The battle behind the battle: Understanding opposition and Christ's victory (AM)
Stan shared in today’s sermon that the battle behind every battle was ultimately won by Jesus at the cross (Isaiah 53:5-6, Romans 3:25-26, Galatians 3:13 and 1 Peter 2:24). Through Penal Substitution, Christ took the punishment that our sin deserved, satisfying God’s justice and removing the debt that separated us from Him. He also highlighted Christus Victor - the truth that Jesus did more than forgive sin: He defeated the powers of darkness that held humanity captive. Ultimately, the cross is both a place of reconciliation and victory. Whatever opposition we face today, we do so from a position of Christ’s finished victory, not for victory.