Have you ever felt uncertain about the significance of the cross in your life? It’s a feeling that many Christians experience, often without realizing that this doubt is one of Satan’s most effective strategies.
The enemy’s goal is to sow fear and dread about the true meaning and impact of the cross—a historic event that not only took place but accomplished something magnificent. Understanding this strategy is key to standing firm in our faith.
The Devil’s Fear Tactic: Distracting Us from the Cross
Satan’s playbook is full of tactics designed to keep us from fully grasping the power of the cross. One of his most subtle yet destructive strategies is to instill fear and dread about the very event that sealed his defeat. This isn’t just about fearing death; it’s about fearing the transformative power that the cross represents in our lives.
Jesus Himself warned about this strategy. In Matthew 16:21-23, we see a clear example:
“From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day. And yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s.’”
Here, Peter’s fear and dread over the thought of Jesus’ crucifixion are met with a stern rebuke. Jesus identifies this fear as a tactic of Satan, a stumbling block designed to divert attention from God’s purposes. The enemy knows that the cross is where his defeat began, so he does everything in his power to keep us from fully embracing it.
Blinding the Minds of the Unbelieving
Another one of Satan’s strategies is to blind people to the truth of the gospel, which is centered on the cross. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:4:
“In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
The gospel is the message of the cross—plain and simple. Yet, Satan blinds people to this truth, keeping them from seeing the light that can save them. A “crossless” gospel is no gospel at all, and the devil knows this. He detests the cross because it was there that Jesus disarmed him, making a public spectacle of his defeat.
The Cross: Satan’s Ultimate Defeat
The reason Satan despises the cross is clear: it’s the symbol of his ultimate defeat. Jesus didn’t just die on the cross; He rose from the dead, securing eternal victory for all who believe. Satan wanted Jesus and all of humanity to be damned, but the cross shattered that plan.
In John 12:31, Jesus says, “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” This judgment was pronounced at the cross, where our sins were nailed and Satan’s power was broken. The devil despises any mention of the cross because it represents everything he lost. It’s no wonder that he works tirelessly to keep it out of our minds and hearts.
1 John 3:8 further underscores this point: “The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” The cross is the instrument through which these works were destroyed, and that’s why Satan detests it so fiercely.
Standing Firm in the Power of the Cross
So, how can we resist Satan’s strategy and fully embrace the power of the cross? Here are a few practical steps:
- Meditate on the Cross: Regularly reflect on what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Let its significance sink deep into your heart and mind.
- Proclaim the Gospel: Make the message of the cross central in your conversations, your prayers, and your life. Don’t shy away from it—embrace it boldly.
- Pray for Clarity: Ask God to remove any blindness or doubt that Satan may be trying to instill in you or others. Pray for a clear and unwavering understanding of the gospel.
Conclusion: Victory in the Cross
The cross is more than just a symbol—it’s the place where our victory was won and where Satan was defeated. While the devil and his demons may detest God, you, and everything good, they are already beaten. Stand firm in this truth, and let the power of the cross guide your life.
How has the message of the cross impacted your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if this message resonates with you, please share it with others who may need this encouragement.
CS Lewis wrote about this here.
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