activities which people ignorantly accept as general entertainment or harmless experimentation with the supernatural. Stated briefly, occultism is participation or involvement in any way with astrology, fortune-telling, magic practices or spiritism. Some false religious cults are of an occult nature because they include occult practices or teaching in their belief systems - but others do not come under the general heading of occultism. “. . .occultism also incorporates many other more subtle activities which people ignorantly accept as general entertainment or harmless experimentation with the supernatural. . .” CULTS AND FALSE TEACHING Background Reading: 2 John Chapter 1 The definition of a cult is as follows: A system or community of religious worship and ritual, especially one with rites centering around sacred symbols. This often involves fanatical beliefs fixed around a person or thing. From a Christian perspective, any other system of religious, magical or metaphysical beliefs is viewed as a cult. We have compiled a list of some of the numerous cults which deceive people into believing they are “the way.” All of these cults have one major thing in common, that being their denial of the deity of Christ in one form or another. Some of the most common cults are: Christian Science, Spiritualism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Armstrongism (the Worldwide Church of God), Mormonism, Eastern Mysticism, The Way International, The Unification Church, Baha’ism, The Divine Light Mission, Krishna Consciousness, Vedanta Society, Buddhism, Hinduism, Rosicrucians, Reiki, The Children of God, The New Age Movement, Islam, The Inner Peace Movement, Unitarians, Theosophy, Scientology, Freemasonry and other similar secret societies. These Occult, Oppression & Bondage 1 are only a few of the many cults in existence, and there are always new ones springing up all over the world. New Christians are often particularly vulnerable and need to be very careful when approached by people from such organizations. The enemy uses cult followers to attack Christian beliefs and entice people away from following the truth - the teachings of Jesus Christ. Remember, however, it is not the people themselves who are the real enemy - it is the source of evil behind them. “. . .All of these cults have one major thing in common, that being their denial of the deity of Christ in one form or another. . .” Because many of these cults operate according to good principles, new Christians need to be supported and guided by mature Christians in relation to any contact they may have with cult members. This is because Satan’s doctrines often appear as truth and he himself as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). His aim is always to deceive and take people away from the Light, being described by Jesus as follows: JOHN 8:44 . . . He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning (sin began with Satan, and from sin came death), and abode not (Satan began as Lucifer but remained not) in the truth, because there is no truth in him (since his rebellion against God). When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own (the lie is Satan’s native language): for he is a liar, and the father of it (the father of lies). His teachings and doctrines, however, lack the Truth. They may contain various truths, but they do not contain the Truth - that being the revelation of the glorious Gospel of Christ: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3 But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them who are lost: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 In whom the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not (that they might not see the truth), lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Furthermore, throughout scripture we have been forewarned that in the last days before Christ’s return there will be a vast increase in false teaching within the Body of Christ which will lead many astray. While false teaching relating to peripheral doctrines may not cause people to forfeit their salvation, erroneous teaching which pertains to the doctrines of Calvary and salvation will even serve to lead some Christians away from the faith. 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 The (Holy) Spirit clearly says that in the latter times (latter part of the Church Age which is now) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils (doctrines inspired by demons and taught by men). Occult, Oppression & Bondage 2 2 TIMOTHY 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (fundamental Bible teachings - the Cross, the Blood, repentance from sin, ongoing sanctification, etc.); but after their own lusts shall they (so-called Christians) heap to themselves teachers (of false doctrine), having itching ears (to hear what their flesh craves); 2 TIMOTHY 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (myths, man-made doctrine: Matthew 15:9). False teaching which damns souls to hell, and blinds, deceives and causes people to stumble is quite widespread in the Body of Christ today - and seemingly ever increasing in its strength and hold. Churches which ordain homosexual ministers and condone defacto relationships are approving of immorality and fornication condemned by scripture (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The erroneous teaching of “once saved, always saved” (unconditional eternal security) is one such demonic doctrine as described in 1 Timothy 4:1. Those who profess salvation and then return