SATAN’S INFLUENCE
Jesus’ victory on the cross is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Through His death and resurrection, He triumphed over sin and Satan, offering forgiveness and eternal life. However, despite this decisive victory, believers still struggle with sin and continue to face Satan’s influence. This study explores the biblical and theological reasons why sinful behavior and satanic activity still persist, even after Christ’s redemptive work.
1. Jesus' Victory: A Decisive Defeat of Sin and Satan
“In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” ( Colossians 2: 15 )
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. ( Hebrews 2: 14 –15 )
Jesus’ death wasn’t just a physical act—it was a spiritual triumph. On the cross, He stripped Satan of his power and offered redemption to all who believe. The resurrection confirmed His authority over death, making eternal life available to humanity. However, this victory is both complete and in progress, setting the stage for an ongoing battle in the believer’s daily life.
2. The Ongoing Struggle with Sin and Satan
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” ( 1 Peter 5: 8 )
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ( Ephesians 6: 11 –12 )
Although Jesus defeated Satan, believers still live in a fallen world where evil operates. Temptation, spiritual warfare, and moral failure are on going realities. The Bible emphasizes vigilance and the need to rely on God’s armor to withstand these challenges.
3. The Gift of Free Will
But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” ( Joshua 24: 15 )
Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. ( Romans 3: 19 )
Even after salvation, humans are not forced to follow God. Free will allows believers to choose obedience or sin. This freedom is both a gift and a responsibility, requiring continual surrender to God’s will.
Theological Perspectives
1. The “Already–Not Yet” Kingdom of God
After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. 25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. 26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 24 –26 )
For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children ,including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. ( Romans 8: 22 –25 )
Jesus inaugurated God’s Kingdom at His first coming, but its full manifestation awaits His return. This tension explains why evil still exist seven after Christ’s decisive victory—it’s a war already won, yet still unfolding.
2. Satan’s Continued Activity
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ( 1 Peter 5: 8 )
This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. ( Revelation 12: 9 )
Though defeated, Satan hasn’t been completely eliminated. He continues to deceive, accuse, and tempt. His power is limited but real, making him a persistent threat to believers.
3. Human Cooperation with Divine Grace
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. ( Philippians 2: 12 –13 )
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. ( 2 Timothy 1: 7 )
Victory over sin in daily life requires cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Believers are not passive recipients of grace—they must actively resist sin, empowered by God’s strength and guidance.
- Jesus’ victory provides forgiveness, redemption, and power to over come sin.
- Satan continues to deceive and operate until Jesus’ final return.
- Human beings retain free will and must choose to follow God’s ways.
Jesus’ defeat of sin and Satan on the cross is a foundational truth of the Christian faith. However, it doesn’t automatically erase sinful behavior or the devil’s influence. Instead, it empowers believers to live victoriously through God’s grace. The Christian journey is one of ongoing surrender, resistance, and transformation, where vigilance and faith are essential. Until Christ returns, believers must remain watchful, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome