And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
In the above passage John is describing how victory is had over Satan but those saints that die during the tribulation. Apparently, during the great tribulation people will still be able to come to Christ. And they will be persecuted for it. Their only hope of surviving is to live their lives like the saints that went and died before them. In order to overcome in Satanic attack and persecution we have to follow this same pattern.
1. We overcome Satan’s attacks first and foremost by the “blood of the Lamb.” Praying the blood of the Lamb over a situation and over self is a confession that you recognize there is NOTHING more powerful than Christ blood. His blood sacrifice is explained in Hebrews 8-10, but suffice it to say here that it is through the blood of the Lamb that we have all victory. Note the doxology to end Hebrews and the emphasis on the blood:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
2. We overcome Satan’s attacks by our own testimony. Our testimony is powerful as we live out our Christian life in the image of Christ. The more we look and act like Christ the more powerful our testimony becomes and is viewed by the world. But it is also a powerful tool that Satan cannot attack. Our testimony is a Spirit filled life walking in obedience to Christ. As we walk in obedience God’s power destroys disobedience:
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (ESV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
3. They were willing and able to die for Christ. This is the ultimate commitment in life. We give our lives for Christ. The tribulational saints will give their lives for Him. We are to give our lives for Him. Like all saints of Christ they, we, all, are not our own.
1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
These thoughts should be the thoughts of saints of all ages and dispensations. We are chosen vessels for Christ and by His blood and Spirit He enables us to live for Him and walk with Him and even die for Him. That is the power of the resurrected life. A life that will and does defeat Satanic attacks.
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