Generational Curses?

The purpose of this article is to educate the Christian community to the idea that some people believe our sins, and our sin problem, which individuals struggle with is our relative's fault. That is, certain propensities are caused by actions of family members i.e. our Father, Mother, Uncle Joe, etc. and the individual is thereby free from the guilt or consequences that would occur. In other words, it's a way of saying, "I'm not responsible for the sins I commit."

We must as true born again believers understand the nature of sin and the horrible consequences associated with it. We must realize we're sinners and are held wholly accountable for our own sins. We must understand we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for our lives. We will stand free from the guilt, stain, and condemning right of sin by the work and redeeming merits of Christ alone; not by thinking or believing we are entitled to be free because one of our relatives passed this on to us. We need to understand satan is trying to get a foothold in our lives. Repetition of sins can indicate a deep rooted stronghold that needs to be broken. Many have sinful habits that are still present in their lives that they neither desire to have removed or are removed.

O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people [are become] a reproach to all [that are] about us. (Daniel 9:16)

In Hebrew language the word generation dowr means generation, age, or class of men. In the Greek language the word generation genesis, gennema, or genos means origin, lineage, ancestry, fruit, the offspring or progeny of men, kind, or offspring.

In the Hebrew language the word curse qalal, arar, qabab, naqab, or cherem means curse or accursed. In the Greek language the word curse kataraomai, katanathematizo, anathematizo, anathema, or katara means to curse, doom, imprecate evil upon, a man cursed.

"Generation - Function: noun Date: 14th century, a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor, a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously." (Webster's Dictionary)

"Curse - Function: noun Etymology: Middle English curs, from Old English Date: before 12th century, a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one, something that is cursed or accursed, evil or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution, a cause of great harm or misfortune." (Webster'sDictionary)

Most all people want to deal in facts nowadays. And of course this is not a bad thing, and as such, I have given the plain, clear, definitions for the words contained in the subject of this article.

Again, we want to deal in truth and facts not lies and fiction. As Christians we're called to speak truth and "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1) and to "hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Timothy 1: 13) It is for this cause that we must examine the purported so-called doctrine of "generational curses."

What do the proponents of this doctrine mean when they say this? Is this a true Biblical doctrine or a teaching and doctrine of men? This teaching is found in mostly charismatic circles based on a view of the phrase found in Exodus 20:5; 34:7 and repeated in Numbers 14:18 "…visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation]." The teaching is that some people are the victims of "generational curses" placed on them through no fault of their own, but by the wrong actions of proceeding generations. These "curses" then predispose them to commit certain sins (the same ones committed by their predecessors).

That's it. That's all the evidence they have to base this doctrine on. Not to say that two verses can't teach a doctrine it can, but this is not the case here. First, the word "generation" is not included in the original texts. It's not in the Hebrew text. Second, this is not speaking about a generational curse laid upon someone because of proceeding generations. The word "visiting" paqad can mean visiting, appointing, punishing, or judgment.

When we look at all three verses in context we find that proceeding and succeeding the verse in question is the declaration of God showing mercy and forgiving sins and iniquities. Moreover, the phrase that is most often left out is the last part of Exodus 20:5 "… of them that hate me."

What are the verses teaching? They're teaching that God will forgive, and have mercy on many, but will "visit" (punish or judge) the same sins that the children commit as the fathers did of the ones that hate Him. As we shall see later, sins can be passed on by being exposed to the habitual sins committed in their presence. Another way of putting it is it's by learned behavior. The point is, we as true Christians must remember sin is sin! One does not need to have sins passed on to them to commit sin we just do. We would do well to remember brother Paul's perplexing struggle in Romans seven.

"Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:13-24)

Is it sin or is it a gift from Mom and Dad?

Man in his firstborn state is subject to the infestation of inherited sin (Genesis 3:1-7). This inherited sin, brought on by our first parents Adam and Eve, transcends the normal nature of man in his infancy and mature state. All sin is defined, according to God’s word, as disobedience of the direct and indirect command(s) of God—the sinful man chooses to do evil instead of good. There is inherited sin and actual sin. Inherited sin is the sin that is present in men which places all men in rebellion and damnation with God.

