Satan tried to destroy Christ, but Jesus overcame every one of his attacks.
From Bethlehem to Golgotha, from the sealed tomb to heaven's throne, the Son of God revealed His unconquerable authority. That same victory is available to everyone who trusts in Him.
When Jesus was born, Satan worked through earthly power to stop God’s plan. Herod, frightened by the news of a new King, ordered the killing of infants in Bethlehem. Behind this human cruelty stood the great enemy of Christ, seeking to destroy the Savior in His childhood.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under.” Matt. 2:16
Christ defeated death and Satan
Later Satan used religious hatred, betrayal, an unjust trial, and Roman authority to crucify Jesus. A Roman guard stood by the tomb, and the stone was sealed. It seemed as though darkness had won its final victory. But death could not hold the One who is the Source of life.
“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, He received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:32-33
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a beautiful story for believers. It is the proclamation that Satan has already been defeated. Christ lost no battle to the enemy and will not leave His people without help. When we rely on our own strength, fears may seem overwhelming. But when we look to the risen Lord, we find hope, forgiveness, and power for a new life.
Ellen White wrote that Christ’s resurrection became the guarantee of the resurrection of all who believe in Him. The Savior’s victory is not a distant theological idea, but the foundation of the Christian’s confidence in the struggle against sin, despair, and death.
The church in the wilderness
After Christ’s ascension, Satan continued to persecute God’s people. In the book of Revelation, the church is portrayed as a woman fleeing into the wilderness. The wilderness symbolizes periods of spiritual darkness, oppression, and forced isolation, when God’s faithful children could not openly profess biblical faith.
“Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” Rev. 12:6
“But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place from the serpent, and there be nourished for a time and times and half a time.” Rev. 12:14
Throughout the centuries, God preserved faithful people among mountain communities, in remote valleys, and in the homes of those who placed God’s Word above human commands. The prophecy speaks not only of flight, but also of God’s care: the Lord “fed” His church, giving it spiritual nourishment, courage, and protection.
Perhaps you too are passing through your own wilderness: illness, loss, family conflict, a loved one’s addiction, or anxiety over children who have drifted from the faith. God does not always remove the trial immediately, but He does not leave His children in it. He has a prepared place—close to His heart, in His Word, prayer, and the fellowship of believers.
War against God’s remnant
At the end of Revelation chapter 12, Satan’s special fury against God’s end-time people is described. The dragon is Satan, the woman is God’s church, and the “rest” of her offspring are the faithful who remain with Christ at the decisive time of history.
“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17
The remnant is not defined by ethnic origin, popularity, or the name of an organization. It is defined by loyalty to God’s commandments and faith in Jesus. This is not salvation by works. Obedience is the fruit of salvation, the heart’s response to the grace of Christ.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12
The Sabbath as a sign of faithfulness to the Creator
In the spiritual struggle of the last days, the question of worship and obedience to God will have special significance. Among the Ten Commandments, the Lord especially calls us to remember the Sabbath day—the seventh day of the week. The Sabbath reminds us that God is our Creator, Deliverer, and Lord of time.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.” Ex. 20:8-10
For some, obedience in the matter of the Sabbath may require a difficult step of faith: a conversation with an employer, a change in the usual schedule, or misunderstanding from relatives. Yet Christ does not ask us to walk the path of obedience alone. The One who defeated Satan gives strength to those who choose to be faithful to Him.
A practical step of faith
Christ has already won, so we do not need to live in fear. Today, name your “wilderness” before God—the problem you cannot overcome in your own strength. Read Revelation chapter 12, pray for courage, and take one concrete step of obedience: reconcile with someone, begin reading the Bible regularly, seek help from the church community, or plan the coming Sabbath as a day of worship. The faithful Lord will lead you through the struggle and keep you until the day of His glorious victory.
