Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Steps to Freedom in Christ

By Neil Anderson

It is my deep conviction that the finished work of Jesus Christ and the presence of God in our

lives are the only means by which we can resolve our personal and spiritual conflicts. Christ in

us is our only hope (Colossians 1:27), and He alone can meet our deepest needs of life:

acceptance, identity, security and significance. The discipleship counseling process upon which

these steps are based should not be understood as just another counseling technique that we

learn. It is an encounter with God. He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is the One who grants

repentance that leads to a knowledge of the truth which sets us free (2 Tim 2:25, 26).

The Steps to Freedom in Christ do not set you free. Who sets you free is Christ, and what sets

you free is your response to Him in repentance and faith. These steps are just a tool to help you

submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). Then you can start living a fruitful life by abiding

in Christ and becoming the person He created you to be. Many Christians will be able to work

through these steps on their own and discover the wonderful freedom that Christ purchased for

them on the cross. Then they will experience peace of God which surpasses all comprehension,

and it shall guard their hearts and their minds (Phil 4:7).

Before You Begin

The chances of that happening and the possibility of maintaining that freedom will be greatly

enhanced if you read Victory over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker, first. Many

Christians in the western world need to understand the reality of the spiritual world and our

relationship to it. Some can’t read these books or even the Bible with comprehension because

of the battle that is going on for their minds. They will need the assistance of others who have

been trained. The theology and practical process of the discipleship counseling is given in my

book, Helping Others Find Freedom in Christ, and the accompanying Training Manual and

Study Guide and video Training Program. The book attempts to Biblically integrate the reality of

the spiritual and the natural world so we can have a whole answer for a whole person. In doing

so, we cannot polarize into psycho-therapeutic ministries that ignore the reality of the spiritual

world or attempt some kind of deliverance ministry that ignores developmental issues and

human responsibility.

You May Need Help

Ideally, it would be best if everyone had a trusted friend, pastor or counselor who would help

them go through this process because it is just applying the wisdom of James 5:16: “Therefore

confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer

of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Another person can prayerfully support you by

providing objective counsel. I have had the privilege of helping many Christian leaders who

could not process this on their own. Many Christian groups all over the world are using this

approach in many languages with incredible results because the Lord desires for all to come to

repentance, (2 Peter 3:9), and to know the truth that sets us free in Christ (John 8:32)

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Appropriating and Maintaining Freedom

Christ has set us free through His victory over sin and death on the cross. However,

appropriating our freedom in Christ through repentance and faith and maintaining our life of

freedom in Christ are two different issues. It was for freedom that Christ set us free, but we have

been warned not to return to a yoke of slavery which is legalism in this context (Galatians 5:1) or

to turn our freedom into an opportunity for the flesh (Galatians 5:13). Establishing people free in

Christ makes it possible for them to walk by faith according to what God says is true, to live by

the power of the Holy Spirit and to not carry out the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The

true Christian life avoids both legalism and license.

If you are not experiencing freedom, it may be because you have not stood firm in the faith or

actively taken your place in Christ. It is every Christian’s responsibility to do whatever is

necessary to maintain a right relationship with God and mankind. Your eternal destiny is not at

stake. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5), but your daily victory is at

stake if you fail to claim and maintain your position in Christ.

Your Position In Christ

You are not a helpless victim caught between two nearly equal but opposite heavenly

superpowers. Satan is a deceiver. Only God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (always

present) and omniscient (all-knowing). Sometimes the reality of sin and the presence of evil may

seem more real than the presence of God, but that’s part of Satan’s deception. Satan is a

defeated foe and we are in Christ. A true knowledge of God and knowing our identity and

position in Christ are the greatest determinants of our mental health. A false concept of god, a

distorted understanding of who we are as children of God, and the misplaced deification of

Satan are the greatest contributors to mental illness.

Many of our illnesses are psychosomatic. When these issues are resolved in Christ, our

physical bodies will function better and we will experience greater health. Other problems are

clearly physical and we need the services of the medical profession. Please consult your

physician for medical advice and the prescribing of medication. We are both spiritual and

physical beings who need the services of both the church and the medical profession.

Winning the Battle for Your Mind

The battle is for our minds, which is the control centre of all that we think and do. The opposing

thoughts you may experience as you go through these steps can control you only if you believe

them. If you are working through these steps alone, don’t be deceived by any lying intimidating

thoughts. If a trusted pastor or counselor is helping you find your freedom in Christ, he or she

must have your cooperation. You must share any thoughts you are having in opposition to what

you are attempting to do. As soon as you expose the lie, the power of Satan is broken. The only

way that you can lose control in this process is if you pay attention to a deceiving spirit and

believe a lie.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

You Must Choose

The following procedure is a means of resolving personal and spiritual conflicts which have kept

you from experiencing the freedom and victory Christ purchased for you on the cross. Your

freedom will be the result of what you choose to believe, confess, forgive, renounce and

forsake. No one can do that for you. The battle for your mind can only be won as you personally

choose truth. As you go through this process, understand that Satan is under no obligation to

obey your thoughts. Only God has complete knowledge of your mind because He is all-knowing.

So we can submit to God inwardly but we need to resist the devil by reading aloud each prayer

and by verbally renouncing, forgiving, confessing, etc.