Our Master says, "and this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). This inherited sin is present and lights on not a few, but all men and women. It's something one has from birth. No man is born sin free except our Lord Jesus Christ. Actual sin is the product, manifestation, and proof of inherited sin. It's the actual working out of the sin nature within. It's produced because it is there. It is manifested because it is supposed to. It is a ravaging influence.

In Genesis 4:1,5-8 we know Cain's sin was passed on from Adam and Eve. Just as Adam and Eve's came from the incitements of satan. Notice, Cain's judgment (Genesis 4:12) was similar to Adam's in Genesis 3:17. We know we have sin from our youth and that people are wicked and sinful.

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)

"Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward." (Isaiah 1:4)

"The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

See also, Genesis 6:1-5,11; 8:21; Psalm 14:1-3; 58:3; 78:8; Proverbs 30:12-14; Isaiah 57:3,4; Jeremiah 11:10; 31:30; Ezekiel 18:4.

No one is free from the responsibility of sin. Your sin is your sin.

"The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin." (Deuteronomy 24:16)

See also, 2 Kings 14:6; Jeremiah 31:30; Job 1:5.

However, we are forgiven, cleansed, have all actual sins removed from us, and are given eternal life by Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9) at the time of our (if you believe) salvation. No past sins are counted against us, no actual sins we commit will be laid to our charge if we confess and forsake them. However, the corrupt sin nature we inherited by the fall of our first parents still resides within us, still producing the "desire" to sin, but the inherited and actual sins now are not laid to our charge. In other words, we are not condemned with the world as before the illumination of salvation in Christ being under damnation of God.

Again, the corrupt sin nature we inherited by the fall of our first parents still resides within us, still producing the "desire" to sin. The true believer saved by the grace of God in Christ Jesus battles to turn from the desire, to turn his life in obedience to God. The life of the Christian man is a struggle, a battle, and a conflict that will never end until he is in God’s presence. As stated before, there is the desire to sin within every person. Christ gives us the victory over sin—not holding it against us when we come to Him for salvation. In other words, the "hold" or "damning effect" of sin is taken away by Christ on the cross and not applied against the believer.

What the Old Testament has to say

The Old Testament is, conservatively, were those that teach this found their only support. We must always remember the rule of interpretation—the New Testament is never interpreted in light of the Old. It's always the other way around the Old Testament is interpreted in light of the new. In the Old, and with the New we're told God is the first to "curse" anything.

"And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life… And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life. (Genesis 3:14,17)

See also: Genesis 5:29; Deuteronomy 30:7.

And that He can curse people.

"And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant." (Jeremiah 11:3)

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5)

"If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart." (Malachi 2:2)

See also: Isaiah 34:5; 43:28; Jeremiah 7:29; 22:30; 23:40; 25:18; 26:6; 29:22,32; 42:18; 44:8,12,22; Malachi 1:14; 3:9; 4:6.

But keeps the covenant with thousands.

"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9).

God outlines a curse on certain people and in doing so prohibits them access to the congregation.

"A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee." (Deuteronomy 23:2-4)

He later releases them at a certain time that He chose.

"The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation." (Deuteronomy 23:8)

People cursed other people. Noah was the first person on earth to curse another person. He says Canaan is cursed and will be in the future (Leviticus 18:3). We know from History that the land and nation of Canaan was very wicked and perverse. They were cursed with the curse of Ham's action of homosexuality in Genesis 9:20-26.

"And Noah began [to be] an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid [it] upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces [were] backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant."

To follow this line the king of Sodom wanted the persons, not the goods, for the city (Genesis 14:21). Is he related to Ham? Later in Genesis nineteen Sodom is destroyed because of the sin of homosexuality (Genesis 19:5) Sodom was in the land of Canaan, Canaan was a son of Ham (Genesis 9:25; 10:6; Judges 3:5-7). And according to God they were wicked! (Deuteronomy 9:4,5).

Joshua cursed the Gibeon deceivers (Joshua 9:23).

David curses Joab (2 Samuel 3:29).

David gets cursed (2 Samuel 16:5-13).

David curses the wicked (Psalm 109:10,13,28). Many of the Psalms are called imprecatory or curses or pronouncing some kind of disaster or judgment on someone or group.

