(Romans 5:17)
Adam’s sin brought the entire human race into bondage. This verse says that death reigned by one, meaning the disobedience of Adam. Not only did mankind die physically, but it also died spiritually.
Sickness, disease, fear, torment, and poverty began to reign over the lives of people. Death became lord or master of the human race. Satan’s power dominated the hearts and minds of the people on earth. As verse 17 says, “death reigned.” Everything that is associated with death held the human race in bondage.
When Jesus died on the Cross, He destroyed the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8.) Today, the human race no longer needs to be under Satan’s bondage. Jesus broke his reign of spiritual death.
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:14,15).
Follow this progression:
SatanSinDeathFearBondage
Now look at this progression:
JesusRighteousnessLifeFaithFreedom
The moment you put your faith in Jesus, you receive eternal life, the righteousness of God, and freedom. You are no longer under the reign of death, but you now “reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Billy Joe Daugherty was founder and pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was also the founder of Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute and Victory World Missions Training Center. Five hundred twenty-three Victory Bible Institutes have been started in eighty-five countries around the world. He inspired individuals and ministries with his life, love and influence for more than 30 years.