This process of re-establishing our freedom in Christ is revealing a complete moral inventory

and a rock-solid commitment to truth. It is the first step in the continuing process of discipleship.

There is no such thing as instant maturity. It will take you the rest of your life to renew your mind

and conform to the image of God. If your problems stem from a source other than those covered

in these steps, you may need to seek professional help.

May the Lord grace you with His presence, as you seek His face and help others experience the

joy of their salvation.

Neil T. Anderson

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your presence in this room and in our lives.

You are the only all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present God. We are dependent

upon you, for apart from You we can do nothing. We stand in the truth that all authority

in heaven and on earth has been given to the resurrected Christ, and because we are in

Christ, we share that authority in order to make disciples and set captives free. We ask

You to guide us with Your Holy Spirit, protect us from deception and lead us into all truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Declaration

In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I/ we command Satan and all evil

spirits to release __________ in order that __________ can be free to know and choose

to do the will of God. As children of God seated with Christ in the spirit realm, we agree

that every enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ be bound to silence. We say to Satan and all

your evil workers that you cannot inflict any pain or in any way prevent God’s will from

being accomplished in _____________ life.

Preparation

Before going through the Steps to Freedom, review the events of your life to discern specific

areas that might have become pathways for demonic attachment and may need to be

addressed.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Family History



Religious history of parents and grandparents



Home life from childhood through high school



History physical or emotional illness in the family



Adoption, foster care, guardians

Personal History



Eating habits (bulimia, binge eating, purging, anorexia, compulsive eating)

 Addictions (drugs and alcohol)

 Prescription medications (purpose)

 Sleeping patterns and nightmares

 Sexual, physical or emotional abuse

 Thoughts (obsessive, blasphemous, condemning, distracting, poor concentration

 Mental interference during church, prayer or Bible study

 Emotions (anger, anxiety, depression, bitterness, fear)

 Spiritual (salvation: when, how and level of assurance)

Now you are ready to begin. The following are seven specific steps to process in order to

experience freedom from spiritual bondage. You will address the areas where Satan most

commonly takes advantage of us and where strongholds have been built. If your problems stem

from a source other than those covered in these steps, you have nothing to lose by going

through them. If you are sincere, this process can only strengthen your relationship with God.

STEP 1

Real vs. Counterfeit

The first Step to freedom in Christ is to renounce your previous or current involvement with

satanically-inspired occult practices and false cults and religions. You need to renounce any

activity or group that denies Jesus Christ, offers guidance through any source other than the

absolute authority of the written Word of God or requires secret initiations, ceremonies or

covenants. In order to help you assess your spiritual experiences, begin this step by asking God

to reveal false guidance and counterfeit religious experiences.

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to guard my heart and my mind and reveal to me any

and all involvement I have had, either knowingly or unknowingly, with cults or occult

practices, false religions or false teachers. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen

Using the following Non-Christian Spiritual Experience Inventory, carefully check anything in

which you have been involved. This list is not exhaustive, but it will guide you in identifying non-

Christian spiritual experiences. Add any additional involvement you have had. Even if you

innocently participated in something or observed it, you should write it on your list to renounce,

just in case you unknowingly gave Satan a foothold.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Non-Christian Spiritual Experience Inventory

Please check all that apply

 Astral-projection

 Ouija board

 Table or body lifting

 Dungeons and Dragons

 Speaking in trance

 Automatic writing

 Magic Eight Ball

 Telepathy

 Using spells or curses

 Seance

 Materialization

 Clairvoyance

 Spirit guides

 Fortune-telling

 Tarot cards

 Palm reading

 Astrology

 Rod/pendulum (dousing)

 Self-hypnosis

 Mind swapping

 Black and white magic

 New Age medicine

 Blood pacts

 Self Mutilation

 Fetishism

 Object worship

 Crystals, charms

 Incubi and succubus

 Other___________

 Christian Science

 Unity Church

 The Way International

 Unification Church

 Mormonism

 Church of the Living

Word

 Jehovah’s Witnesses

 Children Of God

 Church of New

Jerusalem

 Masons

 New Age

 The Forum (EST)

 Spirit worship

 Other ___________

 Buddhism

 Hare Krishna

 Bahaism

 Rosicrucianism

 Science of the Mind

 Transcendental

Meditation

 Hinduism

 Yoga

 Echkankar

 Roy Masters

 Silva Mind Control

 father Divine

 Theosophical Society

 Islam

 Black Muslim

 Religion of martial

arts

 Other ___________

1. Have you ever been hypnotized, attended a New Age or parapsychology seminar, consulted

a medium, spiritist or channeler? Explain.

2. Do you or have you ever had an imaginary friend or spirit guide offering you guidance or

companionship?

3. Have you ever heard voices in your mind or had repeating and nagging thoughts condemning

you, or that were foreign to what you believe or feel, as if there were a dialogue going on in your

head? Explain.

4. What other spiritual experiences have you had that would be considered out of the ordinary?

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

5. Have you ever made a vow, covenant or pact with any individual or group other than God?

6. Have you been involved in satanic ritual worship in any form? Explain.

When you are confident that your list is complete, confess and renounce each involvement

whether active or passive by praying aloud the following prayer, repeating it separately for each

item on your list:

Lord, I confess that I have participated in _____________, and I renounce __________.

Thank you that in Christ I am forgiven.