Elisha curses the mocking youths (2 Kings 2:24).

Elisha curses Gehazi and his seed after him (2 Kings 5:25-27).

Job curses the foolish (Job 5:3)..See also: Ecclesiastes 7:21,22; 10:20; Isaiah 8:21; Job 31:30; Lamentations 3:65.

Idols were cursed.

"And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers." (Deuteronomy 13:17)

There is a foolish curse

"And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food…Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And the people were faint." (1 Samuel 14:24,28)

Self proclaimed cursing or blessings.

"Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD." (1 Kings 2:33)

See also: Nehemiah 10:29 (which is the Israelites of his day committed themselves to walk in God's law agreeing to obey the "cursing and blessings") Job 3:1,8; Jeremiah 20:14,15; Daniel 9:11.

Generational sins or sin of practice?

Abraham lied twice (Genesis 12:11-13, and later Genesis 26:7,10) Then Isaac lies (Genesis 20:2) the Jacob lies (Genesis 21:19). Rebekah Isaac's wife lies and pronounces a curse on herself (Genesis 21:9-13). Laban, Rebekah's brother, lies to her son Jacob (Genesis 29:18-25).

As a product of incest Moab and Ammon (Genesis 19:37,38) are wicked and cursed.

A curse is pronounced upon God's own people for not obeying (Deuteronomy 27:13-26; 28:15-20; 29:19,20,21,27. Why? Because 29:25,26; 30:1,19; 2 Kings 22:19)

The children of Israel a generation or more sinned more than their fathers (Judges 2:19).

In Judges 19:22-25 we see the same sin as in Sodom manifested in Gibeah, there is not generational curse here, but Joshua did curse them in Joshua 9:23. This is simply the ungodly influence upon them from living by them and letting them influence them. Because of the wickedness of the Benjamite curse that the children of Israel put on them they were not to give wives to those in Gibeah (Judges 21:18).

There was a famine, which was a curse, because of the act of Saul slaying the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1,13,14). Solomon's wives turned him from God. Although the people of Israel had been polluting themselves soon after Egypt up to that time. Moreover, notice the kings after Solomon how some followed his ways, not because of a generational curse, but because they saw their parents do idolatry.

Their can be great parental influence (2 Kings 17:41; Ezekiel 2:3; 18:10,14,17,19,20) The line of the kings would help us to determine if generational curses followed from the wicked parent. There was 49 Kings total. It was a divided kingdom by the forth king. The kingdom of Israel was removed by their eighteenth king.

Line of the Kings

W=wicked R=righteous SO=son of UK=united kingdom DK=divided kingdom NR=no relation CR=co-reign F=female GS=grandson.

1. Saul W, UK

2. David R, UK

3. Solomon W, UK, SO

4. Rehoboam W, UK, SO 1. Jeroboam W, DK

5. Abijam W, DK, SO 2. Nadab W, DK, SO

6. Asa R, DK, SO 3. Baasha W, DK, NR

7. Jehoshaphat R, DK, SO 4. Elah ?, DK, SO

8. Jehoram W, DK, SO 5. Zimri W, DK, NR

9. Ahaziah W, DK, SO 6. Omri W, DK, NR, CR

(Assassinated by Jehu)

10. Athaliah W, DK, F Ahab W, DK, SO, CR

11. Joash R, DK, GS, Tibni ?,DK, NR, CR

12. Amaziah R, DK, SO 8. Jehoram W, DK, SO

13. Azariah R, DK, SO (Assassinated by Jehu)

14. Jotham R, DK, SO 9. Jehu W, DK, UK, NR

15. Uzziah R, DK, SO 10. Jehoahaz W, DK, SO

16. Ahaz W, DK, SO 11. Joash W, DK, SO

17. Hezekiah R, DK, SO 12. Jeroboam II W, DK, SO

18. Manasseh W, DK, SO 13. Zechariah W, DK, SO

19. Amon W, DK, SO 14. Shallum ?, DK, NR

20. Josiah R, DK, SO 15. Manahem W, DK, NR

21. Jeheahaz W, DK, SO 16. Pekahiah W, DK, SO

Here they were conquered but 17. Pekah W, DK, NR

Had a king placed. 18. Hoshea W, DK, NR

22. Eliakim/Jehoiakim W, DK, SO Israel removed end of the line

23. Jehoiachin W, DK, SO of kings of Israel (2 Kings 23:27)

24. Mattaniah/ Zedekiah W, DK Uncle of Jehoiachin.

2 Kings 25:1-10, 21 (Judah carried away captive end of the kings of Judah)

1. Gedaliah (governor) NR to kings.

1. Elishama (seed of the kings).Elisha curses Gehazi and his seed after him. 2 Kings 5:25-27. This would be considered a generational curse.

