24 Days to Reflect on God's Heart for RedemptionSample

Redemption as rescue from the dominion of darkness

Jesus is the author, the initiator, the architect of redemption. It is his movement in the world, in history, and in our lives to rescue us from the dominion of darkness. To be redeemed is to be rescued out from (ek) the power (exousias) of the kingdom of darkness (skotous) in which we were held as slaves. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossian church, says we were rescued out of the grip of darkness. Exousias is a sphere of power and authority, especially in the spiritual sense. Skotous used with exousias is a sphere of darkness, of future punishment, and the power of the underworld.

The idea here is that of “dragging a person out of battle or the jaws of danger.” This is the domain of Satan and his demons, a spirit world that is not always visible but whose atmosphere and impact is unmistakable to everyone who has ever been in its grip.

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul acknowledged the reality and existence of an evil sphere of influence. Even though we cannot often see this world, we can see the effects of evil forces and their influence on people in the visible world.

I’m convinced the dominion of darkness exists, and I have seen its negative impact on the lives of people enslaved and impacted by this lifestyle.

The dominion of darkness is ruled by Satan, the deceiver. Speaking to religious leaders, John quotes Jesus in John 8:44 saying, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Satan is also contrasted with Jesus as one who takes life rather than giving life. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” In essence, the mission of Satan and the dominion of darkness are to steal, kill, and destroy everything God intended for your life. The dominion of darkness is not satisfied until God’s blessings are stolen, the abundant life intended for you is killed, and all the good and perfect gifts God wants for you are destroyed.

When Jesus comes to rescue us from the dominion of darkness, our sins are forgiven, and we are eternally free from spiritual slavery to this sphere of spiritual authority; we are free to believe and live according to the truth rather than a lie. What was stolen is restored. What was killed is resurrected back to life. What was destroyed is remade through our relationship with our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Reflection question:

• What does it mean for you to be rescued from the dominion of darkness?