LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
THE BONDAGE BREAKER
AUTHORED BY NEIL T. ANDERSON
A READING REFLECTION
A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. GENE JEFFRIES
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE COURSE EVAN 670-B01
BY
JENNIFER LOUISE JOHNSON
L23671693
MURDOCK, MINNESOTA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………1
SUMMARY ……………………………………………………………………………..1
EVALUATION AND CRITIQUE ……………………………………………………...2
PERSONAL APPLICATION …………………………………………………………..3
CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………………………...4
BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………………………………....6
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INTRODUCTION
Since Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation in the Garden of Eden,
mankind has been forever changed. Each person is born separated from God by a sinful
nature. However, once one accepts “Christ as their personal Savior, they are a new
creation.”1 As a new creation in Christ the personal attacks by Satan do not stop. All
believers will struggle with the old habits of the flesh, negative thoughts about
themselves and others, and feelings that could be seen as irrational.
Neil T. Anderson’s book, titled The Bondage Breaker, looks at how demonic
influences can affect not only ones walk with Christ, but their life in general. The
Bondage Breaker consists of 284 pages that provide on information on what spiritual is,
how to identify what can be demon caused or not, and how to overcome the bondage that
Satan can grasp on one’s life.
SUMMARY
The Bondage Breaker is divided into three parts: take courage, stand firm, and
walk free. An appendix is found in the final part of the book that provides additional
information on becoming free in Christ.
In the first part, “Take Courage!”, Anderson covers common misconceptions
relating to spiritual bondage.2 While spiritual bondage can be found in the Old
Testament, Anderson clarifies many of these misconceptions. Anderson also helps to
show the reader that they are indeed a new creation in Christ by listing many verses that
speak to this fact.
1 2 Corinthians 5:17. All Scripture references are from the New International Version.
2 Neil T. Anderson, The Bondage Breaker, (Eugene: Harvest House, 2002), 19.
1
In “Stand Firm!” Anderson begins this section by explain the degrees of
vulnerability that a person in Christ faces.3 The second section of this book looks at how
the demons can influence one’s daily life, attempt to weaken their faith, and lure a person
into practices of the occult. Within this section of Anderson’s book the concept of
bondage is elaborated and explained in greater detail. With the lure of “extra” knowledge
one can slowly begin their fall into the world of the occult. Anderson explains that once
the door is slightly open for Satan, he [Satan] “simply takes advantages of the
opportunities we give him.”4
The final section, “Walk Free!” looks at how one can overcome their spiritual
bondage to Satan. “But if you have failed to stand firm in the faith or you have willfully
sinned, it is your responsibility to do whatever is necessary to maintain a right
relationship with Him.”5 Anderson lists seven specific “issues that every Christian needs
to resolve.” This list is extremely practical for all Christians, whether new or mature in
their faith, as it provides a clear view of how one can lose part of their solid faith/ground
in Christ.
The appendix of The Bondage Breaker, is relatively short, yet it provides
information to help the believer evaluate their spiritual life. While the appendix
constitutes a few pages, the personal inventory section can be a vital tool in overcoming
bondage to Satan.
EVAULATION AND CRITIQUE
3 Ibid., 114.
4 Ibid., 192.
5 Ibid., 199.
2
Spiritual bondage and demonic attacks are difficult to discuss, examine, and
explain. However, Anderson explains this topic with simplicity, while never understating
how real the threat to both believers and nonbelievers alike. This is one of the greatest
strengths of The Bondage Breaker. Anderson uses experiences from his personal
encounters will people who were in varying degrees of bondage. By using these
examples of real people, Mr. Anderson allows the reader to see that bondage can happen
to new believers, as well as mature believers.
In chapter 13, “Steps to Freedom in Christ,” Anderson examines how one can
break free from their bondage. Throughout this chapter, it becomes clear that there are
seven steps, or internal battles that one should go through to become free the hold that
Satan has on them. “Each step is explained so you will have no problem knowing what to
do. If you experience any resistance, stop and pray. If you experience some mental
opposition, just ignore it.”6 This is the major point that Anderson drives home in this
chapter.
The downfall of this text is that Anderson leads the reader to feel that Satan
possess more control the he does. “The devil made me do it” is a popular phrase that
many have used. As Anderson points out, the devil cannot, in fact, make one do
anything; it is through his use of submission and deception he finds the person’s
weakness. Yet, as humans, we have the ability to exercise free will; to choose right or
wrong. Thus, Satan cannot make the final decision, which is up to each and every
person.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
6 Ibid., 200.
3
While the principles in this text are all applicable to each person, one stands out
more than the other. Anderson provides information on the various aspects of spiritual
bondage that can help one in their daily struggle with sin. Chapter 13 is of the greatest
areas of this book for personal application. By going through the seven steps, one is able
to see what areas of their life they have allowed Satan to grasp a foothold. These steps
also allow the individual to achieve freedom through their salvation n Christ. Anderson
includes checklists, along with prayers and Scripture references for the believer to follow.
Why the prayers may be modified, it is a wonderful option to have them already
prewritten.
The next area of personal application is related to the book is the spiritual armor
found in chapter 6. Ephesian chapter 6 speaks about putting on the full armor of Christ.
Each day, one is able to cloth themselves with the spiritual protection from Satan that was
achieved through Christ’s death, and subsequent resurrection.
CONCLUSION
Overall, The Bondage Break is a wonderful source for how an individual can gain
back their freedom Satan’s bondage. While all Christians will continue to face spiritual
attacks from Satan, this text provides the tools needed for an individual to gain back the
ground that he covered once they became saved.
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