Rev. Don Campbell
THE TURNING POINT
In most wars, there is a decisive turning point. It may be the entrance of an additional ally on the side of one of the combatants, the development of a new weapon, or a major victory. Although the war is not yet over, the outcome is assured. There are at least three turning points in the defeat of Satan.
Turning point #1: Jesus’ entry into the battle by becoming flesh: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Gal 4:4-6).
Turning point #2: The crucifixion of Jesus, which Satan thought would give him the victory, was really his Waterloo. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb 2:14-15).
Turning point #3: The hour in which we are drawn to Jesus on the cross is the turning point in our personal battle against Satan. Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:31-32).
The outcome of the war has been determined. Satan and his angels will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev 20:10). The only question remaining is whether we are part of the winning army: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev 21:7-8).