Curses men may put on God's people God will turn to a blessing (Nehemiah 13:2; Zechariah 8:13) There is righteous anger (Nehemiah 13:25) Righteousness can be passed on (Psalm 22:30,31; 48:13; 78:4,6; 79:13; 102:12,18,28; 105:6-8; 112:2; 119:90; 132:12; 135:13; 145:4; Proverbs 20:7. Will God hold sins against people from generation to generation? No. Psalm 85:5; 103:17,18; Numbers 26:10,11.

There is a seed God blesses Isaiah 61:9; 65:23; 66:22; Zechariah 5:3.

Prayer for forgiveness of sins that they committed and their fathers Daniel 9:16.

The New Testament

People can curse other people – Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 12:3; James 3:9,10.

God says wicked people are cursed – Matthew 25:41; Luke 11:46-51; John 7:49; 2 Peter 2:14.

There is self-cursing – Matthew 26:74; 27:25; Mark 14:71; John 23:12,14,21. Generational curse? John 9:1-3.

Sin entered in by Adam – Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22.

All have sinned – Romans 3:23.

One is cursed if you do not love Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 16:22.

In 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 some try to use to promote generational curses.

Those that preach another gospel are cursed – Galatians 1:8,9.

Those that try to be righteous under the law are under a curse – Galatians 3:10,13.

Godly parental influence can be passed on – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14,15.

Unfruitful people can be cursed – Hebrews 6:8.

Our heavenly kingdom is curse free – Revelation 22:3.

The opposite of cursed is blessed. We are blessed and free from the curse or curses because we're in Christ Jesus! Israel was not told to pray about the curses per se, or to break them. They were told to return to the Lord.

Other uses

Another use of the word "curse" is for belittlement or vilification. "Meerah," "qelalah," "naqab," "qabab," "qalal," "arar," and the Greek "kakalogeo" all are various words connoting belittlement and vilification and is translated "curses." It's a pronunciation of judgment.

Curses are a result of misdirected works.

"Render unto them a recompence, O LORD, according to the work of their hands. Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them." (Lamentations 3:64-65)

Curses are the result of erring from commandments.

"Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments." (Psalm 119:21)

"As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come." (Proverbs 26:2)

Can believers be enchanted or have spells cast upon them? No. Then is brought to pass, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." Can Christians be "cursed?" Do the Scriptures speak of Christians who can actually be cursed? Yes, for Christians who walk after fables, who reject the walk of grace, and who attain after the Law are called "cursed children."

"But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." (2 Peter 2:12-15)

Others

Note: the quotes here are not intended to give credence to a generational curse, but to show what others are saying on the subject.

"Father, I loose any stronghold in my life protecting wrong feelings I have against anyone. Forgive me as I forgive those who have caused me pain, loss or grief. I loose any desire for retribution or redress. In the name of Jesus, I loose the power and the effects of any harsh or hard words (word curses) spoken about me, to me or by me. I loose any strongholds connected with them. I loose all generational bondage thinking and stronghold thinking from myself." ("Training Wheels Prayer" Liberty Savard) (Prayer excerpt from Shattering Your Strongholds (Bridge-Logos Publishing 1993)

"I now loose, cut, and sever any and all soul-ties I have willingly or ignorantly entered into. I reject these soul-ties and every soulish satisfaction they have provided for me. I loose them, reject them, renouncing them and every wrong agreement I have ever come into that birthed those soul-ties in the first place." (Breaking Soul Ties, Liberty Savard) Prayer excerpt from Breaking the Power (Bridge-Logos Publishing 1997)

