dinsdag 20 augustus 2013

The Glory of the Cross 10

The Death of the Lord Jesus Christ Yields a Victory over the Powers of Darkness
Since the Fall of Adam, Satan can be called the prince of this world. The world is full of demons; this is often recognized and felt more in other cultures than in our Western culture. But no one will be able to deny that there are numerous powers who seek to influence our lives. However, the Bible sets before us the Lord Jesus Christ as the conqueror of all demonic powers. By His death, the Lord Jesus Christ has “spoiled principalities and powers; he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:15).
The life of those who live without God is dominated by evil forces and demons. The cross of Christ not only quenches the wrath of God toward sin and gives us strength to live a holy life before God, but it also makes possible the conquering of principalities and demons. Through the cross, you will become a liberated person, delivered from uncertainty, fear, and bondage.
The same Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross is also the conqueror. Whoever belongs to Him need not be fearful of any of the powers of this world. It is the privilege of a Christian to know that in Christ he is more than a conqueror; nothing can separate him from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:38–39). In contrast to the fear, uncertainty, and bondage of man apart from Christ stands the joy, certainty, and freedom of the Christian.
Reconciled with God through Christ, a Christian serves God with love, freedom, and joy. In union with Christ, he knows he is truly free. The fact that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror is also expressed in His name of “Lord.” There is not a power in the world that either could or can stand before Him. Knowing that we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, causes us to be of good cheer.