to a state of unbelief, immorality or depravity are no longer in the Kingdom of God, for the Lord will have blotted their names out of the Book of Life (Exodus 32:33; Psalm 69:28). They are not “backslidden” Christians, a vague, erroneous term which gives false assurance, but unsaved. Without repentance and recommitment such people are hell-bound, and often unaware of it in places where the false doctrine of “once saved, always saved” is proclaimed. “. . .False teaching which damns souls to hell, and blinds, deceives and causes people to stumble is quite widespread in the Body of Christ today. . .” Satan thus seeks not only to blind the minds of unbelievers, but also the minds of Believers. In this way He attacks the Church from within, attempting to undermine the authority of scripture so that good is called evil, and evil good (Isaiah 20:5). We need to be aware of his tactics in this area, and stand up for truth. We need to be concerned for one another and support one another in the faith so that all may be edified and grow to maturity step by step. Let us care for our brethren in this way so that none are led away and taken captive by the enemy. OCCULT ACTIVITY Background Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 As has already been stated, occultism is participation or involvement in any way with astrology, fortune-telling, magic practices or spiritism. In the world today, there has never been a time where occult activity has been more widespread and insidious. The subtlety of occultism is such that it has been allowed to creep into society to such a degree that its consequences are beyond any natural remedy. Many people, both Christians and non-Christians alike, have become entangled in its web in one way or another. As a result, they are suffering physical, mental, and spiritual Occult, Oppression & Bondage 3 oppression. Very few of those who once touched occult things, knowingly or unknowingly, however, realize that their problems stem from their involvement in occultism, which is under the direct control of the powers of darkness. “. . .Christians and non-Christians alike, have become entangled in its web. . .suffering physical, mental, and spiritual oppression. . .” First Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking people to devour and take captive into bondage. Because of man’s inquisitive nature, Satan and his forces can often entice people into becoming involved in seemingly harmless occult activities, most of which delve into the supernatural. However in manipulating people’s appetite for the supernatural, he seeks to take them captive via this deception, and bring them into bondage of varying degrees, whether they become aware of it or not. What Does God’s Word Say Concerning Occultism? The scriptures give clear warning that those who continue to be involved in occult practices such as sorcery, spiritism and witchcraft, etc., shall have no place in the Kingdom of God. Rather, their final place of abode, if they do not repent and turn to Jesus, shall be the Lake of Fire (Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8). Participation in any of the various forms of occultism is an abomination to God and brings a curse upon those who do so. For this reason the scriptures condemn all forms of occultism, and forbid any kind of involvement or experimentation. Some forbidden practices are outlined in Deuteronomy Ch.18. DEUTERONOMY 18:9 . . . You shall not learn to do after (imitate) the abominations of those nations. DEUTERONOMY 18:10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire (child sacrifice), or who uses (practises) divination, or an observer of times (one who practises witchcraft), or an enchanter (one who interprets omens), or a witch (sorcerer), DEUTERONOMY 18:11 or a charmer (one who casts spells), or a consulter with familiar spirits (one who is a medium) or a wizard (spiritist) or a necromancer (one who consults the dead). DEUTERONOMY 18:12 For all who do these things are an abomination unto the Lord . . . Briefly stated, to be under a curse is to be either devoid of God’s protection in certain areas of one’s life (which allows evil to enter), or to experience continual lack in one’s life, whether this be spiritual, physical or mental. Therefore a curse can manifest in two ways: Occult, Oppression & Bondage 4 1. As hurt or distress to man or damage to his property. 2. As continual lack in one’s life. Note: It is important we realize that it is not God who places a curse upon man. Rather, it is man who places himself (and sometimes his children) under a curse by engaging in sin or associating with sin and its master (Romans 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10a). “. . .Participation in any of the various forms of occultism is an abomination to God and brings a curse upon those who do so. . .” From the earliest times, God outlawed occultism and declared its practices to be spiritually defiling. The Old Testament is quite definite in its prohibition of a wide range of magical and spiritist practices. LEVITICUS 19:26 . . . Neither shall you use magic, omens or witchcraft, [or predict events by horoscope or signs and lucky days]. (Amp.) LEVITICUS 19:31 Regard not them who have familiar spirits (do not turn to mediums who communicate with demons), neither seek after wizards (spiritists), to (for you will) be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God (as Christians we are to be led by the Holy Spirit, not the forces of darkness). LEVITICUS 20:27 A man also or woman who has a