What is deliverance or casting out a demon?
The topic of deliverance, or casting out demons, was at the center of much controversy surrounding Torben’s ministry in Denmark.
Opposition rose against Torben, in part, because the leaders of the nation did not have a great understanding of the Biblical practice of deliverance.
As many new people are reading and learning about Torben’s story, and his recent detainment in the U.S., we felt it was important to provide some clarity on this topic.
To start, Torben stands firmly on Jesus’ command to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons,” (Matthew 10:8).
“Deliverance” is setting a person free from the oppression of a demonic spirit.
A demon may torment the host person with such problems as nightmares, unreasonable fear, general accusations of worthlessness or guilt, shame, pain, illness, depression, irrational behavior, etc.
In many places where the gospels speak about the ministry of Jesus, instances of deliverance are documented in detail. The first chapter of Mark is one example:
“That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons.” — Mark 1:32-34
Demonic oppression is an enemy of evangelizing as it prevents the Christian from achieving victory over certain sins, habits or problems. Demonic oppression often impairs people from receiving the power of Jesus required to bring about change.
Demonic spirits sometimes cause disease and sometimes impede or prevent healing of injuries and disease. Jesus cast out spirits of deafness, dumbness and epilepsy, among others.
Demonic spirits can carry a weight of spiritual and emotional oppression which dulls spiritual perception and in severe cases, can cause depression. See the reference in Isaiah 61:3 to “the spirit of heaviness.”
Historically, ministers that have emphasized casting out demons, face persecution in many forms including governmental, slander, backlash, etc. The vast majority of Jesus’ ministry was spent practicing deliverance and praying for the sick.
Through Torben, God has touched thousands of people around the globe. Many of these individuals experienced radical freedom through the ministry of deliverance.
We are currently gathering testimonies to present in court! If you’ve received deliverance or healing as as result of ministry from Torben or TLR, please share with us in the comments section of this recent FaceBook post.
The video below documents Torben casting a demon out of a man in a store. This sort of scene is uncommon to see in the west, but was perfectly normal for Torben.