The Triumph of the Cross
When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross. (Colossians 2:15, Amp15).
We are told here that Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us] … having triumphed over them through the cross.” The cross, which seemed to be the ultimate defeat, became the greatest victory for the people of God.
But this statement begs the question: if Satan and his cohorts are defeated, why am I having so many problems with these troublemakers? Why does Satan seem to assault me at every turn? As someone who has faced assault after assault in recent months, believe me, I know how you feel. So, let’s search the Scriptures for answers.
First of all, although these powers are disarmed and defeated, the Scriptures tell us that we continue to be in a battle with them. “For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, MEV).
So how has Satan been disarmed? Jesus has disarmed Satan by taking away his legal right to accuse us of crimes against God. As the previous verse says, “He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14, MEV).
Satan’s weapon against us is condemnation. He is the accuser of the brethren. But when Jesus went to the cross, these accusations were nailed to the cross. Jesus took the total consequence of our sins. Notice what the Scriptures say:
Jesus became sin that we might become righteous! “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2Corinthians 5:21, MEV).
Jesus was cursed that we might be blessed! “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us, as it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,’ so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14, MEV).
The victory is in the cross! “For to those who are perishing, the preaching of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1Corinthians 1:18, MEV). That is why this Gospel message that we are preaching is so very important, not only to save people from eternal damnation but also to deliver us from the power of Satan in this present life.
The cross puts me in right relationship with my heavenly Father. I am made a child of God and a joint-heir with Christ, which means I am raised up together with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places and far above the principalities and powers.
When we repent and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become legally free of condemnation, and we come into a position of authority ourselves. And while Satan still goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, he may not devour me because I can resist him steadfastly in the faith. (1 Pet. 5:8-9)
So, while it is true that we are in a fight with Satan and his evil powers, we have the upper hand because Jesus has already won the battle. Our part is to believe it! Our only fight is a fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) We can win this battle by staying in the Word of God and believing it because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
The Scripture tells us, “They overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11, MEV). This is how our ultimate victory will come. Jesus did His part by dying on the cross. Our part is to:
- By faith, appropriate the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.
- Testify (or confess) all that you have in Christ according to the Word of God.
- Live a totally sold-out life for the Lord.
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, “waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool.” (Hebrews 10:13, MEV). Jesus disarmed the enemies, but it’s up to us to put them under His feet. He is the head. We are the body. We are the ones who have the feet. It’s up to the body of Christ, the Church, to rise up by faith in the Son of God and put the enemy where he belongs—under our feet! Therefore I encourage you to rise up and enjoy your victory, which was purchased at Calvary!
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