All heresy is the Cross plus something. Whenever we add anything to the all-sufficient merit of Christ we are sliding into legalism.
The one thing Satan wants us most to believe is that we must do something to please God in order to make us acceptable. But the truth is that Jesus has done everything necessary for our redemption.
We have been rescued from the realm of darkness (Colossians 1:13–the aorist tense indicates ‘once for all’) and demonic powers have been spoiled (Colossians 2:15). The Scriptures constantly reaffirm our freedom in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 1:17-23)–
- We have been liberated from Satan’s power (Colossians 1:13).
- We have been brought into the Kingdom of God’s Son (1:13).
- All spiritual authorities, no matter what they are, were originally created by Christ and for Christ (1:16).
- Therefore, he is above them all (1:17; 2:10).
- Christ disarmed powers and authorities (2:15).
- Christ publicly triumphed over powers and authorities through the Cross (2:15).
- Christ is now seated at the right hand of God (3:1).
- Our lives are hidden in Christ (3:3).
Similarly, we are no longer swayed by “elemental spirits” (Galatians 4:3). Nor are we being led astray any longer (1 Corinthians 12:1-3). The power of darkness over our lives has been broken (Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15) and we now walk in the light (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7).
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.