OVERCOMING THE RELIGIOUS SPIRIT – Part 1
Colossians 3:17 ministries with …..
Source: notes by Selwyn Stevens & others from “Freedom from the Religious Spirit”
by Dr. C. Peter Wagner
THE (demonic) spirit OF RELIGION
We speak of Religion in these terms…”The Bondage of Religion through Tradition”, . . . . “i.e.” (for example), the Catholic Church. But there are many religions, between 4,200
To over 10,000. The top 16 by followers …(Christian) Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian, Adventist, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Traditional / Folk, Shinto, Sikhism, Judaism, spiritism.
We are under the curse of religion, when you look on our Website “col317.org” under the green header on the right side of the first page, you will see
“Lies vs Truths” and “Truth you won’t hear in a church” in GREEN, there you will see the Holidays/Rituals that were created by the Catholic Church to deceive the people !!
When Rituals control our Relationship with JESUS, this is Religion. Ritual minus Relationship equals Religion. We are all under the Curse of Religion because he, lucifer,
created the religions to destroy the people who participate ! (Isaiah 14:12-17).
Note: To keep from repeating that most awful and wicked name, we will use the first letter of his evil name from now on in brackets [l]
He [l] controls the religion to prevent change and to maintain the status quo by using religion as his device to deceive the masses,(2 Thessalonians 2:3), (1 Peter 5:8).
There are many spirits of religion as we see in the many types of non-Christian and Christian religions both personal and corporate in the world today.
It is his [l] demonic spirit that is assigned to distract people from the truth by making us think that we are okay. When we read The Verse John 8:44,
so saith the LORD “ You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.
He was a “murderer” from the beginning (Cain and Abel) and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth
In him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it.”
The spirit of religion is one the meanest, foulest, most ruthless spirits that you will ever confront. Now we see why !
He (the devil) comes as an impostor, a “false” angel of light, masquerading as the real thing, cutting off believers from a relationship with
JESUS CHRIST and blocking the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) compared to the fruit of the religious spirit (Galatians 5:19-21)
(2 Corinthians 11:14-15) “And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if “his ministers” also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
JESUS did not create “religion”. JESUS never built a church (building), (we are HIS church), HE does not dwell in Temples made with Man’s hands (Acts 7:48-49), JESUS did not establish the catholic church, nor any other church (religion). JESUS Taught in the Synagogues to tear down this religion of rejection by the Jews against the FATHER in HEAVEN because they would not accept JESUS as HIS only begotten SON. The “religious leaders” would only be found gathered there.
In the Scripture Matthew 16:18, The Roman Catholic church grossly misinterpreted what was written and used it for their benefit, which most if not all still believe that Peter was “The ROCK”, the first Pope (he was not). There are 12 Holy Scriptures disclosing the TRUTH that JESUS CHRIST is “THAT ROCK” (not Peter)… 1 Corinthians 10:4, Matthew 16:18, Isaiah 28:16, 1 Peter 2:6, Deuteronomy 32:4,
Psalms 18:2,31, 31:3, 62:2, 95:1, Samuel 22:47 and Romans 9:33.
Peter never had anything to do with the Roman Catholic Church! … We will have a full disclosure on the Subject “ Peter was not the head of nor the first Pope of the Roman-Catholic Church” by the 2nd week of April !.
The word of GOD says we can recognize a tree by the fruit that it bears (Matthew 12:33-37).
2 Timothy 3:1-5 lists 19 manifestations of the religious spirit in the lives of people in the church. “But
know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of
money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving,
unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And
from such people turn away!”
Part 2
The Holy Bible describes two kingdoms operating in the world. The kingdom of GOD seeks to accomplish
the will of the FATHER on earth (Matthew 6:10), which is to bring righteousness, peace and joy in the
HOLY SPIRIT, (Romans 14:17). In opposition to GOD’s Kingdom, [L] has established the kingdom of this world.(2 Corinthians 4:4)
[L’s] goal is to resist the progress of GOD’s Kingdom and hinder GOD’s plan of redemption. [L] has said in his darkened heart, i will ascend into heaven, i will exalt my throne
Above the stars of GOD: i will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; i will ascend above the heights of the clouds; i will be like the MOST HIGH [Isaiah 14:13-14]
this is the plan of the wicked one, to return where the MOST HIGH GOD cast [L] and 1/3 of the angels, out of the Kingdom of Heaven for rebellion.
