“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)
When Adam and Eve listened to Satan’s lies and rebelled against God, they subjected themselves to Satan’s power. They chose him as their king, instead of God. From then on, all humans are enslaved to “the domain of darkness” controlled by Satan and his servants. We are entangled in the lies of “the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9) and we can’t free ourselves. He has blinded us to the truth. He has people in his grasp and makes them follow the sinful course of this world, contrary to God’s will (see Ephesians 1:1-2). That’s why Jesus calls Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30).
The good news, however, is that Jesus Christ has conquered Satan. He knew no sin and therefore Satan had no claim on Him. When Satan tempted Jesus to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus did not give in. He was not subjected to Satan’s power.
On the contrary, Jesus’ salvation work has broken Satan’s power over believers. He delivers his children from the domain of darkness and transfers them to his own kingdom of freedom and peace.
Who is your king?