Stronghold
Definition:
A stronghold is a fortified pattern of thought or behavior—often rooted in deception—that opposes God's truth and keeps individuals spiritually bound.
Biblical References:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Recognizing and dismantling strongholds is essential for renewing the mind and achieving lasting spiritual freedom through the truth of Christ.
Further Reading:
Neil T. Anderson’s The Bondage Breaker, Derek Prince’s teachings, and biblical counseling resources on renewing the mind.
Legal Right
Definition:
A legal right in the spiritual realm is any access or permission—intentional or unintentional—that allows demonic forces to influence or oppress a person, often through sin, trauma, curses, or generational agreements.
Biblical References:
“The curse causeless shall not come.” – Proverbs 26:2 (KJV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” – 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
Identifying and revoking legal rights through repentance and renunciation is critical to breaking spiritual bondage and walking in Christ’s freedom.
Further Reading:
They Shall Expel Demons by Derek Prince, John Eckhardt’s Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Manual, and teachings on spiritual legalities.
Generational Curse / Pattern
Definition:
A generational curse refers to negative spiritual patterns, sins, or consequences passed down through family lines, often manifesting in recurring issues like addiction, poverty, or abuse.
Biblical References:
“Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” – Exodus 20:5 (KJV)
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…” – Galatians 3:13 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
Breaking generational patterns through Christ’s redemptive power allows individuals to live in freedom from inherited spiritual baggage.
Further Reading:
Teachings by Don Dickerman, Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose by Derek Prince, and trauma-informed biblical counseling.
Casting Out
Definition:
Casting out refers to the act of expelling demons or unclean spirits from a person’s life through the authority of Jesus Christ.
Biblical References:
“In my name shall they cast out devils.” – Mark 16:17 (KJV)
“He gave them authority… to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease.” – Matthew 10:1 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Deliverance through casting out demons is a New Testament ministry of Jesus and His followers, restoring spiritual and emotional wholeness.
Further Reading:
Frank Hammond’s Pigs in the Parlor, teachings by Bob Larson and Isaiah Saldivar, and New Testament case studies.
Binding and Loosing
Definition:
Binding refers to restricting the activity of demonic forces, while loosing involves releasing the power of God or declaring spiritual freedom, as authorized by Christ.
Biblical References:
“Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and… loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:19 (KJV)
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven.” – Matthew 18:18 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Understanding spiritual authority in binding and loosing empowers believers to actively participate in prayer, deliverance, and spiritual warfare.
Further Reading:
Charismatic and Pentecostal teachings, Word studies on "deo" and "luo" (Greek), and Derek Prince’s teachings on spiritual authority.
Open Door
Definition:
An open door is any action, belief, or situation that grants access to spiritual influence—either divine or demonic. These can arise through sin, trauma, occult activity, or false beliefs.
Biblical References:
“He that breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” – Ecclesiastes 10:8 (KJV)
“Do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Identifying open doors helps individuals understand the root causes of spiritual oppression and how to close them through repentance and healing.
Further Reading:
Deliverance ministry case studies, spiritual warfare manuals, and pastoral counseling literature.
Deliverance
Definition:
Deliverance is the process of being set free from demonic influence, oppression, or possession through prayer, spiritual authority, and the power of Jesus Christ.
Biblical References:
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” – Psalm 107:20 (KJV)
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32 (KJV)
Why It Matters:
Deliverance is a critical part of inner healing and spiritual renewal. Jesus’ ministry included deliverance, showing its continued relevance for the Church today.
Further Reading:
Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis MacNutt, Unbound by Neal Lozano, and local deliverance ministry training.
Soul Tie
Definition:
A soul tie is a spiritual or emotional bond formed between two individuals, often through close relationships, sexual activity, or trauma. Unhealthy soul ties can hinder freedom and spiritual growth.
Biblical References:
“The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.” – 1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
“Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?” – 1 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Unhealthy soul ties can perpetuate emotional bondage or spiritual interference. Breaking them through prayer and renunciation restores spiritual wholeness.
Further Reading:
Teachings from Christian counselors, Soul Ties by Frank Hammond, and biblical case studies.
Oppression vs. Possession
Definition:
Oppression is external spiritual harassment or influence by demonic forces; possession is when a person is inwardly controlled by demons, typically in extreme cases.
Biblical References:
“God anointed Jesus… who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” – Acts 10:38 (KJV)
Jesus’ ministry to the demon-possessed in Mark 5 and Luke 8
Why It Matters:
Distinguishing oppression from possession helps tailor deliverance approaches and removes stigma from those facing spiritual or emotional battles.
Further Reading:
Psychology and deliverance literature, They Shall Expel Demons by Derek Prince, and pastoral counseling case studies.
Renouncing
Definition:
Renouncing is the verbal and spiritual rejection of sin, lies, oaths, or occult involvement, often as part of repentance and deliverance.
Biblical References:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11 (NIV)
“Let the wicked forsake his way… and he will have mercy upon him.” – Isaiah 55:7 (KJV)
Why It Matters:
Renouncing aligns the heart and mouth with God’s truth, breaking legal grounds for demonic activity and reinforcing personal transformation.
Further Reading:
Deliverance prayer guides, Unbound by Neal Lozano, and personal testimony-driven teachings.
Inner Healing
Definition:
Inner healing is the Holy Spirit-led process of restoring wounded areas of the heart and soul, often through prayer, counseling, and spiritual guidance.
Biblical References:
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord… has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.” – Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
True spiritual freedom includes emotional and psychological healing, enabling believers to walk in wholeness, love, and renewed identity.
Further Reading:
The Healing Presence by Leanne Payne, Theophostic Prayer Ministry, and Elijah House materials.
Spiritual Battle
Definition:
A spiritual battle is the unseen warfare between the forces of God and Satan, influencing human lives, nations, and culture through both physical and spiritual means.
Biblical References:
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities… spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Recognizing spiritual warfare equips believers to pray strategically, resist the enemy, and stand firm in Christ’s victory.
Further Reading:
C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, The Invisible War by Chip Ingram, and prayer/intercession literature.
Authority in Christ
Definition:
Authority in Christ is the delegated spiritual power given to believers to proclaim truth, resist evil, and operate in Jesus’ name.
Biblical References:
“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.” – Luke 10:19 (KJV)
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me… go therefore…” – Matthew 28:18–19 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
Knowing and exercising spiritual authority empowers believers to live boldly, pray effectively, and walk in victory over the enemy.
Further Reading:
Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee, teachings from Derek Prince, and kingdom-focused discipleship courses.