Topical Bible: The Devil: Triumph Over, by Christ: Completed by his Death

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The triumph of Christ over the devil is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This victory is seen as being completed through His sacrificial death on the cross, a pivotal event that fulfills the divine plan of redemption and liberation for humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a comprehensive account of Christ's triumph over the devil, particularly through His death and resurrection. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out" (John 12:31). This statement underscores the impending defeat of Satan, the "prince of this world," through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this victory in his epistles. In Colossians 2:14-15, Paul writes, "having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" . This passage highlights the legal and cosmic dimensions of Christ's victory, portraying the cross as the instrument through which Jesus disarmed and publicly humiliated the spiritual forces of evil.

Theological Significance

The triumph of Christ over the devil is not merely a historical event but carries profound theological implications. It signifies the fulfillment of the protoevangelium, the first gospel promise found in Genesis 3:15, where God declares that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head. This victory is seen as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, initiated in the Old Testament and brought to completion through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Through His death, Christ not only defeats the devil but also liberates humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Hebrews 2:14-15 states, "Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" . This passage emphasizes the liberating power of Christ's death, which breaks the chains of fear and slavery imposed by the devil.

Practical Implications for Believers

The triumph of Christ over the devil has practical implications for believers, offering assurance of victory in their spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-11 exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" . This call to spiritual vigilance is grounded in the reality of Christ's victory, empowering believers to resist the devil's temptations and deceptions.

Moreover, the triumph of Christ assures believers of their ultimate victory and eternal security. Romans 8:37-39 proclaims, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" . This assurance of inseparable love and victory is rooted in the completed work of Christ on the cross.

In summary, the triumph of Christ over the devil, completed by His death, is a foundational truth that underscores the victory of good over evil, the liberation of humanity from sin, and the assurance of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 2:15
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:14
For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... with the power of the devil, the fear ... depend our strength, might, resources, and
triumph over hell, "When ... Christ, indeed, gives his followers no dubious proofs ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm

Christ.
... a believer may through faith look the devil in the ... threaten me highly, yet my soul
shall triumph over thee so ... the crown, and causeth me to triumph through his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vii christ.htm

(On the Passion, xvi. : Delivered on the Sunday. )
... and death, thou didst think the devil's instigations would ... For since in Christ there
is one person of God and ... why at the very time of His triumph over such a ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxvii on the passion.htm

Christ Exalted
... What is the devil, but the servant of Christ, to fetch his ... for he is God over him
and Lord over him ... unwilling vassal, that must be dragged out in triumph, if he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... is ended, and we are called to triumph: such being ... so that we can contend intrepidly
with the devil, sin, and ... Lord, the Father having appointed him over us for ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... in the hour of their apparent triumph, they were ... Like their father, the devil, they
believed and trembled ... Though they would not step over a Gentile's threshold ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

Introduction.
... which was before savage is now the people of Christ. ... though to the strong even the
devil is weak. ... the sacrament of baptism teaches, we triumph over the stings ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 58 The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the ... HYMN 110 Triumph over death
in hope of the resurrection. ... HYMN 114 Christ's death, victory, and dominion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

The Psalms of David
... 13:2. CM Complaint under temptations of the devil. ... Watchfulness over the tongue;
or, Prudence and zeal ... The church's safety and triumph among national desolations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

Acts XIII
... true character as a son of the devil and an ... This conversion was a signal triumph;
it was accomplished ... had laid formal claim to superiority over Barnabas; for ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm