The Gospel, Part Seven

A Devotional Series from Genesis

Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)

3/31 Reading Portions: Leviticus 2-3; John 21; Proverbs 18; Colossians 1

Genesis 3:15

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

HEAD

On March 28th, in the devotional titled “The Gospel, Part Four,” we looked at the authority of Satan being crushed, his authority translated from the Hebrew word רֹאשׁ (rōsh). In that devotional I mentioned that rōsh may be interpreted in several ways, citing the various Scriptures by these interpretations: “source” or “supply,” as in the headwaters of a river; “beginning,” as in the start of the month or year; “top,” as in the peak of a mountain; and also “power” or “authority” or “position,” as in the head of a family or the head of state. Why are we circling back to consider this? In yesterday’s devotional thought, we considered the power of Christ’s gospel as wielded by Christ’s church in crushing the authority of Satan. In understanding this, we may overcome temptations from the evil one, and through the power of Christ and by His grace (Eph 6:10), we receive victory over sin when it lurks at the doorway of our hearts and minds. Not only is Satan’s authority crushed, but the “source” or “supply” of Satan’s power has been crushed. Moreover, in Jesus Messiah, the “beginning” of Satan’s authority has lost traction. Also, the “top” or height of Satan’s strength and authority has been decimated.

Now, please consider this. I had written a devotional thought for Genesis 3:15 on January 3, 2024, concerning the crushing or bruising of Satan’s authority, titled “Opposition to the Gospel.” I won’t rewrite the devotion here (click here if you’d like to read it). Yet I will say this: this truth in Genesis 3:15 emphasizes emphatically the sovereign grace of God to save souls. It doesn’t mean that a person can’t believe in God without any preaching of the gospel. The Bible is clear about that (Rom 1:18-21, et al). My own personal testimony bears witness to that truth. I believed there was a God and that Jesus was real, but I wasn’t saved until June 3, 1985. The only authority of the unredeemed is bruised, crushed, and powerless. They cannot simply choose to be saved. If Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4a), and the minds of unbelievers are blinded by Satan (2 Cor 4:4b); and then compound that with the truth that the unbeliever is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1-2), so that they cannot comprehend the glory and testimony of God in Christ by natural means (1 Cor 2:14), then it requires all of God’s grace in Christ, all of God’s mercy in Christ, and all of God’s power in Christ through the gospel witness of Christ’s beloved church.

That should be exciting news for you and me, and filled with loving gratitude in godly fear because that’s how you and I were saved. Hallelujah! What a Savior!