Faith Beyond What We See: Tradition, Deliverance, and the Blood of Jesus
It all started with the prayer of David in Psalm 7. In verse 2, David pleads, “…so that my enemy will not tear me like a lion…” That verse sparked a question: Do we still have enemies today? The answer might seem simple—but it’s deeper. Yes, we do. But the real enemy is one: the Devil. Everyone else? They’re just agents.And this is what sparked the conversation below.
In many churches today, especially during deliverance prayers, we’ve embraced the term “agents of the devil” and built practices around it. Some believers have been taught that to overcome these agents, you need special items—items believed to ward off spiritual attacks. The logic? Keep the agents away, and you’ve kept the devil away.
So we began listing these items—objects used both in churches and homes as spiritual tools of protection. The list isn’t exhaustive, but as you read, reflect: what did you grow up seeing? What are you currently using—or have used?
Commonly Used “Spiritual” Items in Deliverance Practices
Salt – Sprinkled around homes, doorsteps, or business premises. Many have embraced this ritual, even at social gatherings like bridal showers, where older women pass it down to younger generations.
Holy Water – Frequently found at church entrances. Some even use it in cooking, believing it keeps demonic agents away.
Pig Fat (Mafuta ya Nguruwe) – Applied to children, especially when going to the clinic, believed to offer protection.
Eyebrow Pencil (Wanja) – Used on children or adults to guard against spiritual attacks.
The Cross – Hung on doorposts or worn as a charm to ward off evil.
Waist Beads or Wrist Beads – Often worn as a spiritual barrier.
Herbal Remedies – Specific leaves, either boiled for drinking or pounded and applied to the body.
These practices often have local names:
Vikumba (Bukusu)
Vuindi (Bukusu)
Sihoho (Luo)
Esihoho (Samia)
Feel free to insert what’s familiar in your own culture.
And yes—some people even keep tortoises to chase demons away!
Olive Oil: Sacred or Misunderstood?
Then comes the olive oil—a practice deeply rooted in Scripture. Verses like James 5:14 and Mark 6:13 mention it clearly. But here’s where we need to pause.
In Scripture, olive oil was used for consecration, a setting apart for God. It wasn’t about chasing demons away. It was symbolic of being separated from sin. Think of it: if someone owed a debt, they paid it. If they harbored bitterness, they forgave. If they had stolen, they returned it. Among these acts of repentance, oil was used.
But today, we’ve elevated the oil above obedience.
Yes, oil was used to anoint leaders—David, for example. But does that mean every leader today needs oil on their head? What about leaders who never received a drop of oil but are walking in truth and faith? Did Jesus need oil poured on Him to begin His ministry? No. He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Even Paul and Barnabas were simply prayed over—no oil mentioned.
In Mark, Jesus sends the disciples to evangelize, and they anoint the sick with oil. The context? Evangelism, not personal protection.
Let’s be honest: how often are we using the oil for evangelism today? Or are we using it for personal battles—to keep the “agents” away?
This is not a message against using olive oil—but about questioning our intentions.
What About the Blood of Jesus?
Where is our faith? Have we forgotten the power in the blood of Jesus?
When the Israelites built a golden calf while waiting for Moses, it was made from earrings and necklaces. Not a towering statue—but a small idol. Same for Rachel’s gods—small enough to sit on.
Visit the Nairobi Museum. Look at the traditional gods on display. They’re tiny. Yet the size doesn’t matter. An idol is still an idol, no matter how “Christianized” it looks.
The blood of Jesus needs no additions. No salt. No water. No beads. No oil.
Let’s revisit James 5 again. From verses 13 to 17, “prayer” is mentioned seven times! The passage emphasizes faith, repentance, and confession of sin—not just oil.
Why are we extracting one element (the oil) and ignoring the rest?
Spiritual Warfare or African Traditional Religion?
Let’s be real. We’re Africans. And many of these rituals have roots in African spiritualism—not Christianity. Just because we attach the cross or sprinkle holy water doesn’t make it biblical. That’s syncretism. That’s witchcraft wrapped in worship.
There’s a difference between having a form of godliness and truly living a godly life. Faith means believing without seeing. Christianity is based solely on belief in the unseen—not the physical tools we grasp for comfort.
Final Thoughts: The Blood Is Enough
A client of mine once shared her story. She struggled with fear and anxiety after abuse. She had gone for multiple deliverance prayers, was given salt and oil, and used them as instructed—even prayed over cooking oil when the olive oil ran out.
But after therapy (I am a certified faith-based therapist), I gently offered her a different perspective. The choice was hers.
Today, her testimony is this: The blood of Jesus is enough. She no longer needs physical items to feel protected. Her trust is in God alone.
Hello ,waah aki thanks 😊 I’ve been reading my bible and I’ve Been understanding the context, tangu niache kuomba na salt na sijui Annoiting oil I feel just okay…the blood of Jesus is enough it doesn’t require any other symbol,if God knew that salt and water could redeem people Jesus wouldn’t have died on the cross 😊
Mungu akibariki wengine, kikapu chako kijae uwe shahidi wa baraka za Mungu na shujaa katika kristo (Permission granted by the client}
Friends, this is not a call to throw away olive oil or cancel traditions—but a plea to examine your faith. Are we creating theologies from convenience? Are we mixing cultural rituals with the Word?
Let’s return to the simplicity and power of the cross.
Let’s believe—without props.
Let’s worship the Lord God alone.
Because the blood of Jesus is enough.!!!
