What is the connection between deliverance from the evil one in the Lord’s Prayer, baptism, and spiritual warfare?
The Lord’s Prayer concludes with the petition, “Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). Many translations render it “deliver us from the evil one,” pointing directly to Satan as the source behind evil. This request is more than a plea for personal safety—it is a declaration of allegiance to Christ, a recognition of spiritual warfare, and a reminder of the church’s baptismal identity.
Anthony Delgado emphasizes that praying this petition is like renewing a baptismal vow, where believers renounce Satan and his works and pledge loyalty to Christ. In this way, the petition ties together deliverance, baptism, and spiritual warfare. It reminds Christians that the life of faith is a daily struggle against evil, fought with confidence in Christ’s victory.
1. Deliverance from the Evil One in the Lord’s Prayer
The first connection lies in the meaning of the petition itself.
Textual nuance: Whether translated as “evil” or “the evil one,” the theological reality remains the same—evil has a personal dimension rooted in Satan and his powers.
Daily need: Jesus teaches believers to pray this daily, acknowledging that the Christian life is lived on contested ground.
Minor exorcism: Delgado describes this petition as a small act of renunciation—a pledge to resist Satan and reaffirm allegiance to Christ.
Praying for deliverance is not fearful resignation but hopeful dependence. It reminds the church that the struggle is real, but victory belongs to Christ.
2. Baptism as Renunciation of Satan
The second connection is baptism, where the Christian life of spiritual warfare begins.
Historical practice: In the early church, baptismal candidates were asked, “Do you renounce Satan and all his works?” The response, “I do,” was seen as a form of exorcism.
Public allegiance: Baptism was not merely symbolic but a visible declaration that the believer now belongs to Christ’s kingdom.
Membership in the church: In historic Baptist practice, baptism was understood as entrance into the community of the church, a sign that one’s allegiance has shifted from darkness to light.
This baptismal renunciation directly parallels the petition for deliverance in the Lord’s Prayer. Both are declarations that the Christian belongs not to the ruler of this world but to the Father, through Christ.
3. Spiritual Warfare in Daily Life
The third connection is the reality of spiritual warfare.
Cosmic conflict: Revelation 12 describes Satan being cast down from heaven to earth, enraged against the people of God. This explains why prayer for deliverance is necessary.
Powers at work: Paul reminds believers that they wrestle not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
Weapons of warfare: Deliverance comes through Christ, but believers are called to resist the devil, put on the armor of God, and pray in the Spirit.
The Lord’s Prayer functions as daily spiritual armor. By praying “deliver us from the evil one,” believers resist the schemes of the devil and call on God’s power to protect and preserve them.
4. Deliverance, Baptism, and the Gospel
The fourth connection is that all three—deliverance, baptism, and warfare—are anchored in the Gospel.
Christ’s victory: Jesus’ death and resurrection disarmed the rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Baptism unites believers to this victory (Romans 6:3–4).
Renunciation and allegiance: Baptismal vows renounce Satan and pledge allegiance to Christ. The Lord’s Prayer renews that renunciation each time it is prayed.
Living in freedom: Deliverance is not merely escape from harm; it is freedom to live as children of God, walking in holiness, anticipating the kingdom where evil is no more.
The Gospel ensures that this petition is not desperate fear but confident thanksgiving. Believers know the outcome of the war because Christ has already won.
5. Hope in the Final Deliverance
Finally, the petition points toward the eschatological hope of final deliverance.
Already, not yet: Believers already experience victory over sin and Satan, but the final defeat of evil awaits Christ’s return.
Anticipation of new creation: Revelation 21 promises a new heaven and new earth where evil is banished forever.
Thanksgiving instead of fear: As Delgado often says, “The beginning is near.” The prayer anticipates not destruction but renewal.
Praying for deliverance now prepares Christians for the day when no such prayer will be necessary. It is both present warfare and future hope.
Conclusion
The petition “Deliver us from the evil one” connects directly to baptism and spiritual warfare. In baptism, believers renounce Satan and pledge allegiance to Christ. In prayer, they renew that renunciation daily. In life, they fight spiritual battles with confidence in Christ’s victory.
This connection grounds the Christian life in the Gospel. Jesus has triumphed over evil, and in him, believers are delivered. To pray these words is to embrace baptismal identity, resist the devil, and live in hope of the day when the kingdom of God fully comes.
Bible Verses on Deliverance, Baptism, and Spiritual Warfare
“Deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)
“Do you renounce Satan and all his works?” (historic baptismal vow)
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15)
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that… we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
“They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… and death shall be no more.” (Revelation 21:1,4)
