Battle on the Cross

This 8 hour study examines the strategic confrontation that took place on the cross between our Lord and the Adversary.

Highlights and Scripture References (PDF)

(available on DVD at our Bookstore)

Table of Contents

Lesson 1 Overview

Overview

A battle literally was fought, probably the most intense battle, and undoubtedly the most intense battle that has ever been fought or ever will be fought and it was fought primarily between two combatants, the Lord Jesus Christ and the adversary, Satan.

There is more to the cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ than is contained in the explanation of the gospel of God’s grace that we believe unto our justification unto eternal life.

The three sections of the gospel of Christ

1) Reality of God’s wrath
2) No man can escape his wrath
3) The good news of the gospel Rom 3:21ff

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Gal 4:6

  • “…but a son…” this is dealing with the issue of the adoptions of sons and not just being a “child of God.”

Sense & Sequence of doctrine, milk to meat

  • “meat” doctrines about Jesus Christ and him crucified that Paul couldn’t teach, I Cor 2:1-2, I Cor 3:2

Terminology used in connection with the cross

  • power and wisdom, exceeding GREATNESS I Cor 1:18-19, 21, 22, Eph 1:19

  • “spoiled principalities and powers”, Col 2:15

Lesson 2 - Five Core Passages

Previous lesson set the stage for this more advanced issue about the cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The “battle on the cross” itself was a prophesied event even though there is a “mystery” aspect as revealed through and by the apostle Paul. We need to understand the significance of the battle as it pertains to the program to Israel first and then be able to deal with it as it is revealed in our epistles.

5 core passages essential to the battle

1) Isaiah 50:4ff

  • focal point of the cross: Isaiah chapters 49-53
  • review God’s Jehovah-ness, Davidic Covenant, book of Psalms
  • the Messiah is not in Israel’s predicament, Isa 50:4ff
  • “…who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary?” Isa 50:8
  • there’s only one adversary in view
  • the battle occurs with the Lord’s hands nailed to the cross
  • this took place during the 3 hours of darkness May 27:45, Mk 15:33

2) Psalm 22 (1st book of the Psalms: Redeemer)

  • describes what occurred during the three hours of darkness
  • physical agony Ps 22:14
  • the adversary is in view: “the lion’s mouth” Ps 22:21

3) Psalm 69 (2nd book of the Psalms: Deliverer)

  • cross work is revisited because he produced the ability to effect deliverance for his nation (the remnant)
  • adversary had the keys to at least two realms: 1) death and 2) hell
  • “…through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Heb 2:14

4) Jeremiah 31

  • two issues: 1) redemption (Jacob) and 2) ransom (the adversary) Jer 31:11, cf Mat 12:29

5) Luke 22:53, Luke 23:44-46

  • “…but this is your hour, and the POWER of darkness.” Luke 22:53
    • two powers will contend each other ; the Father’s and the adversary’s (“a power struggle”..a battle)
Lesson 3 - Historical Background

Historical Background to the Necessity of the Battle on the Cross

Overview from what is set forth in the prophets and the things that are contained in the battle on the cross as pertains to God’s program with Israel.

Satan’s titles

  • “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me…” Lk 4:5-6
    •  this was no lie: Satan is the “prince of the world” Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11
    • “the prince of the power of the air” Eph 2:2
  • Two stages involved how Satan acquired/usurped these titles
    •  Gentiles being under satanic possession (“in darkness”)
    •  Gen 3 (garden of Eden, the fall of man)
    •  Gen 11 (Tower of Babel and judgment)
    •  Gen 12: Gentile “without God” Eph 2:11-12
      •  a covenant made with Abraham giving a “sign” in his flesh marking him and his seed off from the rest (called “the circumcision”) Gen 17:10ff
      • Gentiles were “with” Satan, the ‘god of this world’ Eph 2:2, 5:8, Col 1:12-13

Plan and Purpose with Abram

  • Covenant confirmed Gen 15:7-20
    • it is not good news as the 1st installment is set before Abram
    • horror of his seed was going to go into the darkness in the world (satanic possession)
  • Land given to Abraham and his seed Gen 15:18

Preview of the “battle on the cross”

