Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, Romans 8:37
D-Day and V-Day
The theologian Oscar Cullmann used World War II as an analogy for the structure of spiritual warfare. D-Day — the decisive invasion that determined the outcome of the war — had already occurred. V-Day — the final, visible celebration of victory — was still future. In between, fighting continued, casualties occurred, but the outcome was no longer in doubt.
The cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ are D-Day in the spiritual war. The decisive battle has been fought and won. The enemy's defeat is certain. And yet the fighting continues until the final consummation.
What the Cross Accomplished
The New Testament is explicit about what the cross accomplished in the spiritual realm:
"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." (Colossians 2:15). Disarmed — stripped of their weapons. Triumphed over — displayed as conquered.
"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14). The devil's power of death — his most potent weapon — has been broken.
"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out." (John 12:31). The cross was the moment of Satan's decisive defeat — "cast out" from his position of power over God's people.
Fighting From Victory, Not Toward It
This understanding transforms the posture of spiritual warfare. The believer does not fight in the hope of achieving victory — they fight from the foundation of a victory already won. The enemy is not an equal opponent — he is a defeated foe conducting a rearguard action, fighting a battle he knows he has already lost.
This means spiritual warfare is conducted from a position of confidence, not desperation. It means the enemy's attacks, however fierce, are the attacks of a losing side. It means the outcome — for the individual believer and for the church as a whole — is guaranteed.
The Final Victory
Revelation 20:10: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur." The final victory is certain, visible, and complete. Until then, believers "overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37). More than conquerors — not barely surviving, but decisively triumphing, in the one who has already won.