If there has been any involvement in satanic ritual or heavy occult activity, you need to state

aloud the following special renunciations which apply. Read across the page, renouncing the

first item in the column of the Kingdom of Darkness and then affirming the first truth in the

column of the Kingdom of Light. Continue down the page in this manner.

All satanic rituals, covenants and assignments must be specifically renounced as the Lord

allows you to recall them. Some who have been subjected to satanic ritual abuse may have

developed multiple personalities in order to survive. Nevertheless, continue through the Steps to

Freedom in order to resolve all that you consciously can. It is important that you resolve the

demonic strongholds first. Every personality must resolve his/her issues and agree to come

together in Christ. You may need someone who understands spiritual conflict to help you

maintain control and not be deceived into false memories. Only Jesus can bind up the broken-

hearted, set captives free and make us whole.

Kingdom of Darkness

Kingdom of Light

I renounce ever signing my name over

to Satan or having had my name

signed over to Satan.

I announce that my name is now written in the

Lamb’s Book of Life.

I renounce any ceremony where I might

have been wed to Satan.

I announce that I am a child of God and a member

and part of the body of Christ

I renounce any and all covenants that I

made with Satan.

I announce that I am a partaker of the New

Covenant with Christ

I renounce all satanic assignments for

my life, including duties, marriage and

children.

I announce and commit myself to know and do only

the will of God and accept only His guidance.

I renounce all spirit guides assigned to

me.

I announce and accept only the leading of the Holy

Spirit.

I renounce ever giving of my blood in

the service of Satan.

I trust only in the shed blood of my Lord Jesus

Christ

I renounce ever eating of flesh or

drinking of blood for satanic worship.

By faith I take Holy Communion which represents

the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

I renounce any and all guardians and

Satanist parents who were assigned to

me.

I announce that God is my Father and the Holy

Spirit is my Guardian by which I am sealed.

I renounce any baptism in blood or

urine whereby I am identified with

Satan.

I announce that I have been baptized into Christ

Jesus and my identity is now in Christ.

I renounce any and all sacrifices that

were made on my behalf by which

Satan may claim ownership of me.

I announce that only the sacrifice of Christ has any

hold on me. I belong to Him. I have been

purchased by the blood of the Lamb.

STEP 2

Deception vs. Truth

Truth is the revelation of God’s Word, but we need to acknowledge the truth in the inner self

(Psalm 51:6). When David lived a lie, he suffered greatly. When he finally found freedom by

acknowledging the truth, he wrote: “Blessed is the man...in whose spirit there is no deceit”

(Psalm 32:2). We are to lay aside falsehood and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15,25). A

mentally healthy person is one who is in touch with reality and relatively free of anxiety. Both

qualities should characterize the Christian who renounces deception and embraces the truth.

Begin this critical step by expressing aloud the following prayer. Don’t let the enemy accuse you

with thoughts such as: This isn’t going to work or I wish I could believe this, but I can’t or any

other lies in opposition to what you are proclaiming. Even if you have difficulty doing so, you

need to pray the prayer and read the Doctrinal Affirmation.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You desire truth in the inner self and that facing this

truth is the way of liberation (John 8:32). I acknowledge that I have been deceived by the

father of lies (John 8:44) and that I have deceived myself (1 John 1:8). I pray in the

name of the Lord Jesus Christ that You, Heavenly Father, will rebuke all deceiving spirits

by virtue of the shed blood and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. By faith I have

received You into my life and I am now seated with Christ in the spirit realm. (Ephesians

2:6). I acknowledge that I have the responsibility and authority to resist the devil, and

when I do, he will flee from me. I now ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth (John

16:13). I ask You to “search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my

anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the

everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23,24). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

You may want to pause at this point to consider some of Satan’s deceptive schemes. In addition

to false teachers, false prophets and deceiving spirits, you can deceive yourself. Now that you

are alive in Christ and forgiven, you never have to live a lie or defend yourself. Christ is your

defense. How have you deceived or attempted to defend yourself according to the following:

Please check any of the following that apply to you:

Self-Deception



Hearing God’s Word but not doing it (James 1:22; 4:17)



Saying you have no sin (1 John 1:8)

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

 Thinking you are something when you aren’t (Galatians 6:3)



Thinking you are wise in your own eyes (1 Corinthians 3:18,19)



Thinking you will not reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)



Thinking the unrighteous will inherit the kingdom (1Corinthians 6:9)



Thinking you can associate with bad company and not be corrupted (1 Corinthians

15:33)

Self-Defense

(Defending ourselves instead of trusting in Christ)



Denial (conscious or subconscious refusal to face the truth)



Fantasy (escaping from the real world)



Emotions insulation (withdrawing to avoid rejection)



Regression (reverting back to a less threatening time)



Displacement (taking out frustrations on others)



Projection (blaming others)



Rationalization (making excuses for poor behavior

For each of those areas that you have checked, pray aloud the following prayer:

Lord, I agree that I have been deceiving myself in the area of ________________.

Thank you for forgiving me. I commit myself to know and follow Your truth, amen.

Choosing the truth may be difficult if you have been living a lie (being deceived for many years.

You may need to seek professional help to weed out the defense mechanisms you have

depended upon to survive. The Christian needs only one defense - Jesus. Knowing that you are

forgiven and accepted as God’s child is what sets you free to face reality and declare your

dependence on Him.