familiar spirit (is a medium), or who is a wizard (a spiritist), shall surely be put to death: they (you) shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them (their own heads). EXODUS 22:18 You shall not suffer (allow) a witch to live. LEVITICUS 20:6 And the soul that turns (seeks) after such as have familiar spirits (mediums), and after wizards (spiritists), to go a whoring (represents spiritual adultery, worship of false gods rather than the Lord) after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. LEVITICUS 20:7 Sanctify (consecrate) yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. As Christians, we are to be a holy people unto God, separating ourselves from all such involvement. This includes, of course, the various religious artifacts which relate to heathen forms of worship and sacrifice. Such artifacts are also an abomination to God and can bring a curse upon those who possess them. The Book of Deuteronomy gives clear instruction on what we are to do with such items: DEUTERONOMY 7:25 The graven images of their gods shall you burn with fire: you shall not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto you (for yourselves), lest you be snared therein: for it is an abomination (is detestable) to the Lord your God. Occult, Oppression & Bondage 5 DEUTERONOMY 7:26 Neither shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be a cursed thing like it (is cursed): but you shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. In the New Testament, the Book of Acts gives an account of people who accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and then burned the various occult books and artifacts which they possessed. ACTS 19:18 And many who believed came (speaks of those who had trusted the Lord for Salvation, but as of yet had not given up particular sins), and confessed, and showed their deeds (concerns the Holy Spirit now leading these Believers to Holiness and Righteousness, even as He had led them to Salvation previously). (E.S.B.) ACTS 19:19 Many of them also who used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men (“curious arts” refers to the practising of magic; so the Holy Spirit was mightily working in people’s lives, just as He desires to do always; if we will allow Him, He will clean us up; He does it through our Faith in Christ and the Cross [Romans 8:2]:): and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver (it must have been many, many books etc., for the amount in 2003 dollars would be approximately $2,000,000). (E.S.B.) Any artifacts and utensils which are used in religious worship by non-Christian cultures (or are representative of religious worship in non-Christian cultures) will be spiritually polluted, and will bring with them a curse. These could include such things as statues or pictures of Buddah, Krishna and other false gods and gurus, as well as totems, certain wood carvings, fertility symbols, etc. Also anything that is associated with black or white magic such as tarot cards, crystal balls, ouija boards, books containing spells, etc., and books and occult literature which teach and promote reincarnation, New Age philosophies, metaphysics, fortune-telling, astrology, E.S.P., clairvoyance, sorcery, transcendental meditation, automatic writing, hypnosis, the beliefs of false religious cults and the like, are to be burned or otherwise destroyed. Also note that some books which are concerned with self-realization, magic and handwriting analysis are also of an occult nature. “. . .Any artifacts and utensils which are used in religious worship by non-Christian cultures. . . will be spiritually polluted, and will bring with them a curse. . .” Note: It is one thing to have a statue as an object of beauty, but if it is of any religious significance then it will be spiritually polluted and should be destroyed. This includes, in relation to so-called “Christian worship,” pictures and statues of Mary, “patron saints” etc., for there is only one Mediator between God and man - “the man Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 2:5). Otherwise, as the scriptures state, the owner brings a curse upon themselves. Occult, Oppression & Bondage 6 Satan’s Use Of The Occult Media Background Reading: Ephesians 6:10-12 There are only two sources of spiritual power (hidden information, knowledge, signs and wonders, and guidance) - God and Satan. One can obtain such assistance from God through praying in faith in Jesus’ Name. The Word of God shows us that the gifts of the Spirit can also provide access to this power and knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The other so-called guidance or help comes from Satan, and one of the doors he uses is that of occultism. Although Satan may seem to assist his victims with his power or knowledge through occult practices, he is really using these agencies as a means of bringing people into bondage to his forces of darkness. Those who engage in such practices are mostly unaware of Satan’s subtlety as he works through these seemingly “harmless” activities. Individuals who seek guidance and direction through such means are in fact opening the door to Satan to oppress them in many and varying ways. It is easy to understand the reason God warns us not to seek help from such sources, for if we do so we are giving the enemy free access to our lives. We would also be restricting God’s access. Seeking supernatural direction and guidance from any source other than God will produce either false hope (e.g. misguided expectations of good experiences