These kingdoms are locked in a conflict that will not end until JESUS returns. (L’s) goal is to counterfeit GOD’s kingdom
by offering the world a dead imitation of the True Kingdom to hinder the progress of GOD’s work by
vaccinating the world against GOD’s WORD (HOLY BIBLE) and HIS love. [L’s] counterfeit kingdom is called religion. GOD’s goal is
not to create people who are religious. HIS goal is to bring men and women into a relationship with HIMSELF and combat the spirit of religion through TRUTH and LOVE.
There is also something else to be aware of. In the Verse of (1 John 3:10) “In this the children of GOD are manifest, and the children of [L]:
Whosoever does not righteousness (Obedience) is not of GOD, neither he that loves not his brother”. So there ARE 2 spirits upon the earth.
And as we can see, the spirit of the wicked one (everlasting death) is far greater in the world than the spirit of the LORD our GOD (ETERNAL LIFE) ! all because of deception (35 verses) , the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), compromise (Revelation 3:15-16), complacency (Proverbs 1:32), spiritual weakness (Matthew 26:41), stupidity (Proverbs 5:23), Ignorance (Job 36:12) and spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4). Everything we need to know has been provided by JESUS CHRIST (the WORD) in HIS HOLY BIBLE, “which is Profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness” [2 Timothy 3:16)
SOME WARNING SIGNS OF A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT
Most of us are subject to religious spirits to some degree. Paul exhorts us to “test ourselves to see if
we are in the faith”, (2 Corinthians 13:5). Go through the warning signs below and check the ways you behave because you might have a
religious spirit in any area of your life. Remember religious spirits are seven times stronger than other types of spirits as demonstrated in (Daniel 3:19).
Remember that religious spirits hold people in spiritual slavery. The battle against this spiritual slavery can only be won by unconditional love, in living the
GODLY life focused on JESUS and the WORD of GOD by Reading the HOLY BIBLE through the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT (1 John 2:27) . So use this
checklist to set yourself or others free to worship, walk and work with the HOLY SPIRIT. Amen !
First and Foremost – Mark 12:24 “ do you not therefore err, because you know not the Scriptures neither the power of GOD ?
How can you do anything or have anything if you don’t know the Scriptures ? So please read your HOLY BIBLE. If you are not infilled with the HOLY SPIRIT, you will not be
able to understand. Were you BORN AGAIN ? Did you stop at the water Baptism? If you were baptized as a child , that is where religion defeats the True Water Baptism ! Notice the model that JESUS left ! When John was baptizing, all were of full age, taking that first step of obedience and knowingly committing themselves to JESUS CHRIST and the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the Book of John chapter 3 verse 3 it says “Truly, truly I say unto you, Except a man be “Born Again”, he cannot SEE the Kingdom of GOD” !! What does that mean ?? JESUS knew that [L] through his use of religion would deceive the masses and baptize children, not those of full age, deceitfully removing the first step of obedience. Baptism was made manifest as a specifically Christian element of salvation in Peter’s address to the gathered crowds on the Day of Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection. In Acts 2:38 he expressly commands that people “repent and be Baptized every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of your sins…” Repentance is clearly and in plain, unambiguous language taught as a requirement *preceding* baptism. This, logically, requires that an individual be old enough to be cognizant of having committed sins, and then be willing to repent of them. There are 89 Scriptures concerning the True Water Baptism and we offer free instruction to prepare you for your first step !