Faith is the biblical response to the truth and believing the truth is a choice. When someone

says, “I want to believe God, but I just can’t, “they are being deceived. Of course you can

believe God. Faith is something you decide to do, not something you feel like doing. Believing

the truth doesn’t make it true. It’s true; therefore, we believe it. The New Age Movement is

distorting the truth by saying we create reality through what we believe. We can’t create reality

with our minds; we face reality. It is what or who you believe in that count. Everybody believes in

something, and everybody walks by faith according to what he or she believes. But if what you

believe isn’t true, then how you live (walk by faith) won’t be right.

Historically, the Church has found great value in publicly declaring its beliefs. The Apostle’s

Creed and the Nicene Creed have been recited for centuries. Read aloud the following

affirmation of faith, and do so again as often as necessary to renew your mind. Experiencing

difficulty in reading this affirmation may indicate where you are being deceived and under

attack. Boldly affirm your commitment to biblical truth.

Doctrinal Affirmation

I recognize that there is only one true and living God Exodus 20:2,3) who exists as the Father,

Son and Holy Spirit and that He is worthy of all honour, praise and glory as the Creator,

Sustainer and Beginning and End of all things. (Rev. 4:11: 5:9, 10; Isaiah 43:1,7,21).

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

I recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us

(John 1:1, 14).

I believe that God has proven His love for me because when I was still a sinner, Christ died for

me (Romans 5:8). I believe that He delivered me fro the domain of darkness and transferred me

to to His kingdom, and in Him I have redemption - the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13,14).

I believe that I am now a child of God (1 John 3:1-3) and that I am seated with Christ in the

heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6). I believe that I was saved by the grace of God through faith, that it

was a gift, and not the result of any works on my part (Ephesians 2:8,9).

I choose to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10). I put no

confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) for the weapons of warfare are not of the flesh (2

Corinthians 10:4). I put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), and I resolve to stand

firm in my faith and resist the evil one.

I believe that apart from Christ I can do nothing (John 15:5), so I declare myself dependent on

Him. I choose to abide in Christ in order to bear much fruit and glorify the Lord (John 15:8). I

announce to Satan that Jesus is my Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3), and I reject any counterfeit gifts

or works of Satan in my life.

STEP 3

Bitterness vs. Forgiveness

We need to forgive others in order to be free from our pasts and to prevent Satan from taking

advantage o us (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11). We are to be merciful just as our heavenly Father is

merciful (Luke 6:36). We are go forgive as we have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:31,32). Ask

God to bring to mind the names of those people you need to forgive by expressing the following

prayer aloud:

Dear heavenly Father,

I thank You for the riches of Your kindness, forbearance and patience, knowing that

Your kindness has led me to repentance (Romans 2:4). I confess that I have not

extended that same patience and kindness toward others who have offended me, but

instead I have harboured bitterness and resentment. I pray that during this time of self-

examination You would bring to my mind those people whom I need to forgive in order

that I may do so (Matthew 18:35). I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

As names come to mind, list them on a separate sheet of paper. At the end of your list, write

“myself”. Forgiving yourself is accepting God’s cleansing and forgiveness. Also, write “thoughts

against God.” Thoughts raised up against the knowledge of God will usually result in angry

feelings toward Him. Technically, we don’t forgive God because He cannot commit any sin. But

we do need to specifically renounce false expectations and thoughts about God and agree to

release any anger we have toward Him. Before you pray for these people, stop and consider

what forgiveness is, what it is not, what decision you will be making and what the consequences

will be. Forgiveness is not forgetting. People who try to forget find they cannot. God says He will

remember our sins no more (Hebrews 10:17), but God, being omniscient, cannot forget.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Remember our sins no more means that God will never use the past against us (Psalm 103:12).

Forgetting may be the result of forgiveness, but it is never the means of forgiveness. When we

bring up the past against others, we are saying we haven’t forgiven them.

Forgiveness is a choice, a crisis of the will. Since God requires us to forgive, it is something we

can do. However, forgiveness is difficult for us because it pulls against our concept of justice.

We want revenge for offenses suffered. However, we are told never to take our own revenge

(Romans 12:19). You say, “Why should I let them off the hook?” That is precisely the problem.

You are still hooked to them, still bound by your past. You can let them off your hook, but they

are never off God’s. He will deal with them fairly - something we cannot do.

You say, “You don’t understand how much this person hurt me!” But don’t you see, they are still

hurting you! How do you stop the pain? You don’t forgive someone for their sake; you do it for

your own sake so you can be free. Your need to forgive isn’t an issue between you and the

offender; it’s between you and God.

Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person’s sin. Forgiveness is

costly. You pay the price of the evil you forgive. You’re going to live with those consequences

whether you want to or not; your only choice is whether you will do so in the bitterness of

unforgiveness or the freedom of forgiveness. Jesus took the consequences of your sin upon

Himself. All true forgiveness is substitutionary because no one really forgives without bearing

the consequences of the other person’s sin. God the Father “made Him who knew no sin to be

sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Where is the justice: It’s the cross that makes forgiveness legally and morally right: “For the

death that He died, He died to sin, once for all” (Romans 6:10).

Decide that you will bear the burdens of their offenses by not using that information against

them in the future. This doesn’t mean that you tolerate sin. You must set up scriptural

boundaries to prevent future abuse. Some may be required to testify for the sake of justice but

not for the purpose of seeking revenge from a bitter heart. How do you forgive from your heart?

