Author John Stott opens with this:
It is impossible to read the New Testament without being impressed by the atmosphere of joyful confidence which pervades it.
...There was no defeatism about the early Christians; they spoke rather of victory.
Yet, they also suffered and all eventually died. Is that a victory?
Yes.
At the cross, Jesus canceled their record of debt (Colossians 2:13-14). And swallowed up death in life (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
Because of Christ’s death, we, too
- Are no longer under the tyranny of the law
- Are free from our fallen sin nature
- Have overcome the world
- Cannot be harmed by death
The four tyrannies characterize the old “aeon” (age) that was inaugurated by Adam. In it the law enslaves, the flesh dominates, the world beguiles and death reigns.
The new “aeon,” however, which was inaugurated by Christ, is characterized by grace not law, the Spirit not the flesh, the will of God not the fashions of the world, and abundant life not death.
I count that as a victory in full.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the One, risen Son of God!
~ BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD OF ABOVE
Shane and Shane
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More on Chapter 9 at Challies
