One doesn't have to be a Christian for many years before he begins to wonder, "Is there really such a thing as victorious Christian living? Do I only have the promise of God's forgiveness and eternal salvation, or can I actually experience victory over old habits and ways?" I think that if we were completely honest with each other, we would discover that there are multitudes of Christians asking those questions - and for good reasons.
There doesn't have to be losers on Christ's side. From the richest to the poorest, from the oldest to the youngest, and from the educated to the uneducated, we all have the same source of victory. It's not our material possessions, our natural wisdom, nor our credentials. Victory is available to each of us because of what Christ has already done for us. It's His victory. He won the battle. Our victory comes as we enter into His victory, and that victory can only be apprehended through faith.
When I came to know Christ over 30 years ago, my life changed radically. God set me free from the immorality and selfishness that had enslaved me for so many years. I was thrilled with what God had done in my life. There were many habits that I longed to overcome, but had no power over them. However, when Jesus came into my heart, I was truly set free.
One of the greatest hindrancesto victorious Christian living is the lack of assurance of one's salvation. If we continually doubt God's forgiveness in our lives, Satan renders us ineffective. I've met many Christians who long for victory, but seem to always find themselves struggling and defeated. If there's no security in our relationship to God, then defeat is assured and victory is only a passing dream.
