Day 99 (Year 3)

Jesus Came to Destroy the Devil’s Power over Believers

“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.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV)

Because of sin, Satan gained power over the death of sinners. When sinners do not know Jesus and feel unable to overcome the devil, they have no choice but to submit to it. But Jesus’ salvation reverses the tragedy that all humanity must otherwise face. Jesus personally became a human being with flesh and blood, and through a death He should not have had to die, He substituted for the death of all who believe in Him. In doing so, He took away and dismantled the devil’s power of death over us and released those who were under its dominion. We all believe that Jesus substituted for the death we deserved, thereby freeing us from the devil’s slavery. We give thanks for His redemption so much.

Today’s scripture emphasizes that Jesus broke through the devil’s power, so we need not fear death. Instead, we can regard the separation of soul and body as a step closer to the Lord Jesus. Thus, we today need not fear the devil’s attacks, because the worst it can do is to cause our death—which is a release for us. Furthermore, Jesus’ effective substitutionary death will certainly free us from the inevitable sinning. Whether Christians or not, those who continually practice sin are aligned with the devil and are under its control (1 John 3:8a). However, when believers are forced into sin or sin unknowingly, as long as we pray to Jesus and sincerely repent, He will certainly forgive us. As a result, when we accept the Lord Jesus’ authority over us, we will certainly be freed from sin. He liberates us so that we no longer need to be the devil’s slaves but be honored servants of God.

When we believe in Jesus, we are affirming His judgment over the devil. And we also accept the Lord’s judgment over us. Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12 NASB) The Lord’s coming judgment is administered according to His words and each person’s words and deeds. The standard by which we discern good and evil is Jesus and His words. When we accept His liberation, we must also accept His words, so that we may thoroughly overcome the devil. Jesus’ destruction of the devil’s work means getting rid of fearing it or its agents. He empowers us to discern and obey His words, serve Him wholeheartedly, and thereby overcome sin and death.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you afraid of death? If so, how do you feel Jesus’ salvation has changed you?

2) Do you believe that Jesus can destroy the devil’s control over you and free you from being unable not to sin? Why?