through consulting tarot cards, astrology charts, clairvoyants or fortune-tellers, etc.) or false fear (e.g. wrongful predictions of ill-fortune via the same means), and lead the individual away from God’s truths. Thus we find that calling on any other source for such help is the same as calling upon another “god,” and this is a violation of the first commandment: EXODUS 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me. “. . .Although Satan may seem to assist his victims with his power or knowledge through occult practices, he is really using these agencies as a means of bringing people into bondage to his forces of darkness. . .” Evidences Of Occult Oppression And Bondage Those who have been involved in any form of occultism may be suffering some form of oppression from or subjection to the enemy. A list has been compiled of some of the many characteristics which may result from occult involvement. Note that many of these symptoms may also stem from other causes - so lets not create a formula, but realize that no matter what one’s problems are, Christ is the answer! Occult, Oppression & Bondage 7 1. Anti-social behaviour: excessive talkativeness, shunning others, loud muttering to oneself, ragged and unkempt appearance, sullenness, defiant facial expressions, outbursts of rage, psychopathic behaviour, delinquency, extreme irresponsibility. 2. Addictions and compulsions: compulsive eating, dependence on alcohol, tobacco or mind altering drugs, unquenchable passions and appetites, lying, stealing or gambling compulsions. 3. Mental problems and neurotic tendencies: constant depression, erratic behaviour, overwhelming fear and anxiety, extreme nervousness, chronic feelings of worthlessness, failure or self pity, cravings for constant attention, acutely negative personality traits, phobias (unnatural fears), suicidal thinking, self-mutilative behaviours, extreme jealousy. 4. Spiritual problems: the experiencing of psychic phenomena, possessing psychic or extra-sensory abilities (none of which have anything to do with the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit), hearing voices, seeing apparitions or having poltergeist experiences, etc., being unresponsive to spiritual matters, the scriptures or prayer, being plagued with doubts and the inability to exercise faith, unscriptural beliefs or practices, blasphemous thoughts, hostility towards Christ, an inability to receive the Holy Spirit, an intense hatred of the Blood Covenant. 5. Relationship problems: serious relationship problems within marriage, with parents or others, sexual perversion, constant strife and discord within a church. Normally these types of conditions indicate the presence of demonic activity, and therefore the need for deliverance. It is important to note, however, that the presence of demonic activity does not, by any means, always stem from an involvement with occult practices. Sin of any kind promotes demonic activity through giving darkness legal ground, e.g. accepting wrong thinking, persisting in wrong actions. Note that behind every sin there is a demon which promotes that sin. The answer to any and every sin is repentance and yielding to the Holy Spirit so that the light and power of God can come in to extinguish the darkness associated with that sin. The Believer should be aware that at salvation, sin is defeated, Satan is defeated and we are born again - the old man being dead in Christ. Then in Christ we are raised in “newness of life” with a new nature, now being a partaker of God’s very Divine Nature, so that we can have victory on an experiential level. This includes freedom from all demonic activity and oppression. “. . .Those who have been involved in any form of occultism may be suffering some form of oppression from or subjection to the enemy. . .” Occult, Oppression & Bondage 8 Important Questions To Be Considered If you have been involved in any of the following occult practices, (whether you participated in ignorance or not), or if you have been involved in false religious cults, you have opened the door to oppression from the powers of darkness. Have you ever had your fortune told either verbally or through the use of cards, tea leaves, a crystal ball, a ouija board, or other means? Have you ever used a ouija board (whether out of curiosity or a deliberate attempt to seek help), or played any of the popular occult games such as E.S.P., Telepathy, Kabala, Horoscope, Dungeons and Dragons, Clairvoyant, Voodoo and the like? Have you ever tried to divine for water, oil, minerals, sewerage pipes or underground water lines by using a bent wire, a forked stick, a clock spring or any other similar method? These practices have an ancient occult origin called “water-witching” or “dowsing.” Have you ever sought help from a medium or anyone claiming to have psychic or clairvoyant powers? Have you ever been present at a Spiritualist meeting or a seance? Have you ever tried to seek help from “spirit guides” or tried to communicate with the so-called “other side” (the dead)? Have you ever been involved with or practised E.S.P., transcendental meditation, automatic writing, table tipping, the levitation of objects or people, astral travel or telepathy? When ill as an adult or a child, did you seek (or were you subjected to) healing through Spiritualism, Christian Science, iridology, magic charms, metaphysical healing, hypnotherapy, the pendulum or any other trance-inducing methods used either in diagnosis or treatment? Do you study astrology or follow horoscopes? Have