1. How Misunderstanding the Old Testament May Fuel these Beliefs
- Some misunderstand Exodus 20:4-6 / Deuteronomy 11:26-28 / etc as promoting “generational curses”.
- Yet Deuteronomy 24:16 & Ezekiel 18:20 show that God holds us accountable for our own sins.
- And Isaiah 55:7, Leviticus 26:40-42 & Exodus 34:6-7 all speak to the willingness of God to forgive.
- Note: Genesis 3 records the fall of humanity into sin. Note however that Scripture teaches that though we inherit a sinful nature because of Adam’s sin (Ps. 51:5, Rom 5:12)…we incur personal guilt because of our own.
2. How Understanding the Old & New Testaments Brings Relief
- Regarding the curse of the Law, and our sinful nature –
- Galatians 3:13, Romans 8:1-2, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 all demonstrate the power of God unto salvation, through faith, in the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ.
- Regarding “Ancestors”: People who die are immediately transported into the presence of God, to face judgement; and thus have no power to influence our lives, for good or evil.
- 2 Cor 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23; Hebrews 9:27; Luke 12:20; Luke 23:43; Luke 16:19-31.