Christ Our Substitute预览

Christ Triumphed Over Satan

Christ’s substitution liberates us from bondage to sin under the influence and tyranny of Satan. We were powerless to overcome the barrage of negative and destructive forces that dominated and oppressed us. Without God, we could not discern between truth and deception. Our meager attempts to live morally and ethically were constantly foiled. The Deceiver had gained the advantage over us, and we had become his victims.

Christ had no need to be punished for sin. He had committed no sin. However, we were guilty of sin; we were in bondage to Satan. God in Christ conquered Satan in our name. Everyone who believes in Christ’s substitutionary death is released from the rule of sin and death (Hebrews 2:14–15). Through faith, we are rescued from the deceptive dominion of Satan (2 Timothy 4:18). By believing in Jesus, we are restored to fellowship with God (Colossians 2:6–7).

A burst of brilliant, iridescent color splashes across God’s Big Picture in a triumphal display of victory. The contrast is startling, amazing, awe-inspiring. Where darkness and gloom once dominated, light and color now bring delight and splendor.

Christ’s substitution did not end at the cross, and He did not remain in the grave. Three days after His death and burial, God raised Him from the dead. He came out of the tomb with all power and all authority (Matthew 28:18). Christ tasted death on our behalf, conquered it for us, and now holds the keys of death, hell, and the grave (Revelation 1:18). Death is no longer our master. Christ dismissed our sin (Romans 6:6). He defeated our adversary (Colossians 2:13–15). He destroyed our death—our separation from God (Romans 8:1–2).

The reality of Christ’s resurrection is the distinctive of the Christian faith and the seal of our redemption. The hallmark of the apostles’ doctrine was Christ’s resurrection (Acts 4:33; 1 Corinthians 15:1–21). They knew and proclaimed that Jesus was not dead; He is alive! And ever since, the Church has proclaimed, and continued to proclaim, that the Savior still lives and is able to save and intercede on our behalf (Hebrews 7:23–25, 13:8).

Knowing that God – through Jesus – conquered Satan, I no longer fear him. Thank You, Jesus, for this freedom.