Our spiritual ancestry
how the choices of our ancestors affect us
Side notes
All Bible references are from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
[1] Acts 1:3
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
[2] Matthew 12:25-26
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
[3] Genesis 1:1-3
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
[4] Ephesians 1:19-21
..and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
[5] Exodus 20:5
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me..”
[6] Exodus 34:7
“..keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
[7] Deuteronomy 23:2-3
"No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD. 3 "No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever.."
[8] Matthew 27:25
And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
[9] Genesis 12:13
“Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”
[10] Genesis 26:7
When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance.
[11] Genesis 27:36
Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”
[12] Genesis 31:20
And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee.
[13] Genesis 27:36
Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob (he deceives)?
[14] Genesis 37:12-36
Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.
They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him.They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.
When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes and returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone, and I, where shall I go?” Then they took Joseph's robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.” And he identified it and said, “It is my son's robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.
[15] Judges 12:5-6
And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.
[16] Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
[17] Genesis 27:29
“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”
[18] 1 Kings 16:34
In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
[19] Deuteronomy 23:2
“No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the Lord. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord.”
[20] Proverbs 26:2
Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.
[21] Matthew 27:24-25
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
[22] Genesis 1:3-14
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years..”
[23] Matthew 12:34-37
“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
[24] Deuteronomy 19:15
“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”
[25] 1 Corinthians 2:11
For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
[26] Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
[27] 1 Corinthians 14:1
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
[28] 1 Chronicles 28:9
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.”
[29] James 4:2-3
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
[a] President of the United States of America elected or re-elected in each 20th year, and his circumstances of death:
- Harrison 1841 Died of Pneumonia 1841
- Lincoln 1861 Assassinated 1865
- Garfield 1881 Assassinated 1881
- McKinley 1901 Assassinated 1901
- Harding 1921 Died of heart attack 1923
- Roosevelt 1941 Died of heart attack 1945
- Kennedy 1961 Assassinated 1963
- Reagan 1981 ALMOST assassinated 1981
- Bush 2001 No problems
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
..and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me..”
“..keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
"No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD. 3 "No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever.."
And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
“Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”
When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance.
Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”
And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee.
Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob (he deceives)?
Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.
And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”
In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
“No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the Lord. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord.”
Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years..”
“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”
For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.”
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
- Harrison 1841 Died of Pneumonia 1841
- Lincoln 1861 Assassinated 1865
- Garfield 1881 Assassinated 1881
- McKinley 1901 Assassinated 1901
- Harding 1921 Died of heart attack 1923
- Roosevelt 1941 Died of heart attack 1945
- Kennedy 1961 Assassinated 1963
- Reagan 1981 ALMOST assassinated 1981
- Bush 2001 No problems
Every one of us is a recipient of many influences from outside sources that have often far reaching effects upon our lives. Our speech, behaviour, attitudes, career, quality of health (to name a few), can all be moulded without our even being aware such things are happening. These influences can be dangerous.
The Bible teaches that there are two spiritual kingdoms operating in this world. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Acts 1:3[1], Matthew 12:25-26[2], Genesis 1:1-3[3], Ephesians 1:19-21[4]
Both kingdoms have a direct influence on every part of planet earth. Both kingdoms are more powerful in every way than the highest position of power natural man can reach. Now there is no problem with any influence that may come from God’s kingdom. The very fact of our becoming Christians should indicate our willingness to allow God free access into our lives to shape them any way he desires. No, the influences we need to deal with are those coming from Satan’s kingdom. They are many and persistent. They place us deeper and deeper into bondage and misery unless they are dealt with.
The purpose of this study is to investigate two large systems of influence that we ignore to our peril. They are hereditary bondages, and cultural bondages.
