Difference between Exorcism & Deliverance

Exorcism vs Deliverance

Although many people believe that exorcism and deliverance are the same thing, these terms have distinct differences. Both practices were commonly used in the past, but nowadays they are less frequent and often carried out in secret. To understand the difference, it’s important to know the definitions of these words. Exorcism refers to the act of driving out an evil spirit from a person or place, while deliverance is the process of being saved or set free. When an exorcism occurs, deliverance also takes place because the person is saved from demons or evil spirits. This article explores the differences between exorcism and deliverance.

What is Exorcism?

Exorcism involves driving out an evil spirit from a person or place. Catholics perform exorcisms to drive away demons. During an exorcism, the power to conduct the ritual is not derived from God but from other sources. Exorcisms can be performed on any individual, regardless of whether they are a believer in Jesus or not.

Exorcisms are often theatrical, with the exorcist using a raised voice during the ceremony. The person being exorcized may need to be held down, and the exorcist may use various objects such as a large cross. The exorcist might also place the Bible on the person’s body and sprinkle them with holy water. Exorcisms involve the use of specific enchantments, which are kept secret.

What is Deliverance?

Deliverance refers to the process of being saved or set free. In deliverance, demons are cast out of an individual. Unlike exorcism, in which the power comes from various earthly sources, the power in deliverance comes from God. Therefore, the individual must be a believer in Jesus. In the New Testament, deliverance is a major theme, while exorcism is not.

A key feature of deliverance is the presence of clear signs of restoration. Deliverance is not theatrical like exorcism; it is typically calm when commanding evil spirits to leave. There is no need to hold the person being exorcized, and anointed oil is used during deliverance. As a result, deliverance and exorcism are two distinct terms.

What is the difference between Exorcism and Deliverance?

• Definitions:

Exorcism: Exorcism is the act of driving out an evil spirit from a person or place.
Deliverance: Deliverance is the process of being saved or set free.

• Power:

Exorcism: In exorcism, the power is derived from various earthly sources.
Deliverance: In deliverance, the power comes from God.

• Belief in Jesus:

Exorcism: Exorcism applies to both believers and non-believers.
Deliverance: For deliverance, the individual must be a believer in Jesus.

• New Testament Theme:

Exorcism: Exorcism is not a major theme in the New Testament.
Deliverance: In the New Testament, deliverance is a major theme.

• Nature:

Exorcism: Exorcism is theatrical.
Deliverance: Deliverance is not theatrical; it is calm when commanding evil spirits to leave.