You acknowledge the hurt and the hate. If your forgiveness doesn’t visit the emotional core of

your life, it will be incomplete. Many feel the pain of interpersonal offenses, but they won’t or

don’t know how to acknowledge it. Let God bring the pain to the surface so He can deal with it.

This is where the healing takes place. Don’t wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving; you will

never get there. Feelings take time to heal after the choice to forgive is made and Satan has lot

his place (Ephesians 4:26,27). Freedom is what will be gained, not a feeling.

As you pray, God may bring to mind offending people and experiences you have totally

forgotten. Let Him do it, even if it’s painful. Remember, you are doing this for your sake. God

wants you to be free. Don’t rationalize or explain the offender’s behavior. Forgiveness is dealing

with your pain and leaving the other person to God. Positive feelings will follow in time; freeing

you from the past is the critical issue right now. Don’t say, “Lord, please help me to forgive”

because He is already helping you. Don’t say, “Lord, I want to forgive,” because you are

bypassing the real choice to forgive, which is your responsibility. Focus on each individual until

you are sure you have dealt with all the remembered pain - what they did, how they hurt you,

how they made you feel: rejected, unloved, unworthy, dirty, etc.

You are now ready to forgive the people on your list so you can be free in Christ, with those

people no longer having any control over you. For each person on your list, pray aloud:

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Lord, I forgive ------- (person’s name) ----- for------(verbally state every hurt and pain the

Lord brings to your mind and how it made you feel).

After you have forgiven every person for every painful memory, then finish this step by praying:

Lord, I release all these people to You, and I release my right to seek revenge. I choose

not to hold on to my bitterness and anger, and I ask You to heal my damaged emotions.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

STEP 4

Rebellion vs. Submission

We live in rebellious times. Many believe it is their right to sit in judgment of those in

authority over them. Rebelling against God and His authority gives Satan an opportunity

to attack. As our commanding General, the Lord tells us to get into ranks and follow Him;

He will not lead us into temptation, but will deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13). We have

two biblical responsibilities regarding authority figures: Pray for them and submit to them.

The only time God permits us to disobey earthly leaders is when they required us to do

something morally wrong before God or attempt to rule outside the realm of their

authority. For this step, pray the following:

Dear Lord, You have said that rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft and insubordination is

like iniquity and idolatry (1Samuel 15:23). I know that in action and attitude I have sinned

against You with a rebellious heart. Thank you for forgiving my rebellion, and I pray that

by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ all ground gained by evil spirits because of

my rebelliousness will be cancelled. I pray that You will shed light on all my ways that I

may know the full extent of my rebelliousness. I now choose to adopt a submissive spirit

and a servant’s heart. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Being under authority is an act of faith. You are trusting God to work through His established

lines of authority. There are times when employers, parents and husbands are violating the laws

of civil government which are ordained by God to protect innocent people against abuse. In

these cases, you need to appeal to the state for your protection. In many states, the law

requires such abuse to be reported. In difficult cases, such as continuing abuse at home, further

counseling help may be needed. And, in some cases, when earthly authorities have abused

their position and are requiring disobedience to God or a compromise in your commitment to

Him, you need to obey God, not man.

We are all admonished to submit to one another as equals in Christ (Ephesians 5:21). However,

there are specific lines of authority in Scripture for the purpose of accomplishing common goals:



Civil government (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17)



Parents (Ephesians 6:1-3)



Husbands (1 Peter 3-1-4) or wives (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:7)



Employers (1 Peter 3:18-23)



Church leaders (Hebrews 13:17)

 God (Daniel 9:5,9)

Examine each area and confess those times you have not been submissive by praying:

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

Lord, I agree I have been rebellious toward __________________. I choose to be

submissive and obedient to your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Step 5

Pride vs. Humility

Pride is a killer. Pride says, “ I can do it! I can get myself out of this mess without God or anyone

else’s help. Oh no, we can’t! We absolutely need God, and we desperately need each other.

Paul wrote: “For it is we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who

put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). Humility is confidence properly placed. We are

to be “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter

5:1-10 reveal that spiritual conflict follows pride. Use the following prayer to express your

commitment to live humbly before God:

Dear Heavenly Father, You have said that pride goes before destruction and an arrogant

spirit before stumbling (Proverbs 16:18). I confess that I have lived independently and

have not denied myself, picked up my cross daily and followed You (Matthew 16:24). In

so doing, I have given ground to the enemy in my life. I have believed that I could be

successful and live victoriously by my own strength and resources. I now confess that I

have sinned against You by placing my will before Yours and by centring my life around

myself instead of You. I now renounce the self-life and by so doing cancel all the ground

that has been gained in my members by the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray

that You will guide me so that I will do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but

with humility of mind I will regard others as more important than myself (Philippians 2:3).

