Generational Curses: There are countless numbers of Christians who believe in "generational curses" or curses that run in families This is usually based on several passages in the Pentateuch (Exodus 20:5-6 and 34:7, Deuteronomy 5:9-10, Numbers 14:18 etc), that say God shows loving-kindness to thousands, but visits the iniquity of the fathers on subsequent generations. It is often believed that, since these curses are passed down from one generation to the next, whether we realize it or not, many of the problems we face, physical ailments we suffer from, and the sins we commit, are due to this inherited spiritual bondage. However, what is particularly alarming is the fact that this doctrine suggests that receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and being filled with the Holy Sprit is not sufficient to free us from these supposed curses, and even "born again" believers may need to be delivered from the sins of their ancestors. As a result, Innumerable ministries, dedicated to the cause of helping people break these "curses", have mushroomed in the modern church... the insinuation being that these ministries possess special knowledge and abilities that will help release people. But, although there are many, many, verses in the Bible that flatly contradict this very popular understanding of Exodus 20:5r, there remains the niggling fact that this passage says that the iniquity of the fathers is visited on the children, to the third and the fourth generations. In light of the contradictory passages, how are we to understand these verses? The answer is, obviously, that we are missing something. That "something" is an understanding of the specific Hebrew words used. How Deliverance Ministries Lead People to Bondage Those who promote the warfare worldview mislead us by claiming that the options are only between a worldview that believes that there are demons, curses, and real Satanic activities and a “western” worldview that effectively denies that spiritual activity, good and bad, exists. This is a false dilemma. Do not be misled. The providential worldview also believes very much in the reality of demons, fallen angels, curses, principalities and powers as well as good angels and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The options are whether one believes in God’s sovereignty over all of these spiritual beings and realities or whether one believes God is allowing the battle to run its course on its own. | 