you read or are you in possession of occult literature which promotes or teaches subject matter such as reincarnation, dream interpretation, metaphysics, New Age philosophies, fortune-telling, astrology or E.S.P., clairvoyance, automatic writing, magic spells or hypnosis? Do you have books produced by religious cults, or writings from authors like Ruth Montgomery, Jean Dixon, Arthur Ford or Edgar Cayce? Have you ever attended meetings of secret societies such as the Freemasons, Rosicrucians, Buffaloes, Odd Fellows, etc., or have you been to meetings conducted by the Baha’i, Mormons, Christian Scientists, Hare Krishnas, the Eastern-Mysticism movement, Children of God, followers of Reiki, Theosophy, the New Age Movement, the Inner Peace Movement, Scientologists, Spiritualists, the Religious Research Foundation of America, the Unification Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Worldwide Church of God (Armstrongism), or any others of an occult origin? Occult, Oppression & Bondage 9 Note: From a Christian perspective, any other system of religious, magical or metaphysical beliefs is viewed as a cult. While some may not be occult in nature (e.g. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons), participation in these cults will lead to various kinds of bondage and oppression simply through erroneous teaching. As we have learned, scripture clearly forbids and condemns every occult practice as an abomination to God. It does not matter how long ago it occurred, or whether it was done innocently or in ignorance - those who have involved themselves in the occult have opened the door to oppression from the powers of darkness. Christians who have delved into occult practices prior to conversion may be unaware that the source of problems they are now experiencing may be this past activity. Such problems may be physical, mental, psychic, spiritual, marital, etc., in nature. “. . .Christians who have delved into occult practices prior to conversion may be unaware that the source of problems they are now experiencing may be this past activity. . .” HOW TO GAIN FREEDOM FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND BONDAGE Background Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 In order to be set free, Christians will need to dispose of the naive and erroneous belief that Believers cannot be oppressed by Satan. (See Luke 13:11-16 - this lady is a typepattern of a Christian today). It is unmistakably evident in Christian circles that many have been vexed, deceived, oppressed, bound and afflicted by Satan’s forces (1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:11-12). This is particularly so when the people concerned have been involved in the occult, whether their participation was prior to, or following, salvation. The steps that lead to liberty are as follows:1. A firm confession of faith in Christ is essential: ROMANS 10:9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (that Jesus is your Lord), and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. ROMANS 10:10 For with the heart man believes (faith is exercised) unto (resulting in) righteousness (rightstanding with God); and with the mouth confession (open acknowledgement) is made unto (of your) salvation (action with your faith). Occult, Oppression & Bondage 10 Unless a person makes a firm confession of Christ as Lord and Saviour, God has no legal right to that person’s life. And without His help to continue to resist the forces of darkness, no permanent liberation can take place. 2. Acknowledgement and confession of occult involvement: 1 JOHN 1:9 If we confess (and repent of) our sins, He (the Lord) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (the results of these sins). Any involvement in occult activities, whether done deliberately or in ignorance, must be acknowledged and confessed as sin - as an act or acts of disobedience to God and a violation of His Word. The person concerned should then proclaim their allegiance to Christ, receive their forgiveness from God and thank Him for the cleansing of all unrighteousness (the result of these sins). Remember: True repentance always involves remorse and a strong desire to turn from the sin concerned. We are not to trust in our willpower in this, but God’s power. We are to trust that it will come to the rescue and work within us. Indeed the energies and graces of the Divine Nature become available to us as we yield to the Holy Spirit, acknowledging our dependence upon God to empower us to do His will (Philippians 2:13). Sometimes it may be necessary for the oppressed person to name the particular occult practices in which they have been involved. It is also advisable for them to ask forgiveness for any other occult sin which may have been forgotten. In doing all this, the person concerned can remove all legal ground which the enemy may retain, legal ground which gives the enemy the right to afflict them. “. . .In order to be set free, Christians will need to dispose of the naive and erroneous belief that Believers cannot be oppressed by Satan. . .” 