Total Victory through Jesus Christ

Text: Colossians 1:12-14  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

This lesson highlights something of utmost importance that is often overlooked or missed by many Christians. This knowledge is so important that it determines how you live.

If you believe you are a victor who has been granted deliverance in Christ over the devil and the kingdom of darkness, it will be obvious in the way you live. You look at the problems, failures, and successes of this life from the lens of that victory which you have in Christ.

On the other hand, if you have no knowledge of this victory, though you’re a Christian, you will live just like those who are still subject to the power of darkness. The dominion granted to you over sins and temptations will not take effect, simply because you have no knowledge of it.

Your battle with the power of darkness ends when you received the gospel. It is in the gospel that the true victory is granted.

If you believe you are a victor who has been granted deliverance in Christ over the devil and the kingdom of darkness, it will be obvious in the way you live.

Colossians 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

The first thing we see in our text is thanksgiving. It is one of the most important calling and will of God for the Christians. It is impossible to go through the New Testament without noticing several passages that speak on this:

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

There are many reasons given in Scripture why the believers should live the life of thanksgiving. Here, it is because God had made them worthy to take part in “the inheritance of the saints in light.”

The inheritance here comprises of all the blessings and privileges of the believers in Christ beginning from the moment of coming to faith unto their glorification.

We Are Made Partakers

There are two points which must not be missed in this verse. First, this inheritance was given to us by the Father, which is why our praise is unto Him. The Father gave it to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, as a result of His redemptive work for us.

Verse 14 of our text eludes to this by specifically stating that it is through Him, the Son, that “we have redemption” and “the forgiveness of sins.”

Secondly, He had made us worthy of this inheritance. It is not something that is in process, or something that we will later accomplish by our obedience.

Romans 8:29-30  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.

1 John 3:1-3  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

We do not even need to pray for it, since it has already been done in Christ. This however does not change the fact that some heavenly rewards will be determined by the Christian works. The inheritance here is the blessing of salvation and the transfer from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.

The Knowledge is Crucial

Think about the legitimate son of a king who is unaware of his true identity. He lives like helpless people doing menial jobs for survival in the same town in which his father is the king.

Or that passenger on a ship who was made to work hard for the meals that are already covered by his ticket. This is the case with the believers who lack the understanding of their identity and victory in Christ.

These believers run around every day in fear of the devil, the demons, death, and anything that crosses their way, even at times the people they know. They subject themselves to false teachers and cults which claim to have the power and the rituals to help.

Little do these believers know that victory has been granted to them over the same things from which they run.

Hebrews 2:14-15  Forasmuch 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; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Those who understand this truth will not spend a day without thanking God for their salvation and all the blessings that accompany it. Also, they no longer worry about fighting the battle that is already won.

So, while others are busy strategizing how they will fight and defeat the enemy and the power of darkness, the believers give thanks always for the victory that they already have.

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son

The operation that led to our new life and victory in Christ consists of two distinct actions:

1. deliverance from the power of darkness, and
2. the translation to the kingdom of God’s dear Son, Jesus Christ.

To better understand this, we will look at the two distinct kingdoms presented in Scripture: the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.

The Kingdoms of Darkness

Darkness in this verse is personified and is said to have power. That is, the power and authority over those who belong to its kingdom. This is because the kingdom of darkness is controlled by the powers that rule in darkness. One key feature of this kingdom and the powers that therein operate is their ability to keep men in ignorance and misery by means of sin and unbelief.

This is so true that darkness is often used to represent the state of man by nature, or before they are redeemed in Christ. Take a look at the following passages:

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

The Apostle does not shy away from reminding the believers who they used to be.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

The kingdom of darkness has the power to keep those in the kingdom in perpetual bondage for as long as it takes. They do not have a way of breaking away from this bondage by anything they can give or accomplish. It is truly a hopeless situation.

The direct opposite of this is the kingdom of God that is full of light and characterized by freedom.

The Kingdom of Light

This is the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven. And God who presides over it is said to be light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Christ played the prominent role of bringing people into this kingdom.

He is referred to in Scripture as the light of man, the true light, and the light of the world (John 1:4, 5, 9; 8:12). The light of Christ shines bright in darkness and the darkness is not able to overshadow it.

As the demons and the powers of darkness function in the kingdom of darkness, the angels of the kingdom of light are called the “angels of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). The people in this kingdom are called “the children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Even our inheritance is that “of the saints in light.” The Scripture presents this kingdom as that filled with light and glory:

Isaiah 60:19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The Translation

Those who are in the kingdom of darkness are brought into the kingdom of light through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Regeneration, or the new birth takes place when a sinners come to faith in Christ, trusts the finished work of Christ for his salvation.

This is what sets the captives of the kingdom of darkness free from the strongholds. Without the work of Christ, no one can be delivered from the bondage of darkness.

