Jesus actually rose from the grave. Actually. Physically. Incredibly!

Because of that, everything was different. Everything is different.

He paid for and conquered sin. He defeated death. He saved his people. His love triumphed! His reconciling work extended—and extends—to the entirely of the world, bringing unity to all things in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10).

He also triumphed over the darkness and the Devil. This is a much-neglected aspect of the resurrection, but it shouldn’t be.

Colossians 2:15 says it like this: “And having disarmed the [demonic] powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

That’s right. The cross and subsequent resurrection was a decisive blow to Satan and his workers. They still have a bit of energy left, but they are fatally wounded and openly shamed. Their time is limited. Their clock is running out. 

In light of this, Mark Batterson writes: “When [the Devil] reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.”* Amazing! When the Devil tries to smother you with guilt about your past, or to shame you about your present, remind him of his future—that one day soon when Jesus returns he will be finished, once and for all.

The resurrection is big. And it’s most likely bigger than you realize. Everything has changed. 

Live confidently as a loving soldier of the resurrected King. There is literal power in the name of Jesus.

“When [the Devil] reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.”

Jesus’ victory is ours! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

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Notes:

-Mark Batterson, Chase the Lion (New York: Multnomah, 2016), 110.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.