By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

The Power That Saves

Have you ever taken time to consider why the Word of God continually reminds us that Jesus came to save us?

Why do we need the gospel to save us, and from whom?

My friend, when people seek to be saved, it is because they are trapped or in a situation where they are not safe. So why do we say we believe Jesus came to save us, yet fear talking about the one He came to save us from?

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” — 1 John 3:8 (NIV)

My friends, unless you ask God to help you see the spiritual warfare raging for your soul, you will never understand the magnitude of Jesus Christ dying for you. Like a snake’s venom running through the body, the enemy’s work can destroy.

Jesus is the only antidote. He alone can destroy the devil’s venom, which takes different forms in our lives to destroy our souls and lead us away from the gospel of salvation found only in Jesus Christ.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life...” — John 10:10 (NIV)

Think about your life today. What tools is Satan using to discourage you, cause you to question God, and lead you to lose trust, faith, and hope? He wants you to believe God is absent or does not care.

Could it be struggles in your marriage or with your children? Drug addiction, mental illness, sickness, pain, people-pleasing, religion, disappointment, rejection, sexual confusion, or abuse? Could it be idolatry involving money, material things, or education? Poverty—or the lack of it? Or perhaps a lack of belief in God that causes you to turn instead to science or the many things God created?

As I continue to obey God’s call to warn the world about the devil’s activity in our daily lives, our enemy has used even those who profess to be Christians to discourage me from speaking about Satan’s plan to lead us to hell with him. Revelation 20:10 reminds us of his end.

I have been told, “You should soften your message because nobody wants to hear about the devil. If you want more teaching and speaking opportunities, you have to share what society wants to hear. Then, when they invite you, give the full lesson.”

How deceptive would that be?

I have tried to disobey God and do what was recommended. Each time, the Lord reminds me of my mission and points me to people in the Bible, such as the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who hesitated to obey Him.

Jeremiah 1:6–8 (NIV)
Ezekiel 2:3–7 (NIV)

My friends, the enemy’s fingerprints are all over Hollywood and the movie industry. Why? The more we see him portrayed as fiction and entertainment, the more unreal Satan and his demons become to us as the enemy of our souls.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

My friend, do not let your desires for this world or the lies of our enemy lead you away from the power that saves—Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14, NIV).

Until you recognize your enemy and learn his schemes against your life, you may not be aware of his presence. And that is just the way the devil likes it.

“In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” — 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)

The more we see him as abstract and harmless, the easier it is for him to influence us with his fury, as Scripture warns:

“But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” — Revelation 12:12 (NIV)

My friends, the power of salvation is available to you. Do not be blinded by the enemy’s lies and deception.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10 (NIV)

My friend, the message is simple.

We were separated from God when Adam and Eve listened to the enemy, who used the serpent to deceive them and lead humanity into sin (Genesis 3:1–6). Jesus came to rescue us from the curse humanity has carried against our souls.

But the choice presented in the Garden still stands: Will we believe the devil’s lies, or will we follow Jesus Christ—the only One who can save us from sin and the wrath of God?

The gospel is not only a warning; it is God’s invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Will you choose salvation today? Will you choose Jesus Christ?

Reflection question: What lies or desires might be pulling your attention away from Jesus, and how will you turn to Him today?

Weekly Scripture Romans 1:16 NIV