3. Renunciation of Satan and his ways. Because of the serious consequences of being involved in occult practices, it is generally necessary to take a third step in order to gain freedom. The person seeking deliverance must verbally renounce (and thus forsake) their involvement in the occult. They should then command Satan to depart in the Name of Jesus (Matthew 18:18). In some cases where bondage is strong and the oppressed person’s faith is weak, the help of a mature Christian of faith may be needed to bind and loose the powers of darkness according to Matthew 16:19. After this, the person concerned should accept their deliverance by faith and not be swayed by feelings or appearances. As the Word of God states: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 (For we [as Christians] walk by faith [in God’s Word], not by sight:) Occult, Oppression & Bondage 11 PROVERBS 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding (your own thoughts and ideas). PROVERBS 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Man’s greatest problem, as evidenced in the Garden, has always been self-rule.) PROVERBS 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes: fear (reverence to obey) the Lord, and depart from evil (shun sin). PROVERBS 3:8 It shall be health (and healing) to your body, and marrow (nourishment) to your bones. So continue to stand on the Word of God, confessing (declaring) the fact of your liberation, and the evidence and assurance will follow. Satan knows he cannot continue to hold his victim captive when he has been commanded by a Believer, one who is yielded to the Holy Spirit, to depart in Jesus’ Name. This does not always mean, however, that the evidence is seen immediately. So boldly confess your deliverance by faith - in the power of the Divine Nature. It may help to do so in the presence of another Believer. “Resist the devil (in faith) and he will flee from you” (James 4:7), as you continue to observe to do all that God’s Word says and continue to have quality fellowship with the Lord. “. . .Satan knows he cannot continue to hold his victim captive when he has been commanded by a Believer, one who is yielded to the Holy Spirit, to depart in Jesus’ Name. . .” Those claiming deliverance must be trusting in the finished work of the Cross and the power of deliverance which is available because of the shed Blood of Christ. They must be trusting and believing that when the energies and graces of the Divine Nature are absorbed by their human nature, they will have the power to rise above any fleshly desire or sin. They need to believe that when God’s power is at work on our hearts and minds, deliverance is at hand and nothing can stop His grace except us. When the grace of Calvary is extended to the humble who cry “Abba Father,” it is then they will know success, and the joy of the Lord will be their strength (Joshua 1:8; Nehemiah 8:10). May you have the victory in Christ. TIME LIMIT - Due on or before......................... This time limit is based on a minimum of ....... hours of study per week. You should allow as a general guideline, ........... hours to answer the questions. TOTAL ALLOWANCE ......... hours. If you are having problems completing this study within these guidelines, you may need to seek assistance from those in charge of distribution. Occult, Oppression & Bondage 12 STUDY QUESTIONS The following questions are designed to assess how much you have understood and retained from your studies. Answer and number all questions on line-ruled paper, giving two or three scriptures with each answer whenever possible. Also give an explanation, whenever possible, of how you arrived at your answer. Answer these questions according to the instructions given regarding the grade you have chosen to work at, i.e. either Intermediate Grade or Ordinary Grade. If you do not understand a particular question, contact those responsible for distribution. For ease of correction write the actual question down on your answer sheet before answering each question, and please print all answers to the questions. Note: If you do not agree with any particular viewpoint expressed in the studies and you have another viewpoint, answer questions relating to this area in the following manner: The view that the studies teach is . . . . . . . . . . . But I believe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (and state the reasons why you do so ) Note: Remember the time limit and complete the study and your answers within the allotted period. If you are studying at Intermediate Grade, you will later be eligible to do the Advanced Questions if you so desire. You will not be able to use your study books or notes to help you answer these questions. In fact all you will be able to use are Bibles and Concordances. So prepare for this by studying properly and answering these questions according to the instructions given. (See letters concerning how to study.) ____________________________________________ OCCULT, OPPRESSION AND BONDAGE Study Questions 1. What is occultism? 2 (a) From the Christian perspective, what is a cult? (b) List some of the cults which are commonplace in our society today. (c) What is the major thing all cults have in common? 3. Who can appear as an “angel of light” and for what purpose does he do so? 4. Give some examples of false teaching which can damn former Christians to hell, and explain why this is the case. 5. When people become involved in occultism in any of its varying forms, what can be the result? 6. Who or what stands behind the door of occultism? 7. How does God view occult practices and which scriptures very specifically tell us this? 8. Explain what being under a curse means. 9 (a) Does God place people under a curse? Explain. (b) When people are in this position, who else may be affected? 10. In Old Testament times, what instructions did the Lord give in relation to occult involvement, and what punishment was metered out to those deeply involved in occultism? 