Christ’s death on the cross rendered a decisive judgment against both Satan and the sin nature. Our Lord announced, “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). Satan’s condemnation is complete, though the execution of that sentence awaits God’s future timetable. He will be confined to the abyss at the start of the Millennium (Rev 20:1–3) and finally cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev 20:10). Until then, he remains active as the adversary of God’s plan, the accuser of believers (1 Pet 5:8; Rev 12:10), and the one who blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4). His authority has been broken, yet his activity continues until his time of eternal incarceration. According to Blum, “The Cross was the means of Satan’s defeat…His power over people by sin and death was defeated and they can now be delivered out of his domain of spiritual darkness and slavery to sin (Col 1:13–14; Heb 2:14–15).” (E. A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, vol. 2, 318)
In parallel, the sin nature received its judicial judgment at the cross. Paul states that “our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with” (Rom 6:6), and that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). This judgment did not remove the sin nature’s presence or alter its character. What changed was its authority. Its right to rule has been nullified. Because of union with Christ, the believer is no longer compelled to obey the flesh (Rom 6:11–14), though its impulses remain active within every Christian (Rom 7:14–23). Before salvation this fallen nature expressed itself in predictable patterns, either in rebellious lawlessness or in proud legalism, both equally opposed to God (Rom 8:7–8). Harrison states, “In some sense, then, the old man has been crucified; in another sense, he may still claim attention…The [sin nature] still persists in the life of the redeemed and can become a prey to the operation of sin unless countered by the powerful influence of the new life in Christ.” (E. F. Harrison, “Romans,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary [Revised Edition], 106).
At salvation, God created a new nature within the believer, “the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph 4:24). This new nature provides the capacity to love, obey, and please God (Rom 7:22; 1 John 3:9). Yet the sin nature continues to wage war, setting its desires against the Spirit (Gal 5:17). The Christian life therefore unfolds within this battlefield. Victory is realized as the believer learns God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2), lives by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), applies Scripture (Jam 1:22), is filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), walks by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), and reckons himself dead to sin and alive to God (Rom 6:11).
The Christian must maintain continuous orientation to divine viewpoint through the steady intake and application of God’s Word. Satan is condemned but active until his final removal. The sin nature is judged but still present, striving to assert influence. The new nature is created in righteousness but must be nourished by Scripture and empowered by the Spirit (Eph 5:18; Col 3:16). Spiritual growth occurs as doctrine governs thinking, volition, and conduct under the Spirit’s enabling ministry.
Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.
If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.
Related Articles:
- Free Grace Salvation
- The Free Gift of God is Eternal Life
- God the Son Came Down
- Faith from Beginning to End
- Position and Performance
- The Righteous Lifestyle of the Believer
- Walking Worthy of God’s Call to Service
- Walking in the Light
- God Uses Imperfect People
- Knowing and Doing the Will of God
- The High Calling of God’s Servant
- The Life of Faith