Hereditary bondages
Hereditary bondages are those influences that negatively affect us from the past – i.e. our ancestors. The Bible teaches that the sins of our ancestors, even numerous generations ago, can still bring direct consequences upon us. The most common span of influence is up to the fourth generation, but some curses span ten generations, some even longer. Exodus 20:5[5], Exodus 34:7[6], Deuteronomy 23:2-3[7], Matthew 27:25[8]
A good Biblical example can be found commencing with Abram. He forced his wife Sarai to call herself his sister when visiting Egypt. Genesis 12:13[9]
This cowardly act of deception not only placed Sarai’s integrity at stake, but resulted in an inheritance for his offspring which I’m sure he never considered. Abraham had a son called Isaac. Now, Isaac did exactly the same act of deception against his wife as his Dad had done years before, by calling his wife his sister. Genesis 26:7[10]
Isaac, in turn, had a son called Jacob. Jacob took the birthright and blessing from his brother Esau by deception, and he deceived his uncle Laban many times. Genesis 27:36[11], Genesis 31:20[12]
Even Jacob’s own name figuratively meant “he deceives”! Genesis 27:36[13]
Jacob, continuing the sorry saga, had twelve sons, ten of whom deceived him concerning the fate of Joseph. They claimed a wild animal had killed Joseph when in actual fact they had sold him to some passing slave traders. Genesis 37:12-36[14]
Thus, four generations of inherited sin are revealed for our learning. It would be bad enough if these illustrated occasions were the only ones, but, alas, not so. A careful study of the Scriptures surrounding these lives and events will expose to us a whole network of deception that pervaded Abraham’s lineage, even to the involving of wives, daughters and cousins.
Is it possible that you and I are involved in ungodly patterns of life originating from our ancestors? Of course it is! It would take a brave person indeed to maintain that he or she lives in total freedom from the past.
Cultural bondages
Cultural bondages are those influences that negatively affect us from within the nationalities of our present place of abode, or from the nationalities of our forebears. An unusual example of a cultural bondage is found in Judges 12:5-6[15].
Here, after a dispute with the tribe of Ephraim, some men from Gilead took control of a strategic river crossing. Whoever came to that crossing was commanded to pronounce the word “Shibboleth”. The men of Ephraim obviously had some sort of speech impediment that made them unable to pronounce the word correctly. According to Scripture they said “Sibboleth” instead of “Shibboleth”. As a result they were easily identified and slaughtered – forty two thousand of them!
We see all over the world today many different accents in speech. These clearly identify our cultural connections and can be a blessing or a cursing.
Listed following is a large, though very incomplete, suggested number of cultural bondages that we should consider renouncing and revoking where applicable. (This list is a sample list only. Not every nation can possibly be listed here.)
European – New Zealanders
- Deception, National inferiority, Personal inferiority, Independence, Isolationism, Self-defensiveness, Easy going attitude, Apathy, Mediocrity, Indifference, Complacency, Alcoholism, Fear of man, Self putdown, Idolatry to sport, Materialism, Greed, Lust, Abortion, Rebellion towards authority, Pride, Class distinction, Racial antagonism, Gambling, Islam butcher activities, False cults, Suicide, Freemasonry, Colour therapy, Bestiality.
Maori – New Zealanders
- Any of those under New Zealand, plus Legend, Tiki, Fantail, Morpork, Revenge – Utu, Racial and tribal hatred, Laziness, Warmongering, Fertility cult, Maori religion, Mythology, Tapu, Cannibalism, Matriarchal domination, Illicit sex, Incest, Polygamy. Especially renounce the false god Tu, or Ku, with the hereditary violence and human sacrifice associated with it.
Australian
-
Independence, Easy going attitude, Apathy, Mediocrity, Indifference, Complacency, Alcoholism, Idolatry to sport, Materialism, Greed, Lust, Abortion, Rebellion towards authority, Racial antagonism, Gambling, False cults, Freemasonry, Renegade, Rejection, Counter rejection, False superiority, Cynicism, Contempt of authority, Injustice, Contempt of indigenous peoples, Spirits of the dreamtime.
Pacific Islands
- The false god Tu (or Ku) with the hereditary violence and human sacrifice associated with it. Lawlessness, Rebellion, Contempt of lawful authority, Stubbornness, Defiance, Anti-submissiveness, Wilfulness, Aggression, Phallus worship, Male superiority, Female humiliation, All demonic association with pua’a (pig), Masculine impunity.
Welsh
- Celtic, Merlin the wizard, Druidism, Red dragon, Soulishness, Grief, Jealousy – resentment against Britain, National pride, Lust, Matriarchal spirit, Fear, Alcohol, Idolatry to sport.