PART 3
Please know, only JESUS can give the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26). Most if not all stop at the baptism thinking that is as far as they need to go, which is patently false. Once again, The water baptism is but the first step of obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). If you had been able to receive proper Baptismal Instruction (89 verses), you would understand how all of this comes together. Improper Instruction leads to Destruction. So how do we know this is correct ? Because in John 3:5, so saith the LORD “JESUS answered, Truly, truly, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the HOLY SPIRIT, he cannot ENTER into the Kingdom of GOD”. The Infilling of the HOLY SPIRIT occurs at the time and place the LORD JESUS sees the Spiritual growth of the Individual through the Increase of Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22), Faith (Hebrews chapter 11) and Good Works (Fruits) (John 15:4-6), all of this is Scriptural, not opinion ! This is why the Spirit of religion is so destructive, it keeps the people from seeing JESUS as the “Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). [L] purposely created religion to destroy the path to Eternal Salvation !. And how do we know that ? Pay attention to the last sentence of Matthew 7:14, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few be there that find it”. In plain terms, everlasting destruction. This is how important our labor of love is to find ourselves in JESUS every day.
WARNING SIGNS of a RELIGIOUS SPIRIT
1-The tendency to see your primary mission as trying to save anyone. That can only be accomplished by the LORD. All that we
Can do is plant the seed and water, but only JESUS can give the increase. Be careful as it is written in Matthew 7:6 !
2 – The inability to take correction, especially from those you judge to be more spiritual than
yourself. Think back on how you responded the last few times someone tried to correct you.
3- A philosophy that will not listen to other people – “only to GOD” Since GOD usually speaks
through people, this is an obvious delusion and reveals serious spiritual pride.
4- The inclination to see more of what is wrong with other people than what
is right with them. John saw Babylon from the valley, but when he was carried to a “high mountain:
he saw the New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:10) If we only see Babylon, our perspective is wrong. Those
who are in a place of true vision will focus on what GOD is doing, not on any human achievement.
5- Overwhelming guilt that you can never measure up to the LORD’s standards. This is a root of the
religious spirit because it causes you to base your relationship with HIM on your performance rather
than HIS sacrifice on the Cross.
6- The belief that you have been appointed to fix everyone else! The self-appointed watchmen or
sheriffs in GOD’s kingdom are seldom involved in building anything.
7- A leadership style that is bossy, overbearing and intolerant of the failure of others. As James
said: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and
good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace”, (James 3:17-18).
8- A sense that you are closer to GOD than other people or that your life or ministry is more
pleasing to HIM. This is a symptom of the profound delusion that we draw closer to GOD by who we
are rather than through JESUS.
9- Pride in your spiritual maturity or discipline, especially as you compare yourself to
others. True spiritual maturity involves growing up into CHRIST JESUS. When we begin to compare ourselves
with others, it is obvious that we have lost sight of the true goal – JESUS.
10- The belief that you are on the cutting edge of what GOD is doing. This includes thinking that
you are involved in the most important thing that GOD is doing. Again this is spiritual pride,
self-centeredness, even if it were true. Those entrusted with the truly important missions have the
grace to fulfill them because GOD “gives grace to the humble”, (James 4:6).
11- A mechanical prayer life. When you start feeling relieved that your prayer time is over, or
when you have prayed through your prayer list, you should check your condition. You will never
feel relief when your conversation is over with the One you love, JESUS.
12- Doing things so people will notice., especially in doing ‘good works’.
Matthew 6:3 “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing “
This is a symptom of the idolatry of fearing people more than we fear GOD, and it results in a religion that serves people instead of GOD.
13- Being overly repulsed by emotionalism. When people who are subject to a religious spirit
encounter the true life of GOD, it will usually appear excessive, emotional and demonstrative.
Remember how David danced when he brought the ARK of the LORD into Jerusalem? And remember this
repulsed his wife Michal and she was barren from that day on, (2 Samuel 6:23). Such a critical spirit will
lead to spiritual barrenness.
14- Using emotionalism as a substitute for the work of the HOLY SPIRIT. Do you think that weeping
and wailing must accompany repentance? Or that one must “fall under the power” to be truly touched
by GOD? Even though both of these can be evidences of the true work of the HOLY SPIRIT, you are
beginning to move in another spirit if you require these manifestations.
During Jonathon Edward’s meetings in the First Great Awakening some of the toughest, most
rebellious men fell on the ground and stayed there for up to 24 hours. Such seemingly strange
manifestations fueled the Great Awakening, since these men were truly changed. Even so, Edwards
stated men who faked these manifestations brought an end to the Great Awakening more than the
enemies of the revival.
