Many in today’s church believe in what is referred to as “generational curses,” wherein God has levied punishment upon His people for the sins of their forefathers.

The Old Testament

These beliefs are based upon scriptures in Exodus, Numbers, and other books, such as: “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”

As a matter of interest, Ezekiel 18, written 850 years later, has a different message: “The word of the Lord came to me: What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?’ As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son.

Many of us have been taught that we, our children, and grandchildren are suffering from the sins of our forefathers, and that we should fast and pray for this curse to be removed. Although some believe “the generational curse” was removed in the 18th chapter of Ezekiel, I will leave the Old Testament part of this issue to the theologians.

The New Testament

On one occasion, Jesus and His disciples discussed the subject of generational curses in John 1:1-3:

“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’

Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”

Hanging onto the Old Testament laws was something with which the people of Jesus’ day wrestled. They could not grasp the fantastic changes in store for them through faith in Jesus.

Jesus gave His life so that anyone who would receive Him could have eternal life, grace, restoration and freedom from the Old Testament laws and curses.

The Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Condemnation means: “to declare guilty, to inflict a penalty upon.” Is receiving a generational curse not a penalty, a condemnation?

Jesus’ death on the cross ushered in the New Testament and a new beginning for mankind, breaking all curses, and redeeming all who would believe in Him. We have received victory and freedom in Christ — not condemnation.

If Jesus doesn’t condemn us for our own sins, would He hold us responsible for those committed by others?