“Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God…” — Luke 8:1 (ESV)
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” — 1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)
The “Just Do It” Nike TV campaign highligted sports superstars showcasing their stellar skills that give them the edge in gaining the most victories in the field of athletics. This campaign challenged people to push the limits striving to reach new possibilities. The message communicated was “you can win and be victorious, so just do it.”
On the field of everyday life, many do not always cross the finish line or hit the game-winning shot. For some, victory is something only witnessed at sports events of someone else. It is only a thought, an elusive idea; it’s never an actual, personal experience.
Victory is actually something God wants, and has made possible, for everyone to experience. Its possibility is through what is called “The Gospel.” The gospel is most unique because of what it is: good news. But what makes the gospel good news? The gospel is good news declaring the message of the cross. As one travels through the tapestry of the grace of God, one experiences its power and message.
The apostle Paul makes the bold assertion that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), and rightly so, because it adequately handles that which hurts and harms humanity the most, preventing victory — sin. Thus, the gospel in its power carries the message of the cross — a message of forgiveness, peace, grace, change, love, victory and hope.
One of the great messages communicated through the cross is the message of victory. The gospel is good news, because in it God through Christ gives us “the victory” we could not win for ourselves and on our own (1 John 5:4; 2 Cor. 2:14).
The words overcome and victory in 1 John 5:4-5 are the same Greek term “nike.” The term has various meanings: 1) to conquer, vanquish or subdue something in life; 2) to prevail or overpower someone in battle; 3) to overcome or come off superior in a judicial sense of legal action. Nike simply means “to win, to have victory.” In the Old Testament, explicit victories were won over physical forces. In the New Testament, victories gained through Christ are against the immaterial, unseen yet real entities that entangle humanity.
What victories are guaranteed for persons who accept and believe that Jesus is the Son of God? What victories has Christ won for us wherein we experience the good news of the gospel? Well, the list is too numerous for the space allotted, but here are three: we have victory over our foe, Satan (1 John 2:13-14; Col. 1:13); we have victory over the force of sin (Rom. 6:12-14, 18, 22; 1 John 2:15-17); and we have victory over evil spiritual forces (Eph. 6:12; Col. 2:15; 1 John 4:1-3).
Christians are no longer captive to the powers Jesus has defeated, including death (Acts 2:24; Heb. 2:14-15). Through the gospel, we are more than conquerors! Through Jesus Christ, we are abundantly victorious having gained a surpassing victory causing us to prevail mightily and completely (Rom. 8:37). What really makes the gospel good news? You can experience victory in everyday life through Jesus Christ so you can “Just Do It.”
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)
Rev. Johnson A. Beaven III is pastor of Citadel of Faith Church of God in Christ. He can be reached at jabeaven@gmail.com.