15- Keeping score in your spiritual life. Do you feel better about yourself because you go to more
meetings, read your Bible more, or do more things for the LORD than other people do? These are all
noble endeavors, but the true measure of spiritual maturity is getting closer to the JESUS.
Part 4
16- Believing in the “Once Saved always Saved” deception. There is only one way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
His name is JESUS, and HE never uttered any such nonsense. Only those who do not read the Holy Bible let alone
have not engaged “on a daily basis”, the effort needed to create a relationship directly with the SON of GOD on HIS Terms !
JESUS said in John 15:5, “Without ME, you can do nothing” WE need JESUS every step of the way and “religion” denies
that direct Bond to the “Judge of the living and the dead.” The Pastor, Priest or whatever Individual has captured the mind,
can never get you to the Kingdom of Heaven.
17- Glorying more in what GOD has done in the past than what HE is doing in the present. Religion continues to rehash what has
Been done in the past. GOD has not changed. HE is the same yesterday, today and forever. The veil has been removed. We can be
as close to GOD today as anyone in the past. A religious spirit always seeks to focus our attention on what has already happened rather than
preparing the “church”(people) for the Day of Judgement and adhering to that what JESUS has Instructed from Genesis to Revelation !
18- The tendency to NOT be suspicious of or oppose new movements or ministries that do not truly
Represent JESUS CHRIST and HIS WORD. . This requires the gift of Discernment and the ability through the HOLY SPIRIT
to look to 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of GOD: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world”. How many Ministries or movements are truly of JESUS CHRIST ?
19- The tendency to reject spiritual gifts that we do not understand. This is a symptom
of pride and arrogance that presumes our opinions are the same as GOD’s. True humility keeps us
teachable and open, patiently waiting for fruit before making judgments. That is why we are exhorted
to “prove all things, hold fast that which is good”, not what is bad, (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
20- Far more carnality likely exists in the church and a lot less of the HOLY SPIRIT than even the most critical person would think.
We must learn to be delivered from our carnality (physical desires and worldly pleasures) which often leading to spiritual separation from GOD,
learning to grow in our submission to the HOLY SPIRIT. But most will want to ignore those who may still be doing things in the flesh, instead of helping
them along the way, read Ezekiel 3 verses 18-21. Also see if you fulfill the Scripture 1 John 4:20, “If a man say, I love GOD, and hates his brother, he is a liar:
for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love GOD whom he has not seen ?” We must pull down the “Strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
and be true servants of JESUS CHRIST.
21- Thinking that going to “church” (we are the church) once a week is all that is required or will be acceptable to the LORD ?. Religion creates false assumptions
usually along the lines of minimal investment (1 hour a week) that will yield maximum rewards. JESUS exposes the lie that church is where HE dwells ! Acts 7:48-49,
“However, the Most High does not dwell in temples (churches) made with mans hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool.
What house will you build ME? Says the LORD, or what is the place of MY rest?”
22- The inability to join anything that you do not deem as being perfect or near perfect. The LORD
joined humans here on earth and even gave HIS life for the fallen human race. The apostles that HE
called and released to build HIS church (people) would probably have made most people’s list of “The least
likely to succeed”. Such will be our nature, too, if we abide in HIM. We will not just see people as they
are but also for whom they can become.
23- If while reading theses signs you were thinking about how they applied to someone else, you
may have a serious problem with a religious spirit.
24- If you believe that being baptized as an infant qualifies as fulfilling the Scripture in John 3:3, you have been deceived !. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless
One is ‘‘BORN AGAIN”, he cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven”. This is religion at one of it’s finest deceptions. How can “they” defy what JESUS has written ? Do they not read
The Holy Bible, or better yet, have created a different path that leads to eternal destruction ? The antichrist spirit of religion……
Part 5
There comes a moment in every human life when religion is no longer enough, when traditions no longer satisfy the soul, when outward practices cannot heal the wounds inside. People attend church for years, read words, sing songs, repeat prayers, but something still feels empty, incomplete, and distant. The heart longs for more. Something deeper. Something real. Something personal. Something living.
