The Gift of Salvation provides every Christian deliverance from Satan, his demons, and evil assignments (Colossians 1:13). Missing hell is a wonderful gift and praise God that we have peace of mind regarding the afterlife. However, too many Christians are living in hell here on earth because they do not understand that they are victorious in Jesus. These uninformed Christians are beat-down-broke-down because they do not know that Satan is defeated. Satan is not going to be defeated, but already defeated, without power over the Christian. First John 3:8 says, “…For this purpose the Son of God [Jesus] was manifested, that He might destroy [loose or set us free from] the works of the devil.”
First, we must recognize who is the enemy. There are still many ignorant churches teaching that God is putting the trials, tests and temptations on His children. However, Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief [Satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” You can be sure that if there is a situation in your life that is stealing, killing and or trying to destroy you it is not from our Heavenly Father. God does not need to test you because He already knows what you are going to do – remember He is omniscience (all knowing). You must know who the act of destruction is coming from – the devil – and come against him and the evil situation with the living Word of God. This is the very reason why Jesus agreed to shed His blood and life for us. Second Timothy 4:18 says, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
Satan is defeated and should be kept under our feet. This is what Jesus wants for His Church. In fact, He cannot return to us until His Body, the Church, is living up to His victory for us. This is why the Word of God says: “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool (Matthew 22:44).” We are more than conquerors over all things including the works of the devil (Romans 8:37).
The second thing we must do is find out who we are in Jesus Christ. Then confess and live according to our covenant rights. I encourage each Christian to read the Book of Romans through the Book of Jude to discover who Jesus made us to be in Him. Here are a few of my favorite biblical declarations of faith:
- I am a son of God. (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14)
- I am loved and accepted completely in Jesus. (Ephesians 1:6, 2:6; Romans 8:39)
- I am called by God to live an abundant, holy, and victorious life. (1 John 5:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:16)