“…for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Gen 15:16

  • Satan’s hot bed (power base) of resistance against God’s plan was in the land of Canaan
  • A shift took place once Israel went to Egypt and eventually Satan ‘imported’ a ruler Ex 1:8
  • Egypt was designed to “fry” Israel, “iron furnace” Deu 4:20, I Kgs 8:51
  • God engaged his people in a battle and then delivered them from it
  • the actual separation of his people took place when delivered from Egypt I Kgs 8:53
    • this is a ‘mini-picture’ of what happened on the cross.
  • “For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.” Isa 52:4, Ex 1:8
Lesson 4 - "the sea"

God delivers his people’ from Egypt in a way to infuriate the adversary!

  • God is putting his name “LORD” (Jehovah) on display Ex 6:1-3
    • Thus the adversary’s increased resistance (Adversary against LORD)
  • One aspect (out of seven main names) of Jehovah’s name is in view – God providing himself as the means of redemption and ransoming.
  • “I will redeem you with a stretched out arm [power]…” Ex 6:6

“The Sea”

God and the adversary go at each other, hardening Pharaoh’s heart et al. Pharaoh is able to match God for a period of time with counterfeit demonstrations of power. But then comes a point the magicians can’t do anything. Then he himself, the adversary, has to step in and resort to where his greatest strength lays and that was in the midst of the Red sea, as Leviathan.

  • The Red sea is “rebuked” Ps 106:7 -10
  • The major opening to the pit, into the heart of the earth, is under the waters of the Red sea
  • The end of the sequences of judgments, the power struggle, Satan has to go to his greatest strength having the keys to the opening of the pit, but his greatest strength fails him when Israel crosses the opening of the pit.
  • Crossing the sea was a “battle”, “…he [God] hath triumphed gloriously…” Ex 15:1
    • “…greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown” Ex 15:7
  • “…consumed them as stubble…” Ex 15:7
    •  the great “iron furnace” had been set up to consume Israel as stubble but yet the tables were turned
  • Moses understood in the heart of the sea was the abyss (the depths)
    •  “…the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.” Ex 15:8

[Synopsis of Israel’s history from this time forward until they become Satan’s captive once again.]

Lesson 5 - The Redeemer had to qualify

This lesson will deal with the preparations for the ‘battle on the cross’ and the prelude to the battle, especially in Gethsemane.

Israel became Satan’s lawful captive with the Assyrian/Babylonian captivity. The ‘mighty one’ held them in his grip. Isa 49:24-26, Jer: 31:11

  • Two stages: 1) the contention as he function as their Redeemer in Isa 49:25 and 2) “I will feed them that oppress thee” when he functions as their Deliverer
  • Jehovah’s three titles are mentioned in vs Isa 49:26 (Savior/Delivered, Redeemer, the mighty one/Avenger)

Three major events/actions taken before the cross

  • These three events duplicated some things that took place during the Exodus account forcing the adversary to use his greater strength.
  • The Redeemer had to qualify in two fronts: 1) Kinsmen Redeemer as the Son of David and 2) as the Son of man.

1) Satan’s attempt to disqualify Christ as the Redeemer as the Son of man and Son of David

Jesus tempted as the Son of man, Lk 4:5-7, 13

  • the temptations line-up in the very same way in which Adam and Eve failed
    • lust of the flesh / lust of the eyes / pride of life, I Jn 2:16
  • This temptation occurs first being tempted as the Son of man Lk 4:13
    • “…he departed from him for a season.”

Jesus tempted as the Son of Abraham, Son of David, Mat 4:1-11

  • Temptation in Matthew 4 took place second Mat 4:11
    • “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

2) The “signs of the kingdom” Lk 8:1, 10:9 Mat 4:23-24, Mat 8:1-8, 12:8

Satan now ‘leaves’ to re-group after his two temptations failed

  • He’s infuriated similar to what happened in Egypt realizing his grip on Israel is threatened. His ‘armament’ that’s been maintaining Israel’s captivity, resident in his own men (vain religious leaders & unclean spirits), now is being challenged with the two hallmark signs of the Kingdom (casting out the devils and healing) Mat 12:22-29,
  • “he [Jesus] taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” Lk 11:20-22
  • once the Lord’s disqualification could not be produced, Satan “armed himself to the teeth” but Jesus kept loosening his grip; casting the armour off, which eventually forces the two of them to battle it out at the cross.

