"Shout the Lord victory"

    "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.                           Hebrew 2 :14

    How did Jesus' death on the cross represent a triumph over Satan? "Shout the Lord Victory" The name satan means "adversary," and the name is apt, for he stands against God. However, because God is unassailable, satan goes after God's people, displaying the "enmity" God decreed in Genesis 3. First, he devotes himself to inducing people to violate God's commands. In a world of fallen human beings, he finds to be simple matter, for they themselves are in rebellion against God. For this reason, Scripture refers to him as "the ruler of this world" and "the god of this age." When people do violate the law, satan points out their sin to God; thus, he also is known as diabolos, "the devil" or "the accuser." When he brings accusations, he demands that God apply His state penalty for sin death. By doing so, he hopes to harm God's people, thereby bringing grief to the Father.

    However, God's promise to send a Redeemer always has been a death sentence hanging over satan's head; he knew that if God were to send a substitute to bear the penalty for people's sins, he would have no basis on which to accuse them. Therefore, Christ's coming was an act of war. It was essential for satan to thwart Jesus' redemptive purpose, and he pulled out that stops to do so.

   First, satan himself came to tempt Jesus withstood him and he withdrew until "an opportune time" (luke 4:1-13). Later he induced Peter to question Jesus plans ( Matt. 16:22-23 ), though he wanted to do more to the apostle ( Luke 22:31 ). satan actually entered judas to effect his betrayal (John 13:27). But all his effort were in vain. Before going to Calvary, Jesus said, '" Now the ruler of this world will be cast out'" (John12:31). He then too, the Father's wrath, paying the penalty for the sins of His people. Rising from the dead, He declared, '"All authority has been given to Me in heaven '