I've been having puter troubles since we returned from vacation. Hope this comes through OK.
"This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5).
Anyone remember old Vinko Bogataj? As a Yugoslavian ski jumper, he was a spectacular failure in the 1970 Olympics. His claim to fame? -the "Agony of Defeat" man in the intro to the TV program "Wild World of Sports." The intro included the phrase, "The thrill of victory...and the agony of defeat."
WRT matters of Christianity and salvation, the price of victory comes through agony. You don't have to be a believer for very long until you realize that living a god pleasing life, is agonizing. The world, our flesh, and the devil assault you and your life is one of hacking through the underbrush of life's thorns and thistles. You battle dark, dangerous storms, or as the hymn writer put it, "I Walk in Danger All the Way".
To gain any type of victory in this fallen world, you must go through many agonies. Living a god-fearing life is one of them.
Going through the most vicious agony ever experienced on earth was necessary for Jesus Christ, as He earned your most precious forgiveness and reconciliation with God. His unjust suffering and crucifixion was the agony of victory for you! His resurrection to life on that first Easter Sunday proved that He had defeated your sin, your death, and the devil. Victory is the theme of His cross and resurrection!
He secured your right standing with God and opened the door of heaven for you in that agonizing victory. He may have looked like a Vinko Bogataj on Good Friday, but it was Jesus' finest hour...the hour of your victory! Truly, it was the agony of victory!
Because of Jesus' victory, John can write, "This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.".
While you and I don't always appear victorious in life. We look and feel more like a Vinko Bogataj. But outward appearances and feelings are deceptive. However, by faith in Jesus' victory, we are conquerors, even more than conquerors. Faith lays hold of Jesus' work of salvation. Faith enables you to hack through the dangerous brush and thorns of every day living. Faith enables you to rest in the security and assurance that He has done all that is necessary for you. He's all you need.
Jesus' victory is your victory! Live in victory!
-Dale
