Our enemy, the devil, does not stop attacking us with all his lies, accusations, and deceptions. Revelation 12:10 describes him as the accuser who continually accuses all believers night and day, labeling them with condemning names in front of God.
However, because he is a liar, he can't stop but deny that Christ has already defeated him on the cross and has disarmed him. Because of the finished work of Christ, we have been forgiven of our sins and the devil no longer has any hold on us, and he is left powerless (see Colossians 2:13-15). However, if we let him deceive us into thinking that he still holds power over us, we will fall prey to his schemes.
Here are some truths that you need to remind yourself of so that when he comes and attacks you with his accusations and condemnations, he will not win.
1. 'I am an overcomer in Christ'
In John 16:33, the Lord Jesus said He has "overcome the world," and because of this we are more than overcomers in Him (see Romans 8:37). In His death He overcame temptation and sin; and in His resurrection He overcame death. He has overcome for our sake, so that we would be given grace and strength to overcome as well. When the devil tempts you, remember that you can say "no" to sin.
2. 'God has totally forgiven my sins through Christ'
Christ shed His blood so that God could forgive us our sins. Because of Christ's finished work, we don't have to strive to earn His forgiveness, and the devil's condemnation of our past sins is powerless. 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us that "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them." When the devil reminds you of your past sin, remember that God has forgiven you.
3. 'There is no condemnation in Christ'
God will never condemn you of your sins if you have repented of them. Romans 8:1 tells us that "now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." If ever you feel condemned, recognise that it's the devil doing that to you, and don't believe it (see also Romans 8:34).
4. 'I am now with and for Christ'
One of the truths that took me a while to properly grasp was that I wasn't in the devil's turf anymore. Colossians 1:13-14 says "[God] has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."
Remember that Satan no longer holds any authority over your life and decisions. When you were still in sin and without Christ, he held power over you. But now that you are in Christ, only God has power over you.
5. 'I am a new creation for God's pleasure'
You are a new you, and that new you is given a new heart and a new spirit – the Holy Spirit of God. You are a totally new creation! Stop looking back to the things that the devil reminds you of.
When the devil brings thoughts such as "I'm still the same" or "I'll never be able to change," remember that God already made you brand new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Your identity is now rooted in Christ
You are given a new identity as a child of God who lives for the Father's pleasure. Always remember that Christ paid a dear price for you to be given that new identity.
