Always Triumphant Victory in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14

(French and Old Norwegian Translation)

Unfortunately, it is usually like this, that when “believers” read the most powerful and glorious words in the Scriptures—the words that testify of transformation and change in our inner man, even in our entire life—they absolutely do not believe what is written. If there is something they are totally convinced of, it is that it is completely impossible to live like that.

In their innermost being they believe in defeat when it concerns living a godly life during the greatest difficulties. In other words, they are far more unbelieving than believing.

The above-mentioned scripture, which the great and always triumphant apostle Paul wrote, is in perfect agreement with what the always triumphant and loving apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:4 and 5 (French translation): “For whatever is born of God triumphs over the world: our faith. Who is he who triumphs over the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Here we are clearly informed that victory is gained by faith, that is, by being fully assured.

What does it mean to be triumphant? It means (as Paul states in Romans 8): more than victory! It means glorious victory, jubilant victory! It means that if difficulties could have been even greater, you would still have gained the victory!!! It means you would not have needed to use all the strength you have in Christ in order to overcome in that particular case!

And this in turn means that through faith in victory and the joy of victory that you by God’s great work of grace possess in your inner man, you rejoice in anticipation of the next time.

Then you have stopped believing in defeat.

Unfortunately, most believers ought to have this main passage in their Confession of Faith: “We believe wholeheartedly in defeat as long as we are in this evil world.” Accordingly, it would be fitting to call the gospel “The Sad Tidings.” It would be truly sad if it were not possible to achieve an always triumphant life of victory while we are in this world!

Elias Aslaksen