This moment, this hunger, this ache inside the soul is the place where a true relationship with JESUS CHRIST begins. Not with perfect knowledge. Not with religious achievement. Not with spiritual performance. But with an honest heart crying inside itself:
I need something real.
I need someone real.
I need the ONE who knows me completely.
Here is the important part. When this cry rises from the deepest part of a person’s being, JESUS hears it. JESUS responds to it. JESUS comes near to it. And in that moment, the entire story of a human life begins to change
SCORING ON THE TEST
Score yourself on this test.
Every one of these issues has applied to each one of us and probably a number
still due because we have not come fully into maturity in JESUS. Also remember that all these are the
fruit of having eaten from the spiritual Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and it takes a process
of having our minds renewed to get free of the religious spirit influence.
THE FORMS OF A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT
We not only need to keep from being infected by a religious spirit ourselves but we also need to
protect ourselves from someone who has a religious spirit. The following are five forms of a religious
spirit: a counterfeit gift of discernment, a spirit of Jezebel, self-righteousness, the martyr syndrome,
and some self-help psychology.
1] THE COUNTERFEIT GIFT OF DISCERNMENT
A religious spirit gives birth to a counterfeit gift of discernment of spirits. This counterfeit gift thrives on
seeing what is wrong with others rather than seeing what GOD is doing to help them along. If you
checked 4 and 6 on the self-test, you tend to have a counterfeit gift of discernment. Its wisdom is
rooted in the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and thought the truth may be accurate; it is
ministered in a spirit that kills. Suspicion, which is motivated by rejection, territorial preservation or
general insecurity, causes this counterfeit gift. However the true gift of discernment can only function
with love. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul warns them about those who minister in a religious spirit that
they try to place a yoke of legalism on the believers. Religions that are based on works will tend to
become violent easily, especially when confronted with those who live by faith. This includes “Christian
Religions” where a doctrine of works has supplanted the cross of JESUS CHRIST. Those who are driven by
religious spirits may try to destroy the true Christian by onslaughts of slander.
2] THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL
The Spirit of Jezebel is a combination of the religious spirit and the spirit of witchcraft that is the spirit
of manipulation and control. This spirit is often found in deeply wounded people. Every trial in our lives
will either make us bitter or better, and the Cross of JESUS will heal every spiritual wound if we will turn to it.
Those who are deeply wounded who do not go to the Cross of JESUS can open themselves up to this evil spirit.
The Jezebel spirit is one of the enemy’s most potent forms of the religious spirit that seeks to keep the
church and the world from being prepared for the LORD thy GOD. This spirit attacks the prophetic ministry
through which the LORD our GOD wants to give timely, strategic direction to HIS people. Jezebel knows that and knows
the people will be vulnerable to her false prophets, which always leads to idolatry and spiritual adultery.
When there is a void of the true prophetic word, the people will be much
more prone to the deception of the enemy. A religious spirit produces religious pride so that GOD will
not communicate with those who are proud. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus called the religious leaders of the
day “blind guides”. A primary strategy of the religious spirit is to get the church devoted to sacrifice in a
way that perverts the command for us to take up our crosses daily. This perversion will have us putting
more faith in our sacrifices than in the LORD’s sacrifice. It will also use sacrifices and offerings to try to
get GOD to manifest Himself. This is a form of the terrible delusion that we can somehow purchase the
grace and presence of GOD with our good works. Read 1 Samuel 15:22, it’s about OBEDIENCE !
3] SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS
We do not crucify ourselves for the sake of righteousness, purification, and spiritual maturity or to get
the LORD to manifest Himself; this is nothing less than conjuring. We are “crucified with JESUS CHRIST” by faith,
(Galatians 2:20). If we crucify ourselves, it will only result in self-righteousness. This is pride in it most
base form because it gives the appearance of wisdom and righteousness. In Colossians 2:18-23 Paul
warns us about pride about how well we are doing compared to others and not on GOD’s glory. This
results in our putting confidence in discipline and personal sacrifice rather than in the LORD and HIS
sacrifice. It is the motivation behind everything that we do that is important – driven by the HOLY SPIRIT
or a religious spirit. A religious spirit motivates through fear, guilt or pride and ambition. The HOLY SPIRIT
motivates through love for JESUS the SON of GOD.