Christians in Cumbria, England, are asking the Roman Catholic archbishop of Glasgow to exorcise a stone cursed in 1520 by one of his predecessors. Some Anglicans, including vicar Kevin Davies, believe the stone may even be responsible for local outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. 'This stone invokes evil on people and as such we should not take it lightly,' he said, calling it "a lethal weapon." ("This article first appeared in January 7, 2002 issue of Christianity Today. Used by permission of Christianity Today International, Carol Stream, IL 60188)

"The kingdom of GOD and darkness operate totally on "legal rights". JESUS came to confirm the old testament....not erase God's laws. GOD repeatedly shows in the old testament...that the whole family pays for the sins that their forefathers committed...as well as those who sin in the "camp". (Such as in a group, family or church you belong to) The "sins of the fathers pass to the third and fourth generation". Guess what? They continue on as each successive generation continues in those sins!!! If it stopped and didn't re-occur after the 3rd and 4th generation...then it would be BROKEN...but that doesn't seem to happen. I can explain why...but won't get into that right now…That is a fact! After learning about breaking the generational curses...I have seen most of those people healed totally. NEVER to return!!!! Teaching on this takes 2 weeks to deliver to a church & lead them through the prayers." (Author unknown)

" PRAYER FOR RELEASE FROM CURSES: Pray this prayer OUTLOUD to break Generational Curses and word curses. Under the forgiveness section, it's important that you say the names OUTLOUD of all those who have harmed you, REAL OR IMAGINED (the pain is the same), to release yourself from any curses that may have been spoken against you, or flowed down your family line. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God and the only way to God; and that You died on the on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. "I give up all my rebellion and all my sin, and I submit myself to You as my Lord. "I confess all my sins before You, known and unknown, and ask for Your forgiveness - especially for any sins that exposed me to a curse. Release me also from the consequences of my ancestors' sins. "By a decision of my will, I forgive all who have harmed me or wronged me - just as I want God to forgive me. In particular, I forgive _____(say their names out loud) . "I renounce all contact with anything occult or satanic - if I have any "contact objects," I commit myself to destroy them. I cancel all Satan's claims against me. "Lord Jesus, I believe that on the cross You took on Yourself every curse that could ever come upon me. So I ask You now to release me from every curse over my life - in Your name, Lord Jesus Christ! "By faith I now receive my release and I thank You for it, in Jesus' Name. AMEN!" (http://beachsidechurch.com/jesus/heals2.html)

"People probably don’t realize that their hurtful words can also be a ‘prayer’ which the evil one may choose to enforce. The destroyer can take these words literally — and start to act upon them physically. Every negative word or curse-like pronouncement provides Satan with an opportunity to defame and destroy someone. Any word that you speak against yourself, or against others, exposes you and them to the destructive power of the enemy. This is why it’s so important that we learn to control our tongues. All curses operate until they’re revoked by the cursor, or the victim is released by the power of Jesus." (Colin Dye, www.revivaltimes.org)

"Yet, despite the lack of Biblical evidence, the Catholic Church curses every Christian who does not believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary. If anyone does not confess that Christ "was incarnate by the holy, glorious, God-bearer, ever-virgin Mary, and born of her, let him be anathema" (The Second Council of Constantinople)." (www.justforcatholics.org)

"The killings of two adolescent Oregon girls may be the latest example of how different generations in a family can make the same terrible decisions. Ward Weaver III, 39, is the principal suspect in the deaths of Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis, whose bodies were found buried beneath a concrete slab and in a shed at Weaver's home. He is jailed on charges of raping his son's girlfriend, and has a past conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. It is not the first time Weaver's family has been associated with murder and sexual crime. "They're trying to make a 'father and son' connection here because my father has a severe history," Weaver told Good Morning America in July." (ABC News, Sept. 9 th 2002)

"Some people are born again Christians and wondering why they are still dealing with certain urges. You think back and realize your dad had the same problem and his dad was doing the same things. Not only do you want the sin to stop in your life; you definitely don't want it passed on to your children." (Pastor Stan Nixon, Overcoming Generational Curses)

"The Word of God clearly tells us that a curse can be placed on a family for several generations. It is true that when you give a place to God in your life, you open yourself to His blessings (Deut. 28:1-14). But if you give place to the devil, or if you and your family are under a generational curse, you are asking for your children to enter into the same curse and the devil will devour them." (Pastor Don Dinninger)

