Satan Is Defeated

Because Jesus cried, “Tetelestai!” from the cross, Satan is finished. This cry from the cross is the cry of our Champion! It’s the crowning accomplishment of Christ’s life! Satan was defeated because death, hell, and judgment were destroyed at the cross. The Gospels tell us Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.”
There’s an old story that when Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, knowing his chance at world domination was finished, he gathered his generals and pointed to a map with a red spot marking Waterloo. He said, “If it were not for that red spot, I would have ruled the world.”
Satan must have gathered his demons and pointed to the blood-drenched hill at Calvary and shrieked, “If it were not for that red spot, I would have ruled the world!” Nevertheless, Satan is destroyed. His power to control the destinies of humanity is finished.
Now, Satan is still around—roaming about like a roaring lion. He’s not in the pit yet, but one day he will be forever. Satan has power to tempt, seduce, and tell lies. But here’s the critical truth: Satan has no authority over the life of a believer. He has no authority over you as a follower of Jesus. There’s a big difference between power and authority. Satan has limited power; Jesus has all authority!