Deliverance

Deliverance refers to the act of being rescued or set free from a state of hardship or danger. The term is often used in religious contexts, particularly in Christianity, where it denotes the process of being saved from sin or evil influences. However, it can also be used in a more general sense to describe any situation where a person or group is freed from a difficult or threatening circumstance.

Etymology

The word 'deliverance' originates from the Old French 'delivrance', which is derived from the verb 'delivrer', meaning 'to set free'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.

Religious Context

In a religious context, deliverance often refers to the act of being saved from sin or evil influences. This concept is particularly prevalent in Christianity, where it is a central tenet of the faith. Christians believe that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity has been delivered from sin and granted eternal life.

In the Old Testament, deliverance is frequently associated with God's intervention to save the Israelites from their enemies or from perilous situations. For example, the Exodus from Egypt is often referred to as a deliverance.

In the New Testament, the concept of deliverance is closely tied to the ministry of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate deliverer. His death and resurrection are viewed as the ultimate act of deliverance, freeing humanity from sin and death.

General Usage

In a broader sense, deliverance can refer to any act of being rescued or set free from a difficult or threatening situation. This could include being delivered from physical danger, such as being rescued from a natural disaster, or from a state of hardship, such as being freed from poverty or oppression.

In Popular Culture

The term 'deliverance' has also been used in popular culture, most notably as the title of the 1972 film Deliverance. The film, which is based on a novel of the same name, explores themes of survival and the struggle for freedom in the face of extreme adversity.

See Also

• Salvation (Christianity)
• Exodus
• Jesus Christ