As a born-again Christian, I believe deliverance is an essential theme in the Bible. The Bible records many instances of people being delivered by God from all kinds of troubles, including sin, sickness, enemies, and even death. The stories of deliverance in the Bible remind us of God’s power and willingness to save us from every kind of trouble we may face. Today I seek to explore deliverance in the Bible. So, how many times is deliverance mentioned in the Bible?
In the Bible, the exact number of times the word deliverance is mentioned is about 16 times, depending on the translation. Deliverance reminds us that God is powerful, loving, and faithful and desires to set us free from all that would hold us back and keep us from living the abundant life He has for us.
In this article, I will dig deep into the Biblical teachings of deliverance and the types of deliverance in the Bible. Read on to learn more.
What is deliverance according to the Bible?
In the Bible, deliverance is a central theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. It refers to being rescued or set free from bondage or oppression, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is God’s act of saving or rescuing his people from their enemies or the consequences of their sins.
The Bible teaches that true deliverance can only come through faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has made it possible for people to be saved from sin and death and to experience true freedom and abundant life. (John 3:16)
What does the Bible say about deliverance?
The Old Testament refers to God rescuing his people from enemies or other forms of danger or oppression. For instance, the book of Exodus 6:6-7 recounts how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land.
The book of Judges 2:16-18 also describes a period in Israel’s history when the nation was ruled by a series of judges who delivered the Israelites from their enemies and helped them to maintain their independence.
Additionally, many of the Psalms in the Old Testament focus on the theme of deliverance, expressing the psalmist’s trust in God to protect him from all enemies and troubles(Psalms 34:17)
On the other hand, the New Testament emphasizes the power of Jesus to heal and save people from their sins and the importance of faith in experiencing this deliverance. For example, The Gospels describe how Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead, demonstrating his power to deliver people from physical and spiritual affliction.
Nevertheless, Acts 16:25-26 describes how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to perform miraculous signs, wonders and deliverance. This signified God’s presence and power in the early Christian community.
Where does deliverance appear first in the Bible?
The first time the word deliverance appears in the Bible is in Exodus 14:13, where Moses tells the Israelites to remain fearless, keep their composure, and they will witness the relief of the Lord. Deliverance here refers to God’s miraculous rescue of the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea.
However, the concept of deliverance is present in earlier books of the Bible, even if the exact word is not used. For example, in Genesis 7:1, God delivers Noah and his family from the flood, and later he delivers Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:15-16)
Biblical references about deliverance
Psalm 34:17
This verse promises that God hears and delivers the righteous when they call out to Him.
Psalm 91:15
This verse illustrates how God promises to answer those who call on Him and deliver them from their troubles.
1 Peter 5:10
This verse states that God promises to restore and strengthen us after we have suffered for a little while.
Matthew 6:13
This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer, in which Jesus teaches His disciples to ask God for deliverance from temptations.
2 Corinthians 1:10
In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his confidence that God has delivered him from a dangerous situation and will continue to deliver him.
Psalms 18:2
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that God is his deliverer and takes refuge in Him.
Acts 2:21
This verse encourages us to call on the name of the Lord for deliverance and salvation.
Luke 4:18
Jesus quotes this verse in the synagogue, applying it to Himself and declaring that He has come to bring deliverance.
2 Timothy 4:18
In this passage, Paul expresses his confidence in God’s ability to deliver him from all evil and bring him to heaven.
Exodus 14:13
This verse illustrates how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt.
Who was the first deliverer in the Bible?
The Bible suggests that the first deliverer in the Bible was Moses. In Exodus 3:10, God called Moses to be His instrument of deliverance to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Moses was born when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and faced oppression from the Pharaoh. Moses was the leader God picked to take the Israelites out of Egypt. He became God’s agent of deliverance by performing signs and wonders before Pharaoh and leading the Israelites through the Red Sea Exodus 14:5-31. Through Moses, God established His covenant with the Israelites and delivered them from their bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 19).
Types of deliverance in the Bible
Deliverance from sin refers to being saved from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) but that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Deliverance from enemies: refers to being saved from physical enemies or oppressors. For example, God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians when they were enslaved (Exodus 14:30), and he also delivered David from the hand of Saul (1 Samuel 23:14).
Deliverance from death: refers to being saved from physical death. The Bible teaches that those who believe in Jesus Christ will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus conquered death through his resurrection, and believers have the hope of eternal life with Him (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.