11. What did a group of people in the Book of Acts do with their occult literature and artifacts? What does this tell us today concerning these things? 12 (a) Why should Christians rid themselves of religious statues, and also artifacts and utensils which have been used in, or are representative of, heathen worship? (b) Give examples of some of these items. 13. How many sources of supernatural guidance, help and knowledge are there? Explain how guidance from these sources can be obtained. 14. What will seeking supernatural guidance and direction from sources other than God produce? Occult, Oppression & Bondage 14 15. Why does God forbid the seeking of spiritual help from any source other than Himself? 16 (a) List a minimum of five examples of abnormal behaviours, attitudes or experiences which may result from occult involvement. (b) What may be some other reasons for these abnormal behaviours and experiences? (c) Comment on the presence of demonic activity and give the remedy for such. 17. Give examples of occult practices: (a) Which may seem like harmless ways of experimenting with the supernatural. (b) Which may not seem so harmless. 18. Will being involved in occultism, in ignorance, lessen its consequences? Explain. 19. After becoming a Christian, can a person be oppressed by the devil? If so, give scriptural evidence. 20. If you have been involved in occult practices and there are still effects from this, what confession of faith is essential before any permanent liberation from occult oppression can take place? 21 (a) What must all occult involvement be recognized and acknowledged as? (b) What does 1 John 1:9 direct us to do concerning this? 22 (a) Once a person has confessed Jesus as Lord and has repented of all occult involvement, what then is usually required of this person to break the enemy’s influence in his or her life? (b) In cases where the oppression is severe and faith is weak, what should the oppressed person seeking liberation do? 23. After the oppressed person has taken all the necessary steps, can they rely on feelings or appearances to know that they have been liberated? If not, what should they rely on? 24. What precious truths must those who are claiming deliverance be trusting in? 25. At what grade did you study this booklet and answer the questions, Ordinary Grade or Intermediate Grade? Occult, Oppression & Bondage 15 26. Do you wish to commit yourself to studying at 7 hours a week or 4 hours a week in regard to your next study? Note: Please send $.......................... with these answers for your next study. Note: Under certain circumstances, you may not feel you can commit 7 hours a week to the next study. You can then opt to study at 4 hours a week. The time limits will be adjusted accordingly. Should your situation change, you can increase your time to 7 hours a week - just notify the college or those in charge of distribution. Occult, Oppression & Bondage 16 STUDY TIMES MONTH Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday TOTAL WE BELIEVE: 1. The Bible is the inspired, infallible and authoritative written Word of God. 2. There is one true triune God, eternally co-existent in three persons Who form the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Word and God the Holy Spirit. These three dwell together in perfect unity, forming one heavenly government called God, and each of the three divine persons we recognize to be God. 3. God the Word stripped Himself of His rightful godly privileges and became flesh, a human being called Jesus Christ. Nevertheless He remained God the Word, being both truly God and truly man. 4. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin. He was crucified, buried, and then raised from the dead by the power of God. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, and is the only Mediator between God and man. 5. In the spiritually lost condition of men - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (are deprived of God’s saving presence). 6. Salvation is found in no one else except Jesus, and there is no other name under heaven which is given to men whereby mankind can be saved. 7. In the essential need of the new birth by faith in Jesus Christ. The only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ. 8. Spiritual regeneration (the new birth) is brought about by making Jesus Christ Lord and Saviour, and by believing that Jesus’ precious shed blood was the price needed to redeem man from sin. 9. In the Person and work of the Holy Spirit with His gifts and fruit abiding in the Church. 10. In the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance. 11. That believers should be water-baptized, as the Lord commands, by full immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 12. That divine healing is provided in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, by applying faith to God’s Word of promise. 13. In the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life. 14. Jesus Himself shall descend from heaven to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to meet with Him in the air. This event is known as the Rapture of the Church. 15. In the second coming of Jesus Christ to the earth along with His glorified saints. This event will take place after the Rapture (the snatching away). 16. That all who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour will enjoy everlasting life with Him. 17. That all who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour will spend eternity in everlasting torment in the lake of fire, along with Satan and his forces of evil.