“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” – Revelation 12:11
Scripture reading: Revelation 12:7-17; Romans 6 1-14
In the “Great” war we are called to fight, the outcome is never in question. The devil is defeated, and he is defeated through three key elements.
First, believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb. It is the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that crushes the head of the serpent. Under His blood the accusations of the devil lose their power; we bear our sin no more. This grace empowers us to live for God’s glory and resist temptation.
Second, they overcome by the word of their testimony. The gospel, as testified through the church, turns men “from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). When the church boldly and without apology proclaims the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, (Romans 1:16) Satan himself is overcome by God’s Word and Spirit.
Third, they overcome because they do not love their lives to the death. To gain Christ, they are willing to lose all. The devil is defeated as the church rejects his kingdom of darkness and embraces the kingdom of God’s glorious light.
Today, we fight the same enemy, and use the same tactics: we must find forgiveness in the blood of Jesus, see Satan’s power broken through the Gospel of Christ, and follow Christ even to the death. The battle is won, we need not fear the outcome. Armed with this assurance we can bravely press on to victory!
Suggestions for prayer
Lord help me to fight with Christ as my strength, and may we know the battle is won.
Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.