In Colossians 2:18-19 Paul explains that people who delight in self-abasement will often be given to
worshiping angels and taking improper stands on visions they have seen. A religious spirit wants us to
worship anything or anyone but JESUS. GOD does not give us revelations to prove our ministry or so
people will respect us more. The fruit of true revelation will be humility not pride. A religious spirit will
always feed our pride, whereas true spiritual maturity will always lead to increasing humility.
4] THE MARTYR SYNDROME
To be a true martyr for the faith is one of the greatest honors that we can receive in this life. When this
is perverted, it is a tragic form of deception. When a religious spirit is combined with the martyr
syndrome, it is almost impossible for that person to be delivered from his deception. At that point any
rejection or correction is perceived as the price he must bear to “stand for the truth” which drives him
even farther from the truth and any possibility of correction. The martyr spirit can also be a form of the
spirit of suicide. It is sometimes much easier to “die for the Lord’ that it is to live for HIM. Those who
have a perverted understanding of the Cross often glory more in death than they do in life. The goal of
the cross is the resurrection, not the grave.
5] SELF-HELP PSYCHOLOGY
The self-help psychology movement is a subtle attempt to replace the power of the cross in the
church. This humanistic psychology is “another gospel” and another form of the religious spirit. In
Colossians 2:6-8 Paul warns us about digging up the old man and trying to get him healed. We need to
kill the old man and leave him. The way to heal our spiritual wounds is not a procedure or formula but
simple repentance and forgiveness and taking all negative conclusions and behavior to the Cross
where we will find the perfect love of JESUS to wash away all the bitterness and resentment. In 2
Corinthians 11:3 we see salvation is simple. Healing is simple. Deliverance is simple. We are not to add
or subtract from the Word of GOD like Eve did when satan talked to her. Many “Christian” philosophies
and therapies seem wise, but they attempt to substitute for the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives. Some people do
need counseling and genuine Christian counselors do lead people to the Cross. (There are some
counselors who describe themselves as “Christian” who have never been to the Cross themselves.
They cannot lead people where they haven’t been themselves.) But others are simply leading people
into a black hole of self-centeredness that will consume them and try to suck in everyone else around
them. This philosophy is an enemy of the cross of JESUS CHRIST.
THE TEST OF A TRUE MESSENGER
In Ezekiel 37 the prophet was taken to a valley full of dry bones and asked if they could live. The LORD
then commanded him to prophesy to these bones. As he prophesied they came together, came to life,
and became a great army. This is a test every true ministry must pass. The true prophet can see a
great army in even the driest of bones. He will prophesy life to those bones until they come to life, and
then become an army. In Jude 12-16 we see the false prophets as “grumblers and fault-finders”.
The world is becoming increasingly repulsed by religion. However, when JESUS is lifted up, everyone
will be drawn to HIM. Because the whole creation was created through HIM and for HIM, we all have a
huge JESUS-size hole in our soul. Nothing else will ever satisfy us or bring us peace but a genuine
relationship with JESUS.
STEPS TOWARDS FREEDOM
The main order for deliverance from a religious spirit is intercessory prayer that will soften the hardened
heart of those who are in bondage to the religious spirit so they can in humility be changed. Then the
religious spirit must be confronted in a process to repent, to renounce and to break all behaviour
patterns influenced by this spirit. Here is a list of statements that can be used for deliverance as the
person(s) with Godly sorrow speak them with sincerity, humility and submission to:
1] REPENT AND RENOUNCE
Entry Points
I repent and renounce every opening, known or unknown in my generations that I have given to a
religious spirit in my family line even back to the 10th generation.
I repent and renounce every opening, known and unknown in my personal life that I have given to a
religious spirit, and every work of darkness connected with it.
Character of GOD
I repent for not fully receiving Your love, compassion, mercy, grace and forgiveness and I renounce any
belief that You, FATHER are distant and judgmental. I choose to embrace all aspects of Your character
and to intimately know You.