Comments

Bless the Lord with all that is within me! O Praise Him, praise His holy name, and praise His blessed attributes. Our Heavenly Father pours out grace, wisdom, and mercy to those whom He has chosen and decrees to receive His graces of abundance and is ever merciful to those that seek Him with a whole heart. It is with merciful pardon through Jesus Christ our Lord that we are redeemed from the curse of sin and death. All glory, praise, and honor go to our Master Jesus Christ according to the righteous work of atonement on the cross that He and He alone, once for all, procured for the sins of many. What can we say to this extraordinary mysterious work of salvation of the soul by the shedding of His blood on Calvary? Only that it is wonderful. It was His work ordained from the Father before the foundation of the earth that absolves the sinner from the heinous stain of sin and makes alive the soul and frees it from the sting of death.

However, seeing from our first parents that inherited sin is passed on through the blood. So is "certain propensities" and kinds of sins passed on through the bloodline. When we say certain propensities or kinds of sins, this is not saying that one sin is lesser or greater that others. All sin is sin. Let me not be mistaken all people sin. All people have inherited sin whether sin of one kind or another we all have sin.

What we’re saying is that "certain" kinds of sins stand out, and even have more actions in people than in others. If we as humans are born with genetic traits from our parents such as, baldness, acne, hair color, eye color, body shape, even mannerisms, etc. have you ever said " boy, he sure looks like his Mother" ? Than it would follow that we would inherit certain types of sins that are amplified in ones life.

Why is it that one person struggles with say a immoral sin while anothers does not? Some go through their whole Christian life and never struggle with a certain sin only to be battling another kind. Are the genres of sins? Is their taxonomy of sins? I believe so. For example sins like idolatry, adultery, fornication, drunkenness, perversion, anger, hatred, predaceous, heresies, foul language, rage, atheism, etc. these kinds of sins can be passed down from one person to another. Even instilled and taught in children! An atheist family can teach their children atheism. This is not to say God can not save individuals like this only that wrong behavior and sins can be passed down.

The Old Testament speaks about certain kings that were idol worshippers. They died and their son became king and was an idol worshipper, he died and his son became king and he was an idol worshipper, and then he died and his son became king but he worships the one true God. People must take personal responsibility for their own choices. However, the Word of God is clear, and He will hold us all individually responsible.

It was established in the Law that children would not be punished for the sins of their father (Deuteronomy 24:16, comp. II Kings 14:6). The idea of generational sin does not come from a scriptural foundation, but from world viewpoint. Colossians 2:8 describes the process by which the world develops wrong ideas with these three terms. Philosophy (a wrong idea that has no basis in truth), vain deceit (false reasoning to support the idea) and traditions of men (wide acceptance of the wrong idea and false reasoning to support it). This process has only one purpose to take away personal responsibility, create bondage to sin, and deceive people regarding the nature of God.

Here's an example of how it works (1) call sin a disease; (2) establish (without reliable proof) that the so-called disease is hereditary (3) conclude that those found with the so-called disease are not responsible for it. Therefore, there is nothing they can do about it; therefore, they will be in bondage to it for the rest of their lives. This false line of reasoning has been applied to drunkenness (alcoholism), fornication (homosexuality), anxiety (mental illness) and a host of other sins.

This same false line of reasoning has been spiritualized and there are those who would twist the scriptures to try to promote the idea of generational sins or curses. "My sin is not really my fault, it is the result of a curse put on me because of my father’s sin, there’s nothing I can do about it, I’m not responsible." But, there’s nothing new under the sun. Israel in Ezekiel’s day had accepted the same world viewpoint, which prompted God to deal with it in Ezekiel 18. When you read it, pay particular attention to verses 1-4, 20-24 and 30-32. The time will come when we will all stand before a holy and righteous God and we will stand alone.

There are some groups who have a lot to say about generational curses. They quote Exodus 20:5-6: "for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

Are there generational curses in the New Testament? Some see Mark 9:14-21 as an example. In that Scripture we are told of a child who was demonized since his earliest years. It's asserted that since this child did not by his direct disobedience to God, or participation in occultic activities, open his life to demonic influence there must have been some kind of a generational transfer.