Scottish
-
National pride, Fighting, Idolatry, Clannishness, Freemasonry, Revenge, Betrayal, Love blocking, Emotional rigidity, Stubbornness, Resentment against England, Witchcraft, Hatred towards England, Jacobean massacre, Dispossession (absentee landlords).
English
- Independence, Reserve, Class distinction, Snobbery, Fighting, Stubbornness, Ruling spirit, Pride, Racial prejudice, Gypsy curses, Lust, Immorality, Apathy, Witchcraft, Occult, Sport, Soccer, Fear, Negativism, Stoicism (stiff upper lip), Lust, Abortion, Alcoholism, Freemasonry.
Dutch
- Matriarchal spirit, Matriarchal domination, Rejection, Independence, Conquering and ruling spirit, Pride, Stubbornness, Self idolatry, Hereditary oppression, Male inferiority, Religious legalism, Coldness, Formality, Witchcraft, Occult, Lust, Immorality, Pornography, Apathy, Gypsy spirit.
Irish
- Rejection, Fear of rejection, Rebellion, Anger, Poverty, National pride, Alcoholism, Hatred, Little people, Lust, Witchcraft, Occult, Shamrock, Satanism, Prejudice, Orange and/or Green lodges, Dispossession (absentee landlords).
Canadian
-
Catholicism, Pride, Anger, National inferiority towards Europe, Rivalry towards U.S.A., Deception, Rationalism, Humanism, Occult, Witchcraft, Lust, Incest, Independence, Criticism, Racial judgement, Racial intolerance, Racial antagonism.
German
-
Anti-Semitism, Arrogance, Atheism, Aryan superiority, Black magic, Witchcraft, Promiscuity, Lawlessness, Domination, Freemasonry, Conceit.
Scandinavian Countries
-
Lawlessness, Viking spirit, Contempt of life and property, Sexual violence and rape, Impunity.
Jewish
-
Ostracism, Rejection, Stubbornness, Wilfulness, Spiritual blindness, The curse invoked at the trial of Jesus
“his blood be on us and our children”
- Matthew 27:25.
Chinese
- Racial pride, Hurt pride, Ancestral worship, Idolatry, Gambling, Love of money, Materialism, Worship of academic success, Fear of death, Deception, Atheism and other truth blocking, Face-saving, Fengshui, Gigong, Lucky charms. Resistance to the Gospel as being superstitious, unscientific and foreign.
Japanese
- Idolatry, Ancestral worship, Materialism, Lust, National inferiority (towards West), Worship of western cultures, National superiority towards non-western nations, Occult, Fengshui, Pressure to conform, People pleasing, Pride, Face-saving, Witchcraft, Yoga, Humanism, Worship of academic success.
Hindu and Sikh – Punjabi Culture of India
- Hindu caste system and worship of nature and created objects, and the Hindu belief of Brahma the creator, Vishni the preserver and Shiva the destroyed. Sikh brotherhood and upholding of the sacred book Granth Sahib, with the teachings of Guru Nanak and his nine successors. Pride, Martyrdom to Sikh brotherhood, Witchcraft, Superstitions, Family feuds, Jealousy, Jid (Punjabi word for stubbornness), Alcoholism, Smoking of the hookah (opium), Religious vegetarianism, Subordination of women. Sikh symbolism of five emblems set out by the last guru, Gobind Singh, especially including steel bracelet on the right hand (kara) and the warrior spirit involved with carrying a sabre (Kirpan). The two name additions adopted by most Sikhs of Singh (lion) for men and Kaur (lioness) for women.
Some examples of hereditary or cultural curses:
Coming from the Bible
- God’s words to Abraham and his descendants regarding blessing and cursing. Genesis 12:3[16], Genesis 27:29[17] (Please note that ‘cursing’ people of Jewish origin includes speaking of them in a derogatory way, mockery, ridicule, rejection, regarding them as inferior etc).
- The prophetic statement made by Joshua. Joshua 6:26 – fulfilled at least 500 years later. 1 Kings 16:34[18]
- The effects of illegitimate conceptions. Deuteronomy 23:2[19] This curse is active for 10 generations, involving strong attachment of tormenting spirits such as Ostracism and Rejection.