I repent for allowing myself to be led by any other spirit than the HOLY SPIRIT.
Relationships
I repent for relying on my own intellect in worship, praise, prayer, reading of the Word and spiritual
Warfare.
I repent and renounce all legalism, traditions and religious formulas.
I repent and renounce all participation in dead works.
I repent and renounce all dullness to the things of GOD.
I repent and renounce hardness of heart
I choose for the oil of Your HOLY SPIRIT to flow across my heart.
My Behaviour Patterns
I repent and renounce placing man’s opinion of me above Yours.
I repent and renounce compromises of the truth, of my integrity and of my purity.
I repent and renounce all compromises in my attitude toward sin.
I repent for my lack of transparency for covering sin, for not confessing sin, for not receiving correction
for being defensive and quick to justify and rationalize my sin.
I repent and renounce all deception and hypocrisy.
I repent and renounce all pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness.
I repent and renounce all comparison, judgment, criticism, gossip, jealousy, covetousness, and anger.
I repent and renounce all persecution and slander of those moving in the HOLY SPIRIT.
I repent and renounce every act of rebellion that has reinforced the spirit of religion in my life.
I choose to have obedience as my heart attitude.
I choose to no longer partner with the same spirit that killed JESUS and that continues to attempt to kill
the work of the HOLY SPIRIT today. I choose to no longer oppose the GOD of Abraham.
2] BREAK
I break every hex, curse or vow, every spell, incantation or ritual in the name of JESUS.
I break every covenant and blood covenant, every sacrifice and blood sacrifice in the name of JESUS.
I break every ungodly soul tie, every ungodly generational tie in my family line in the name of JESUS.
I break any other legal right, known or unknown, for the spirit of religion to stay in the name of JESUS.
Spirit of religion, as the Body of JESUS CHRIST, I and those with me come against you:
We refuse to allow you to steal our intimate relationship with our LORD.
We refuse to allow you to kill the flow of the HOLY SPIRIT in us.
We refuse to allow you to destroy the anointing of others through us.
We choose to receive the anointing to break the power of the spirit of religion in the Church of JESUS
CHRIST in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth.
3] PROCLAIM THE LORDSHIP PRAYER
Pray this prayer to invite JESUS to be the LORD and MASTER of each area of your life. Even for some
mature Christians, the only reason that the demons are still present in their lives is that JESUS is not
LORD of one or more areas of their life. Meditate on this prayer for each area of your life and ask the
HOLY SPIRIT to reveal any hidden sin(s). Repent and confess these sins thereby closing the door to these
evil spirits. Then these spirits have no legal right to remain and they must go from you, (James 4: 7-10).
Then a time of refreshing shall come upon you, (Acts 3:19-20).
LORD JESUS, I confess that I have sinned and I acknowledge my need of YOU. I thank YOU for dying on
the cross for me and I accept YOU as my SAVIOUR. I invite You now to be LORD of every area of my life:
LORD GOD of my spirit, all of my worship and my relationship with You;
LORD GOD of my mind, all my thoughts, all my attitudes and all my behaviour;
LORD GOD of my emotions, all my feelings and all my reactions;
LORD GOD of my will and all my decisions; LORD GOD of my body and all my physical health;
LORD GOD of my eyes and all that I look upon; LORD GOD of my ears and all that I listen to;
LORD GOD of my mouth and all that I speak; LORD GOD of my hands and all that I do;
LORD GOD of my feet and everywhere that I go; LORD GOD of my sexuality and all its expression;
LORD GOD of my family, my entire home, all my pleasure and all my relationships; LORD GOD of my time, all my
work and all my service for You;
LORD GOD of my material goods, all my possessions, all my finances and all my needs.
Thank YOU JESUS that YOUR blood was shed that I might be set free. YOU and YOU alone are my LORD and
MASTER, Amen.
Now that you have repented, renounced and broken all relationships with the spirit of religion and have
proclaimed JESUS as LORD of every area of your life, walk in freedom with the Holy Spirit.
IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. AMEN and AMEN !!
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:68
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalms 63:1
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Last Updated on July 18, 2026 by admin