At this point, the believer passes from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, from bondage to freedom, from ignorance, and misery, to one of holiness, knowledge, and happiness, from being the enemy of God to being the child of God.

It is therefore appropriate and biblical to say that a true believer has been transferred (“translated”) into the kingdom of God right from the moment of belief. Which is why the Christians should no longer worry about getting into the kingdom, because they are already in it.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Through His Blood

The third verse of our text states:

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:14

All that I have outlined above happened as a result of the blood that Christ shed on the cross. It is through the blood that we are forgiven, washed, redeemed, justified, sanctified, and glorified.

Christ bought us out of the kingdom of darkness into His marvellous light, from bondage into freedom. The price that He paid was His precious blood shed on the cross at Calvary.

Romans 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

We couldn’t have accomplished this on our own or by our own works for the simple fact that “all have sinned.” (Romans 3:23). All our best efforts have been tainted with sin. So, redemption or the forgiveness of sin cannot be by anything we do or can do.

Titus 3:5-7  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

True victory comes through Christ alone, and it is by believing in Him.

I wrote this section to address my fellow African Christians and many other believers in Christ around the world who still believe that they are subject to witches, wizards, and the powers of darkness. The deliverance and victory granted in Christ over the power of darkness is real!

Because the Christians are in Christ, they are sealed and protected in Him. This includes victory over the demonic influence of witches and wizards as well as all demonic possessions. Also in Christ, victory is granted over the flesh, the world, and the devil himself.

This is the knowledge the believers must grow into as they learn more about the gospel. Which is why we cannot afford to remain babies in knowledge.

Believers can be afflicted by demonic forces. Just like a Christian can be physically robbed. But there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of witches and wizards when the Bible says you’ve been delivered from the powers of darkness.

You either believe in this victory in your life or you don’t. Those who believe this operate daily on the victory. The devil no longer has a way of keeping them in fear.

But those who do not have this knowledge, though they may be saved, continue to be subject to fear and worries over these powers. This is the reason for the many rituals taking place in some Churches today. All in an attempt to wage war against the power of darkness upon which they already have victory.

Some even go to the extent of trying to bind the devil, when the Bible has this to say:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Why then Do Christians Have Problems?

Maybe in an attempt to refute what I just said, you are meditating on this question. If that is the case, then you raised an important question to which there are biblical answers.

First of all, being a follower of Jesus Christ does not exempt you from the problems of life. The New Testament believers are not promised easy and problem-free life. The fact that you identify with Christ and are trying to live for His glory is enough for you to begin having conflicts and problems with this world.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience

Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake

James 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations

Secondly, there is something called the sovereignty of God. God knows everything, and He is aware of every event before they happen.

Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

Problems Will Come and Go

If affliction befalls you, the child of God, God is aware of it. He either commands or allows it. And if that is the case, then He has a purpose for it, which is always to glorify Himself in your life. This does not mean that we cannot pray for God to help us out of problems. But we must realize that some problems are nothing but “the trial of our faith” (1 Peter 1:7).

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

There is always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. But that does not mean that we won’t bear anything. So if you’re reading this and you’re going through a storm in your life, continue to ask for more grace to bear it and that God will glory Himself in your storm.

Avoid the Deceivers

Finally, those who claim to have the solution for your problems are nothing but deceivers and false prophets. There are many claims of miracles out there today that are not verifiable. There are many who would even invite you for deliverance but will also tell you that you can never stop needing deliverance.

You get into that, and you will never know peace again in your life. In many occasions, following such deceivers is like diving straight into the kingdom of darkness.

After several years of trying to get delivered by them, your problems are now multiplied. In the meantime, you’ve spent all your fortunes giving and sowing seeds to their lives and so-called ministries. And they are getting rich taking advantage of your ignorance. The Bible has a lot to say about these deceivers:

2 Peter 2:1-3  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

The point is that storms are common to all men. It has been said that you are either in a storm now, or you’re about to enter into one, or you’re just getting out of one. But if you’re a true follower of Jesus Christ, no storm can overcome you. Stand in the victory which you have in Christ and trust in Him to see you through. No man has any magical solution to make the problems of life disappear.

The Fear of Death

The fear of death is another indication that the believer does not understand their status in Christ. These believers, just like the lost world, spend their entire lives living in fear. But for those in Christ and know their true identity in Him, there is no more death. Although the body becomes sick and dies, the Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). This is the result of the work of Christ on our behalf.

Hebrews 2:14-15   Forasmuch 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; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

So to the Christians out there, there is no need for you to live in any kind of fear. Be it the flesh, the world system, witches and wizards, the demons and the devil himself, and even death, we have total victory over them.

Problems will come, we are not immune to them, but we must always remember that nothing can separate us from God, not even death (Romans 8:35-39). This is true victory!

For more on the power and victory of the believe, please check out The Tested and True Power.

Thank you for reading!