Christ the Curse Breaker

During the time of the Apostle Paul (mid-1st century AD), a vast majority of the world's population, likely well over 90%, practiced idolatry. 

When considering modern, self-identified Neo-Pagans (such as Wiccans, Heathens/Ásatrú, Romuva, etc.), the United States has a large absolute number of self-identified Pagans (estimated at over 1.5 million) due to its large overall population, though the percentage is small. Witchcraft (and related Neo-Pagan spiritual paths) is widely cited in reports and studies as one of the fastest-growing religious groups in the United States. Witchcraft in the United States has risen from an estimated 8,000 practitioners in 1990 to potentially over 1.5 million in 2024.

When a society is turned over to sexual sin such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness and lasciviousness it will be preceded by idolatry and witchcraft. (See Galatians 5:19,20)

Lasciviousness is a state of unrestrained sensuality, excessive indulgence, and shameless, immoral behavior, often with a sexual component. It refers to a public, outrageous, and unbridled "wantonness" or "debauchery" that shows a blatant disregard for moral and social restraints.

Is there any correlation between the popular sex practice of unnatural sex acts and the growth of witchcraft? It is something to think about.

Witchcraft is primarily caused by rebellion against God and a desire to control outcomes that belong to Him. This is rooted in a prideful attempt to usurp God's power, seeking self-realization and spiritual enlightenment outside of His will. (See I Samuel15:23)

When the practice of witchcraft becomes popular in a society that society is about to come under God’s judgment. (See Deuteronomy 18:10-14)

THE INCREASE OF DEMONIC ACTIVITY

In the scriptures we see that wherever the occult is prevalent demonic activity will follow.

The whole city of Samaria was bewitched by Simon the sorcerer, used sorcery to bewitch the people. When Philp came into the city preaching the gospel and ministering under the power of the Holy Spirit there was evidence of demonic activity. (See Acts 8:5-11)

When Paul and Silas were led to minister in the city of Philippi, they cast out the spirit of divination. (See Acts 16:16-18)

The apostle Paul ministered in the city of Ephesus which was known for its association with witchcraft, sorcery, and the occult.

Again, this city too was filled with demonic activity whereby Paul cast out many evil spirits. (See Acts 19:11-16)

DENOUNCE AND RENOUNCE THE WORKS OF DARKNESS

When a person comes out of witchcraft through faith in Christ, they had confessed by openly declaring their evil deeds. Then those who were practicing the occult denounced their association with the occult by burning their occult books.  (See Acts 19:17-20)

Denounce means to publicly criticize or condemn something as wrong or evil, while renounce means to formally give up or reject something, like a belief, claim, or right. A good way to remember the difference is that to denounce is to speak out against something, whereas to renounce is to officially turn away from something. 

Before a convert who came out of the occult could be accepted into the church they would have to denounce and renounce their past association with the occult and all sexual sins. (See Acts 15:19-31)

PRAYER OF DENOUNCEMENT AND RENOUNCEMENT

“By the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ I now denounce Satan and his works of darkness in my life. I renounce all spiritual ties to the occult and all sexual sins.” (See Proverbs 28:13)

Note: There is a very important part of renouncement and that is the burning of those things that are associated with the occult. (See Deuteronomy 7:25,26; Acts 19:19)

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

For those who are lost, the preaching of the cross may seem to be foolishness but unto us who are saved, it is the miraculous power of God to save and to deliver. (I Corinthians 1:18) The cross is the place where God destroyed or undid the works of the devil. (See I John 3:8) It is also the place whereby believers are always triumphant in the finished word of Christ upon the cross. (See II Corinthians 2:14)

It is at the cross that our sin debt was paid and the legal charges that was against us taking away. It was at the cross where Christ was made a curse for us that we may be free from the curse of sin and death. (See Galatians 3:13; Romans 7:14)

While Christ hanged on the cross His army openly triumph over all the principalities and powers, (See Colossians 2:14,15) Note: Jesus didn’t call for the 12 legions of angels while in the garden. But while on the cross a battle broke out and victory was won. (See Mathew 26:53; Revelations 12:7-10)

THE PRAYER OF FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE

Allegiance is a deep sense of loyalty and commitment of a subordinate to a superior which is the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I now before God and these witnesses confess Jesus Christ as Lord, I believe with all my heart that the Lord Jesus died on the cross shading His blood as a payment for all my sins. I also believe with all my heart that Christ was buried and on the third day He rose from the dead and that He lives forever more.  I now pledge my allegiance to you and to your Son the Lord Jesus Christ. I now submit my life to you and give you the right to rule and govern my life as you see fit. I will obey you and adhere to the teachings of your Son the Lord Jesus Christ, from this day forth, Amen!”