Enable me through love to serve others and in honour prefer others (Romans 12:10). I

ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Having made that commitment, now allow God to show you any specific areas of your life where

you have been prideful, such as:



Having a stronger desire to do my will than God’s will



Being more dependent upon my strengths and resources than God’s



Too often believing that my ideas and opinions are better than others



Being more concerned about controlling others than developing self-control



Sometimes considering myself more important than others



Having a tendency to think that I have no needs



Finding it difficult to admit that I was wrong



Having a tendency to be more of a people-pleaser than a God-pleaser



Being overly concerned about getting the credit I deserve



Being driven to obtain the recognition that comes from degrees, titles and positions



Often thinking I am more humble than others



Other _____________________________________________________________

Steps To Freedom in Christ

©By Gospel Light. Permission to copy granted ~ Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ

For each of these that has been true in your life, pray aloud:

Lord, I agree I have been prideful by ________________________________________.

I choose to humble myself and place all my confidence in You, amen.

Step 6

Bondage vs. Freedom

The next step to freedom deals with habitual sin. Individuals, who have been caught in the cycle

of sinning and confessing, may need to follow the instructions of James 5:16, “Confess your

sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous

man is powerful and effective.” Seek out a righteous person who will hold you up in prayer and

to whom you can be accountable. Others may only need the assurance of 1 John 1:9: “If we

confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness” (NASB). Confession is not saying “I’m sorry”; it’s saying, “I did it.” Whether

you need the help of others or just the accountability to God, pray the following prayer:

Father, You have told us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the

flesh in regard to its lust (Romans 13:14). I acknowledge that I have given in to fleshly

lusts which wage war against my soul (1 Peter 2:11). I thank You that in Christ my sins

are forgiven, but I have transgressed Your holy law and given the enemy an opportunity

to wage war in my physical body (Romans 6:12,13); Ephesians 4:27; James 4:1; 1 Peter

5:8). I come before Your presence to acknowledge these sins and to seek Your

cleansing (1 John 1:9), that I may be freed from the bondage of sin. I now ask You to

reveal to my mind the ways that I have transgressed Your moral law and grieved the

Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray, amen.

The deeds of the flesh are numerous. Many of the following issues are from Galatians 5:19-21.

Check those that apply to you and any others you have struggled with that the Lord has brought

to your mind.

Note: Sexual sins, eating disorders, substance abuse, abortion, suicidal tendencies,

perfectionism and fear will be dealt with later in this step.



Stealing



Lying



Fighting



Jealousy



Envying



Outbursts of anger

 Complaining

 Criticizing

 Lusting

 Cheating

 Gossiping

 Controlling

 Procrastinating

 Swearing

 Greediness

 Laziness

 Divisiveness

 Gambling

Steps To Freedom in Christ

Regarding each of the above, that are checked, pray the following prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that my sins are forgiven in Christ, but I have walked

by the flesh and have sinned by ____________________. Thank You for cleansing me

of all unrighteousness. I ask that You would enable me to walk by the Spirit and not

carry out the desires of the flesh. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

We are exhorted to not allow sin to “reign in our mortal bodies” by not using our bodies as

instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:12, 13). If you’re struggling or have struggled with

sexual sins (pornography, lust, sexual promiscuity, etc) or are experiencing sexual difficulty in

your marriage, pray as follows:

Lord, I ask You to reveal to my mind every sexual use of my body as an instrument of

unrighteousness. Thank you Father. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.

As the Lord brings to your mind sexual sins you’ve committed, have been committed against

you, i.e. rape, incest or other sexual abuse, or willingly by you, renounce each occasion:

Lord, I renounce ___(name the specific misuse of your body) __ with __(name the

person)____ and ask You to break the bond Satan has brought into my life through that

involvement. I confess my participation. I now present my body to You as a living

sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, and I reserve the sexual use of my body only for

marriage. I renounce the lie of Satan that my body is not clean, that it is dirty or in any

way unacceptable as result of my past sexual experiences. Lord, I thank You that You

have totally cleansed and forgiven me, that You love and accept me unconditionally.

Therefore, I can accept myself. And I choose to do so and to accept myself and my body

as cleansed. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.

Prayers for Specific Problems

Homosexuality

Lord, I renounce the lie that You have created me or anyone else to be homosexual, and

I affirm that You clearly forbid homosexual behavior. I accept myself as a child of God

and declare that You created me in my natural gender to worship you. I renounce any

bondage of Satan or attachments of evil spirits that have perverted my relationships with

others. I announce that I am free to relate to the opposite sex in the way that You

intended. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Abortion

Lord, I confess that I did not assume stewardship of the life You entrusted to me. I

choose to accept your forgiveness, and I now commit that child to You for Your care in

eternity. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

Suicidal Tendencies

Lord, I renounce suicidal thoughts and any attempts I have made to take my own life or

in any way injure myself. I renounce the lie that life is hopeless and that I can find peace

and freedom by taking my own life. Satan is a thief and he comes to steal, kill and

destroy. I choose to be a good steward of the physical life that You have entrusted to

me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Addictions

Lord, I confess that I have used other things (alcohol, tobacco, food, prescription or

street drugs, shopping, sex, entertainment, jogging, etc.) to escape reality or to cope

with difficult situations and replace the joy of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, in doing so, I have

become dependent on these other things rather than relying on you to help me through

the life problems I’ve encountered and have opened a door for demonic interference and

attachment in my life. Lord, I now confess this sin and ask for your cleansing power to

restore me to wholeness and rely on You rather than things. I cast my anxiety onto

Christ who loves me, and I commit myself to no longer yield to substance abuse, but to

the Holy Spirit. By the power of Your death and resurrection I now command all demonic

spirits to release their hold and attachment on me and to depart from me by the power of

the blood of Christ my saviour. I now yield and commit myself to you, Thank you, Jesus,

for the victory I now have in You, amen.

