subject: Why Do Generational Sins Still Affect Christians [print this page] The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you. - Deut. 7:22
Gods grace, when applied to our individual lives, does not usually drive out all of our enemies instantly, but we experience a progressive application of Gods grace just as Gods grace did not drive all the inhabitants out of the Promised Land at one time, but instead did so slowly so that they would have the capacity to take control of the terrain.
So, the Scriptures tell us to work out our souls salvation:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, - Phil. 2:12
Working out our salvation involves a process. If it were all instantaneous, there would be no working out. So come and let us work out the in-working power of God (Phil. 1:6), for it is Christ who works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). And lets not get hung up over terminology. I dont want to fuss over whether it is a generational sin or a curse. Both are to be dealt with by Gods grace, as well as the old man, and the sin nature, etc. Our goal is to get all darkness cleaned out and to be filled with the light and glory of the Most High God!
God is Faithful!
A good example is an unsaved person addicted to nicotine. Sometimes when a smoker gives their life to Christ, they are immediately set free from their addiction the moment they pray the sinner's prayer. Hallelujah! Other times the breakthrough may be a short while later when a new believer gets water baptized and as they are raised up out of the water, their addictions are left behind and they no longer have those cravings. A powerful death and resurrection experience!
However, this is not always the case. Sometimes it is a progressive working out of their salvation into area after area of their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. But we trust the Lord is true when He promises that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
Whether we receive deliverance instantly or through the process of working out our salvation, God will, indeed, indeed be faithful to complete His work in us. You can count on it.
