We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, July 26, 2008

"Pleading the Blood" and "Binding" Satan

Several years ago I was with a youth group in a local church during the time an addition was being built. One evening close to the finish of the addition the leader took the whole group around all the new rooms to “plead the blood of Christ” and “bind” Satan from the rooms. I was so put off by the idea of such unbiblical practices that I said I could not participate and my son and I left.

At the next church we attended we discovered that every Sunday morning before service this one man would walk around the church “binding” Satan. Again, I just shook my head at such silliness. This particular assembly ended up splitting over the bringing in of the Toronto/Pensacola “revival” and I took my family elsewhere.

I have met many Christians over the years who have these same ideas. They originate in charismatic churches where other aberrations usually often abound. It is sad that people get so tied up in bondage to these false teachings. This month’s Berean Call newsletter brought this to mind as I read the following from the Q&A section:

Question: What about the popular idea that we must "plead the blood" over a situation or one's home, room by room?

Response: The phrase "plead the blood" does not appear once in all of Scripture. The word "plead" is found 30 times but never in association with blood. Just before each meeting of the discredited "revival" at the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida, teams would pray over each seat and "bind the demons" that might be lurking in them. This is an unbiblical practice. The Bible contains no record of its ever being used by any apostle, prophet, or any other believer. Paul and the other apostles preached in many demonic places without once reciting this mantra. It is a vain practice that opens the door to much error, fanaticism, and spiritual bondage, needlessly giving attention to Satan and demons. Do not engage in it.

This is an excellent response to this practice. You will find no place in Scripture where these practices are mentioned, so those who teach this sort of stuff are false teachers who should be avoided.
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