Drivenness and Perfectionism

Lord, I renounce the lie that my self-worth is dependent upon my ability to perform. I

announce the truth that my identity and sense of worth are found in who I am as Your

child. I renounce seeking the approval and acceptance of other people, and I choose to

believe that I am already approved and accepted in Christ because of His death and

resurrection for me. I choose to believe the truth that I have been saved, not by deeds

done in righteousness, but according to Your mercy. I choose to believe that I am no

longer under the curse of the law because Christ became a curse for me. I receive the

free gift of life in Christ and choose to abide in Him. I renounce striving for perfection by

living under the law. By Your grace, Heavenly Father, I choose from this day forward to

walk by faith according to what You have said is true by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In

Jesus name, I pray, amen.

Plaguing Fears

Dear Lord, you are my sanctuary. You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power

and love and a sound mind. I confess that I have given in to fear to exercise control over

my life instead of trusting You. I now renounce all plaguing fears in my life as lies and

announce that I trust You, Lord, in all areas of my life. Your Word tells me that You are in

control of my life and that all things work together for good in my life as I am one who

loves You and am called according to your purpose. Come Holy Spirit and fill me

dispelling all darkness. I stand in your truth, Lord and receive your peace and joy, in the

powerful name of Jesus, amen.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

After you have confessed all known sin, pray:

Dear Lord, as I have now confessed these sins to You, I claim your forgiveness and

cleansing through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cancel all ground that evil spirits

have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I ask this in the wonderful name of my

Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, amen.

Step 7

Acquiescence vs. Renunciation

Acquiescence is passively giving in or agreeing without consent. The last step to freedom is to

renounce the sins of your ancestors and any curses which may have been placed on you. In

giving the Ten Commandments, God said: “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any

likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You

shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the

iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me”

(Exodus 20:4, 5)

Familiar spirits can be passed on from one generation to the next if not renounced and if your

new spiritual heritage in Christ is not proclaimed. You are not guilty for the sin of any ancestor,

but because of their sin, Satan may have gained access to your family. This is not to deny that

many problems are transmitted genetically or acquired from an immoral atmosphere. All three

conditions can predispose an individual to a particular sin. In addition, deceived people may try

to curse you, or satanic groups may try to target you. You have all the authority and protection

you need in Christ to stand against such curses and assignments. Ask the Lord to reveal to your

mind the sins and iniquities of your ancestors by praying the following prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank You that I am a new creation in Christ. I desire to obey Your

command to honour my mother and my father, but I also acknowledge that my physical

heritage has not been perfect. I ask you to reveal to my mind the sins of my ancestors in

order to confess renounce and forsake them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Now claim your position and protection in Christ by making the following declaration verbally,

and then by humbling yourself before God in prayer.

Declaration

I here and now reject and disown all the sins and iniquities of my ancestors, including:

(name those that have come to mind). As one who has been delivered from the power of

darkness and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, I cancel out all demonic

working that has been passed on to me from my ancestors. As one who has been

crucified and raised with Jesus Christ and who sits with Him in heavenly places, I

renounce all satanic assignments that are directed towards me, my family and my

service to God, and I cancel every every curse that Satan and his workers have put on

me. I announce to Satan and all his forces that Christ became a curse for me (Galatians

3:13) when He died for my sins on the cross.

I reject any and every way in which Satan may claim ownership of me. I belong to the

Lord Jesus Christ who purchased me with His own blood. I reject all other blood

Steps To Freedom in Christ

sacrifices whereby Satan may claim ownership of me. I declare myself to be eternally

and completely signed over and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. By the authority I

have in Jesus Christ, I now command every spiritual enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ to

leave my presence. I commit myself to my heavenly Father to do His will from this day

forward.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I come to You as Your child purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You are the Lord of the universe and the Lord of my life. I submit my body to You as an

instrument of righteousness, a living sacrifice, that I may glorify You in my body. I now

ask You to fill me with Your Holy spirit. I commit myself to the renewing of my mind in

order to prove that Your will is good, perfect and acceptable for me. All this I do in the

name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Once you have secured your freedom by going through these seven steps, you may find

demonic influences attempting reentry, days or even months late. One person shared that she

heard a spirit say to her mind, “I’m back,” two days after she had been set free. “No, you’re not!”

she proclaimed aloud. The attack ceased immediately. One victory does not constitute winning

the war. Freedom must be maintained. After completing these steps, one jubilant lady asked,

“Will I always be like this?” I told her that she would stay free as long as she remained in right

relationship with God. “Even if you slip and fall,” I encouraged, “you know how to get right with

God again.”

Aftercare

Freedom must be maintained. You have won a very important battle in an ongoing war.

Freedom is yours as long as you keep choosing truth and standing firm in the strength of the

Lord. If new memories should surface or if you become aware of lies that you have believed or

other non-Christian experiences you’ve had, renounce them and choose the truth. Some have

found it helpful to go through the steps again. As you do, read the instructions carefully.

For your encouragement and further study, read: Victory over the Darkness (or the youth

version: Stomping out the Darkness), The Bondage Breaker (adult or youth version) and

Released from Bondage. If you are a parent, read: Spiritual Protection for Your Children.