Coming from demonic sources
- American Indian curse imposed upon the USA presidency. (Until it was discerned and broken prior to 1980, it involved the death in office of every USA president who was elected every 20th year from 1860 to 1960). (See footnote[a])
- Freemasonry’s blood curdling oaths. Experience has shown that, because of the evil ‘brotherhood’ of this organization, even mild involvement by an ancestor can open the door to major bondage from anywhere within the Freemasonry structure.
- Curses on true believers, who refuse to face facts. While it is true enough that an undeserved curse cannot ‘enter in’, Proverbs 26:2[20], in the eyes of Satan, sins or mistakes of one’s ancestors gives him the legal right to visit both hereditary and personal curses upon the descendants.
- Self imposed curses by personally spoken words. A tragic example is found in the Bible, regarding those who have some trace of Jewish ancestry in their background. As much as God loves the Jewish people, the curse of “his blood be on us and our children”, Matthew 27:24-25[21], needs to be broken, for individual Jewish believers to come into the full release that God desires them to receive.
Things worth knowing to assist personal freedom.
The value of speaking out proclamations. There are two good reasons for proclaiming in audible language.
- The spoken word is of tremendous importance. Genesis 1:3-14[22] etc. reveals how God simply spoke creation into existence. Jesus supported that pattern in Matthew 12:34-37[23] by warning us that our own words will effect our eternal destiny. A major Biblical principal regarding the role of witnesses is found in Deuteronomy 19:15.[24] Remember that angels and demons are always witnesses to what we say or do.
- Demons can’t read your own voluntary thoughts. While this statement cannot be irrefutably supported from Scripture, 1 Corinthians 2:11[25] certainly supports this viewpoint. No one has proven to be able to get rid of demons just by thinking commands to them, but many have got swift results through audible commands. The value of asking the Holy Spirit for help. God will give us information otherwise unknown to us. Provided we really need it, and provided we ask from a motive the Lord can bless; we have every right to expect that he will grant our request. Philippians 4:19[26], 1 Corinthians 14:1[27], 1 Chronicles 28:9[28], James 4:2-3[29]
We suggest that the following information be sought regarding each near ancestor:
- Nationality or racial background.
- Temperamental characteristics.
- Known problem areas e.g. immorality, domination, alcoholism, broken marriages, difficulties in conceiving, early deaths, major afflictions, depression, mental illness, suicides etc
Prayer of Renunciation:
Here is a suggested prayer of renunciation for both hereditary and cultural bondages.
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I declare forgiveness towards my hereditary and cultural ancestors for any sins they have committed, which have had unwanted negative consequences for myself (and my descendants). I also repent of, and ask forgiveness for, the sins and iniquities of my hereditary and cultural ancestors.
I renounce for myself (and my descendants) every demonic influence that has come upon me/us from sins that those ancestors have committed whether or not I am aware of what those sins may have been.
I renounce and revoke on behalf of myself (and my descendants) all such demonic interference, whether it has come from the cultures of which I am currently a part, or whether it has come from the sins or the cultures of my parents, grandparents on either side, great-grandparents on either side, or great-great-grandparents on either side. I also renounce and revoke every curse that may have come upon me/us from the activities of my ancestors or my inherited cultures beyond the four generations already mentioned.
I especially renounce and revoke …..[name whatever details of sin are known thus far]. I also renounce and revoke the following cultural bondages …… (read out from the list supplied, everything mentioned therein relevant to your own cultural backgrounds plus any others you may think relevant).
I further declare that as the Holy Spirit reveals to me other bondages needing to be broken, I will deal with them in the same way as this initial statement I am now making. I separate myself (and my descendants) from every ungodly action of my ancestors or my culture.
I am a blood bought child of God, and I call upon you now, Lord, to please set me (and my descendants) free through the name of Jesus. I commit myself to being obedient in renouncing and revoking any further bondages you may bring to my attention.
Amen”
This paper seeks to accurately represent the teachings of Holy Scriptures. You are free to copy or alter all or any part of this paper PROVIDED that the Holy Scriptures are not misrepresented as a result.