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For 2,000 years, enemies of the Gospel have attempted to undermine the credibility and diminish the truth of the death and resurrection of Jesus—which is arguably the most important event in human history.
Why? Because our faith rises or falls on the truth of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Either Jesus is who He said He is—and did everything He promised He would do—or we have nothing life-giving and life-changing to offer the broken and hurting world around us.
The Apostle Paul tells us what Jesus’ death and resurrection have done:
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
What was the impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? I believe this verse describes three different effects the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have on the ultimate enemies of the Gospel—Satan and his demons.
First, they’re disarmed. Satan can no longer threaten believers with condemnation for breaking the law of God because Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17) and paid the penalty for all our sins.
Second, Jesus’ death and resurrection made a public spectacle of Satan and his demons. In Paul’s day, a victorious military general was often honored with a parade. His enemy captives marched behind his chariot—defeated and publicly disgraced. Paul envisioned a parade in heaven with Jesus as the conquering general and where Satan and his demons are a mere spectacle.
Third, Jesus triumphed over Satan and his demons. At first, it appeared Satan had triumphed over Jesus. Jesus was stripped, beaten, spat on, crucified, and buried. But three days later, there was a great reversal and Jesus emerged victorious over sin, death, and the devil. Satan tried to use the cross to overcome Jesus, but Jesus used the cross to overcome Satan for all who believe.
What we believe matters, my friends! And there's no greater or more important belief than the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Believe it!
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