Three Key Kingdom Dynamics
Jesus’ death & resurrection are pivotal to the Kingdom of God triumphing over the kingdoms of this world (Revelation 11:15).
Through Christ we were rescued from sin & death & at the same time Satan & the powers of evil were defeated.
We saw yesterday how we experience (spiritually) both an exodus & a return from exile ‘In Christ’.
Today we will see how God triumphed over evil through the victory of Christ.
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15
The victory of God in Christ is referred to as ‘Christus Victor’ in theological terms – Christ the Victor.
At the same time Jesus was redeeming us through His precious blood He was also triumphing over Satan & the forces of evil.
Satan & the powers of darkness threw everything at Christ upon the cross.
He endured a gruesome & grueling physical, emotional & spiritual battle to secure the eternal victory.
That decisive victory sealed the age old war between God & Satan, good & evil.
God wins & good wins because love won (1 John 4:10).
The Scriptures show us glimpses of this mighty spiritual battle upon the cross.
Psalm 22 highlighting the depth of physical, emotional & spiritual suffering & attack that Christ endured (Psalm 22:10-21).
The Scriptures then point to how Jesus led captive those He had triumphed over upon the cross (Psalm 68:18; Ephesians 4:8; Colossians 2:15). Like a victorious Roman general returning to a great city Christ is pictured leading a victory parade with His defeated foes trailing in His wake. They are defeated & disarmed through the cross & resurrection.
Satan is now a defeated foe. We resist him ‘In Christ’ & he will flee away (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-10).
Christ has wrestled back the authority that was surrendered through the fall of man & one day he will banish Satan & all evil from this world (Revelation 19:11-21). O what a glorious day that will be.
The authority that Christ took up through His mighty victory is now invested in His people.
We are to GO in His anointing & authority to declare & demonstrate the kingdom.
As we do so, in the power of the Spirit, signs & wonders will follow those that believe (Mark 16:17-20).
Christ overcame & conquered & we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
Hallelujah! What a Saviour, King & Lord.
For Reflection
- In what ways am I taking up the authority of Christ?
- How well am I doing at resisting the snares & temptations of Satan?
- Meditate upon God’s victory over evil in Christ.
A song relating to this theme:
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the mighty victory you have secured in Christ,
That through Him You have conquered & triumphed over Satan & evil.
Jesus thank you for all You endured to overcome our adversary & the powers of darkness.
Holy Spirit help me to walk in the authority & anointing of Christ,
And to declare & demonstrate Your kingdom upon this earth.
This I ask in, & through, Your mighty Name.
Amen
Written by Gareth Jones