As far as generational sins, I believe that they can and often do pertain to sinners, however the 'BLOOD' of Jesus breaks all curses! I have heard how preachers have made people delve into their ancestors' past that they might repent and confess the sins of their ancestors this is not Biblical! Your sins and your sins only before God are your responsibility not anyone else's.

"And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers." (Nehemiah 9:2)

Let’s look at Abraham. He was a liar. He lied to a king about his wife being his sister. He did it twice! Did you know he had a son who told the same lie to the same king 40 years later about his wife? This same son had sons and they were all liars. They lied to their father by telling him Joseph was eaten by animals yet what they really did was sold him into slavery. Here are three generations of liars! Yes, emotions can be inherited. Exodus 20:3-6; Nehemiah 9:2, 32-37; Jeremiah 14:20; Lamentations 5:7; Isaiah 65:6-7; Daniel 9:15-16; Galatians 6:7-8; Leviticus 26:39-40; Deuteronomy 28:15,18A; 5:9, 58-59; Ezra 9:6-7; Jeremiah 14:20; 32:18; Isaiah 14:21a; 65:6-7; Matthew 23:32-36; Numbers 14:18.

A list of inherited sins

1. Adultery/pre-marital sex

2. Abortion

3. Alcohol/drugs

4. Anger

5. Anxiety/worry/fear/terror

6. Bitterness/control

7. Covetousness/Idolatry

8. Critical spirit/judgment

9. Depression/Discouragement

10. Despair/suicidal thoughts

11. Envy/jealousy

12. Ingratitude

13. Isolation.

14. Laziness/Lying/deceit

15. Lust/sexual perversion/pornography/homosexuality

16. Manipulation

17. Murder/violence/suicide

18. Men hating women/misogyny/incest

19. Occult/occult practices/rebellion/Spirit of witchcraft

20. Rejection

21. Passivity

22. Perfectionism

23. Pride/intolerance/prejudice/pride of life

24. Self-loathing/self-hatred

25. Stealing/greed

1. Learn that you must take Satan’s tools seriously. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) If we do not devote our full attention to being parents and grandparents, Satan will seek to separate us from the hearts of our children.

2. Ask God to forgive you for any abomination you have brought into your home. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) Our hearts need to be clean and pure before the Lord in order to fight for our children. It is important to possess the land positionally as well as experientially.

3. Realize we are in a war. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11).

4. Understand that our enemy is spiritual. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12)

5. Know what your armor is. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness/ and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:13-18)

6. Understand that you do not have to fear the devil when you are a spirit-controlled Christian. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." (1 John 4:4) When we begin to understand God’s power then we need not be afraid of the enemy. However, if your church is allowing things of the enemy to control the leadership, beware..

7. Claim the power and authority you have in Christ. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)

8. Don’t give the devil a foothold. "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27)

9. Remember, we cannot fight Satan in our own strength and power. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds? (2 Corinthains 10:4). We do not have Ghostbusters guns; we have the power of God to knock down the devil.

10. Remember, Christ has already overcome. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).

11. Don’t say, "what I don’t know can’t hurt me." What you don’t know can destroy you! (2 Corinthians 2:11).

12. Be careful of your fellowship with the ungodly. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful words of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

13. Fight the good fight. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12).

14. Know the difference between truth and error. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1-6).

15. Don’t be carnal minded. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be: (Romans 8:6-7).

16. Avoid the works of the flesh. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).

17. You can recover your children. " and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Tim.2: 26).

18. Don’t let the world steal your love. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15-16).

19. Don’t try to imitate the world. "and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2)

20. Know that you can overcome the world. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5).

21. Know that our weapon is the Word. "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

22. You can’t fight the devil alone. "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee: (Jude 9)

23. Pray for your children’s eyes to be opened. "To open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" (Acts 26:18).

24. Satan can possess children. "And he asked his father, how long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, of a child" (Mark 9:21). And because children can be possibly be possess, we need to keep objects and materials away from our children that open them to attack. We need to pray and protect our children.

25. Christ can protect a believer. "but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 John 5:18).

26. Some demons will be removed only through prayer and fasting. "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29).

27. Remember, God’s angels will protect you. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).

Amen?

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