We love victory. Whether it is a friendly game of cards, a board game, softball, baseball, football, racing, a lawsuit, a trial in court against a criminal, a political platform, a fight with a disease or illness, or any other situation in which there is a contest or an opposition, we want VICTORY! Victory in this physical life is often dependent upon skill, chance, or money. However, none of these are necessary for victory in Jesus. Let's consider three different mentions of victory in the New Testament.
There is victory in our redemption. Read 1 John 5:2–4. John says the victory is our faith. We sometimes sing the lyrical words of John Yates, "Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh, glorious victory, That overcomes the world." A person of Biblical faith is first born of God (1 John 5:4; John 3:3, 5). He has heard the Word of God (Romans 10:17). He has obeyed the Word of God (Hebrews 11:6). A person of Biblical faith secondly continues to be obedient to God (1 John 5:2–3).
There is victory in the resurrection. Read 1 Corinthians 15:51–57. What was Paul's conclusion to the wonderful victory that will be had in the final resurrection? "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
There is victory in the book of Revelation. The entire message of the book of Revelation is that God's faithful people will be victorious, no matter our physical circumstances! The world can persecute us. They can lie about us. They can ruin our reputation. They can smear our names. They can even kill us. But they cannot take from us our eternal victory through Jesus! "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). This crown is not a diadem like that given to a king. It is a "stephanus," like given to an athlete who has competed diligently and been given the victory, despite all the odds.
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). The Lord, His Spirit, and His church invites you to obtain the victory Jesus offers. Will you obey? In the words of E.M. Barlett, "O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood."
Clifton preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS
