Christ Is Triumphant!

By Rich Carmicheal

    God’s Word makes it clear that we are in a spiritual battle and need to be alert to the devil and the kingdom of darkness. But as serious and sobering as this is, the Bible also stresses that the devil is no match for our glorious and triumphant Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, nor for us when we are "strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might" (Eph. 6:10). As we take our stand against the devil and his schemes, let us keep in mind the following truths:

    The devil "prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
    JESUS is a Lion – the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has overcome (Rev. 5:5). He is strong, majestic, sovereign, courageous and fierce against our enemies.

    The devil is full of darkness, but "disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14).
    JESUS is the true light which enlightens us (John 1:9). He is the Light of the World and whoever follows Him "shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are delivered from the domain of darkness and brought into His kingdom of light (Col. 1:12-13).

    The devil is a deceiver and by his very nature is "is a liar, and the father of lies" – there is no truth in him (John 8:44).
    JESUS is full of truth (John 1:14) and there is no deceit in Him (1 Pet. 2:22). He is the Truth (John 14:6), He speaks the truth (John 8:45), and as we abide in His Word, we know the truth, and the truth makes us free! (John 8:31-32).

    The devil is the accuser of the brethren, accusing them before God day and night, and he is cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:10; Luke 10:18).
    JESUS is exalted in heaven at the right hand of God, and is not condemning us, but is interceding for us (Rom. 8:34). He is able to save us completely because He always lives to intercede for us (Heb. 7:25).

    The devil is a thief who comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy.
    JESUS comes that we might have life, and might have it abundantly (John 10:10).

    The devil bruised Jesus on the heel.
    JESUS crushed the devil’s head (Gen. 3:15).

    The devil is a tempter, seeking to exploit our weaknesses and lead us into sin (Matt. 4:1-11; 1 Thes. 3:5).
    JESUS "has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15). He sympathizes with our weaknesses and comes to our aid when we are tempted (Heb. 2:18). He never leads us into sin, but guides us in paths of righteousness.

    The devil tries to oppress us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually (Acts 10:38).
    JESUS came to the earth to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He came to bind the strong man, to overpower him, and to plunder his house (Matt. 12:28-29). He came to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners (Isa. 61:1). He is able to set people free from the devil’s hold in their lives, and restore them in body, soul, mind and spirit. "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).

    The devil seeks to ensnare and enslave us to sin (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26).
    JESUS loves us and releases us from our sins by His precious blood (Rev. 1:5). Through His blood we are redeemed, forgiven, reconciled to God, cleansed and sanctified. Whatever claim Satan had (or has) in our lives is broken through the blood of Christ. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb! (Rev. 12:11).

    The devil tries to use fear and the power of death against us.
    JESUS died so that He "might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives" (Heb. 2:14-15). Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, and whoever believes in Him shall live even if he dies (John 11:25).

    The devil works to hinder the progress of the Gospel (1 Thes. 2:18) and "has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ…" (2 Cor. 4:4).
    JESUS sends us forth to make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:19-20), and He opens doors that no one can shut (Rev. 3:8).

    The devil is limited in his authority and power, and cannot touch God’s people without permission (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31).
    JESUS has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). On the Cross He triumphed over the rulers and authorities, disarmed them, and made a public display of them (Col. 2:15). He is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion... And [God] put all things in subjection under His feet…" (Eph. 1:21-22).

    The devil sinned from the beginning, is under condemnation and judgment, and in the end will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone where he will be tormented day and night forever and ever (1 John 3:8; 2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 20:10).
    JESUS "shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God…" (2 Thes. 1:7-8). When He comes He will "be marveled at among all who have believed" (v. 10). He will return as the One who is Faithful and True, The Word of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, clothed in a robe dipped in blood, with the armies of heaven following Him, to judge and rule the nations! (Rev. 19:11-16).

    Let us be on the alert for the schemes of the devil, but keep our eyes focused on Jesus! He is overwhelmingly triumphant, and is faithful to strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2 Thes. 3:3).