Walking in the Light was written to help people understand God’s guidance and discern

counterfeit guidance. Also, to maintain your freedom we suggest the following:

 Seek legitimate Christian fellowship where you can walk in the light and speak the truth

in love.

 Study your Bible daily. Memorize key verses.

 Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Assume responsibility of your

thought life, reject the lie, choose the truth and stand firm in your position in Christ.

 Don’t drift away! It is very easy to get lazy in your thoughts and revert back to old habits

or patterns of thinking.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

 Share your struggles openly with a trusted friend. You need at least one friend who will

stand with you.

 Don’t expect another person to fight your battle for you. Others can help, but they can’t

think, pray, read the Bible or choose the truth for you.

 Continue to seek your identity and self-worth in Christ.

 Read: Living Free in Christ, and the devotional: Daily in Christ.

 Renew your mind with the truth that your acceptance, security and significance is in

Christ by saturating your mind with the following truths.

 Read the entire list of who you are “In Christ” (p.38) and the Doctrinal Affirmation (in

Step 2) aloud morning and evening over the next several weeks (and look up the verses

referenced).

 Commit yourself to daily prayer. You can pray these suggested prayers often and with

confidence:

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, I honour You as my sovereign Lord. I acknowledge that You are

always present with me. You are the only all-powerful and wise God. Your are kind and

loving in all Your ways. I love You and thank You that I am united with Christ and

spiritually alive in Him. I choose not to love the world, and I crucify the flesh and all its

passions. Thank You for the life that I now have in Christ, and I ask You to fill me with

Your Holy Spirit, that I may live my life free from sin. I declare my dependence up you,

and I take my stand that I may live my life free form sin. I declare my dependence up on

You, and I take my stand against Satan and all his lying ways. I choose to believe the

truth and I refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope, and I am confident

that You will meet my needs as I seek to live a responsible life through Christ who

strengthens me.

Cleansing Your Home

After a lifestyle contrary to a life with God, you will probably have many things in your home that

give unclean spirits a hold in your home. Items such as articles of non-Christian worship,

magazines, books, cds and DVDs that are contrary to a life with Christ. Allow God to direct you

to these items, hold them up to God; if you have a negative feeling regarding the item, it must

go. You cannot allow articles to remain in your home that will give unclean spirits ground and an

opportunity for reentry. This may require the removal of certain equipment like your television.

For example, if you have had a problem with watching certain types of programs that will lead

you back into a life of sin, and you don’t feel strong enough to resist, then get rid of the source.

This will also require the actual removal of all spiritually unclean media from media players, hard

drives, etc. Clean your home of everything spiritually unclean. Leaving a single article in your

home could be the door or ground Satan needs. You are now free in Christ, but do not be

deceived, we are at war with Satan. He is powerless because of the death and resurrection of

Christ; however, he is a very skilled liar and deceiver. He will tell you that it’s ok to keep certain

items of your previous lifestyle. He will also tell you that these items cost too much to throw

away or that you should sell them or give them away. I once held a special gathering where

those that were freed had a huge bonfire and all unclean items were burned. In urban centres

this isn’t possible, but you must remove them from your home. Make a clear cut from all which

contributed to your previous bondage.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

After removing all spiritually unclean articles, physical and digital, walk through each room while

praying the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for this home. I claim this home as a place of spiritual

safety and protection from all attacks of the enemy. I command every evil spirit claiming

ground in the structures and furnishings of this place, based on the activities of previous

occupants, to leave and never return. I renounce all curses and spells utilized against

this home. I ask you Heavenly Father, to post guardian angels around my home to guard

it from attempts of the enemy to renter and disturb Your purposes for me and my family.

I thank You, Lord, for doing this, and pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

When Jesus was confronted by Satan after fasting in the wilderness, he quoted scripture as

weapons against the lies of Satan. Remember, the only way Satan can win is when we believe

his lies. We also need to be armed for battle, and be assured, future attacks will come, but, just

as darkness is dispelled by light, deception is dispelled by the truth. The following scripture

verses and passages will prove mighty in your battle against the wiles and schemes of the

enemy. Commit them to memory by memorizing two or three or more each week. This will also

require maintenance of a weekly recalling of all previously memorized verses.

May God bless you, as you stand firm in your freedom in Christ.

Steps To Freedom in Christ

In Christ I Am Accepted

John 1:12 I am a child of God

John 15:15 I am Christ’s friend

Romans 5:1 I have been justified in Christ

1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one in spirit with

Him

1 Corinthians 6:20 I have been bought with a price and belong to God

Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint

Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God’s child

Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit

Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins

Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ

In Christ

I Am Secure

Romans 8:1,2 I am free from condemnation

Romans 8:28 I am assured that all things work together for good

Romans 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning charges against me

Romans 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God

2 Corinthians 1:21,22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God

Colossians 3;3 I am hidden with Christ in God

Philippians 1:6 I am confident that the good work God has begun in

me will be perfected

Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven

2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power,

love and a sound mind

Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need

1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me

In Christ

I Am Significant

Matthew 5:13,14 I am the salt and light of the earth

John 15: 1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life

John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit

Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ

1 Corinthians 3:16 I am part of God’s temple

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God

2 Corinthians 6:1 I am God’s coworker (1Corinthians 3:9)

Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm

Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship

Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me