Jesus Christ triumphs over and disarms all the powers of evil arrayed against him. Believers are able to share in this victory through faith in Jesus Christ.
The scope of Jesus Christ's victory
Over temptation
Hebrews 4:15 See also Matthew 4:1–11 parallel Luke 4:1–13
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
Over sin
Romans 5:20–21 See also 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Over Satan
John 12:31 Satan is called “the prince of this world” in John's Gospel. See also Luke 10:18–19; John 14:30, John 16:11; Hebrews 2:14–15
Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.
Over evil spirits
Mark 1:23–27 parallel Luke 4:33–36
Over all powers
Colossians 2:15 “powers and authorities” include evil spiritual beings. See also Romans 8:38–39; 1 Corinthians 15:24–25; Ephesians 1:21–22, Ephesians 4:8; Psalm 68:18
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Over the world
John 16:33 Here, as elsewhere in John's Gospel, “world” refers to the human race in rebellion against God. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:8 “the lawless one” represents the leader of human forces of evil; 1 John 5:4–5; Revelation 17:12–14, Revelation 19:11–21
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
Over death
Romans 6:9 See also Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 1:18
For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.
The manner of Jesus Christ's victory
By the written word of God
Matthew 4:4–10 parallel Luke 4:4–12
By his death on the cross
Hebrews 2:14 See also Colossians 2:15; Revelation 12:11
Now 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,
By God's authority
Luke 11:20 parallel Matthew 12:28
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
By his spoken word
Matthew 8:16 See also Matthew 8:8 parallel Luke 7:7; Matthew 8:13
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
Consequences of Jesus Christ's victory
Assurance for believers
John 16:33; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; Revelation 5:5
Victory for believers
1 Corinthians 15:57 See also Romans 7:21–25, Romans 8:37, Romans 16:20
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.