The one who does sin is of the devil, because the devil sins from the beginning. The Son of God was manifested for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

— 1 John 3:8

24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.

26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.

27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.

57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

— 1 Corinthians 15:24-27；57

27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,

28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

— Hebrews 9:27-28

… The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.

— Revelation 2:11b

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Though Satan often appears to have the upper hand, nothing and no one can overcome God’s sovereign, eternal purposes. God’s truth will prevail over Satan’s deception. Let’s learn to recognize the enemy’s ploys through reading God’s Word and be embolden to take risks for Him. Let’s encourage persecuted or distressed believers to stand firm because God has won according to His Word. God’s children have no reason to fear man or evil when we comprehend God’s invincible power.

Jesus Christ’s unstoppable victory belongs to every person who seeks refuge in His saving grace. Let’s praise Christ and celebrate God’s victorious, redemptive power. We pray and trust the Holy Spirit to energize us to live by His truth as we confidently look forward to our great Lord’s return. We the saved people of God will experience the first resurrection and will not fear the second death. But those who do not seek salvation in Christ await only a resurrection to condemnation, severe judgment and eternal separation from God.