3) Satan’s ‘war council’ forms the final plan once his armament was defeated Lk 22:3-4

  • Satan’s war council:
    • Judas surnamed Iscariot, & the chief priests and captains
  • This series of events very similar to what occurred in the Exodus account: plague for plague, hardened heart, etc . The Lord works it so that all his judgments stripped away all the armament Satan had trusted. Thus Satan had one place left to use – the opening of the pit; death.
  • Similar strategy at the cross. All of Satan’s armament was stripped away, Satan has one place left (death) – to have the Lord walk into the pit and shut its opening.
Lesson 6 - Prelude to Battle

The Prelude to the Battle

It’s here in Gethsemane (“the place” Lk 22:40) where we see the resolve. It’s settled and declared by him and to his Father. Lk 22:39-42

  • Jesus knew where he was going (Gethsemane) &what was going to take place
  • The cup was placed before him (given him Jn 18:11) and see the two aspects of the horror: 1) the cup of God’s indignation & 2) horror of death
  • he doesn’t turn away (retreat) Isa 50:5, he sets his face as a flint. Isa 50:4
  • “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Lk 22:42
    • The expression of the perfect servant of Jehovah declaring his resolve cf Isa 50:6
    • This declaration also was said for the adversary to hear

Two aspects to the cup given to the Lord

1) cf “…the cup of his indignation;” Rev 14:9-11

  • if they [enemies] don’t accept Christ’s drinking of the cup on their behalf, they’ll drink of it themselves
  • “indignation”: his response of his justice against sinfulness, ungodliness, horror of their unrighteousness & unholiness
  • “without mixture”: undiluted

2) horror of death

  • the battle destroys the power of death, Heb 2:14-15
  • “…with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;” Heb 5:7-8
  • the fear of the physical and mental agony of it all and not of his Father failing him Lk 22:44
  • Take note of horrifying terminology
    • Ps 22:19-21, 69:1-3
    • Satan’s goal was to produce death while the sin was upon the Lord

The Battle

[Everything leading up to the crucifixion was designed to physically weaken the Lord.]

The three hours of darkness

  • Lk 23:44-46: the fullness of what was resident in that cup, in 3 hours, was consumed, endured, absorbed and survived by Christ
  • Note the two aspects here: sin-bearer & the horror of death
    • “darkness over all the earth” i.e. God’s wrath against sin; forsaking of the Father and Spirit
    • “And the sun was darkened” (this occurred by the entrance of the adversary to engage in the battle)
    • [there are previous things said about the accounts in connection with God’s use of darkness in preparation of dealing with the adversary, especially in his day of wrath cf Lk 38, Mat 24:29 and Rev 16 in the way God uses the sun repeatedly. He darkens it, withholding light from Satan and his cohorts…the sun was darkened in Egypt also.]
  • The propitiation, the satisfaction of God’s justice for the judgment of sin Isa 53:11, Gal 3:13
  • Satan’s goal was to produce death while the sin was upon the Lord, Isa 50:9, Ps 22:21, 69:1-2

The post–three hours of darkness

  • “…the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” Lk 23:45, Mat 27:50, God’s justice was satisfied
  • “…he [Jesus] gave up the ghost. “ Lk 23:46 , Mat 27:51
  • “… the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;” Mat 27:51 that’s Christ going down and entering into the pit and enjoying the spoils of the victory. He starts in the heart of the earth for 3 days and nights and comes out victorious with the keys of death and hell.
Lesson 7 - Spoils of Victory

Some of the Spoils of the Victory

1) Israel’s deliverance from the power of grave and death Hos 13:14, Jer 31:11, Heb 2:14-15, Act 2:24, 2:27, Rev 1:18

  • “…the ways of life..” Act 2:28 (as opposed to ‘the ways of death’: an expression of Christ’s victory over death and hell
  • one of the first things John is given to understand is that Christ has won a victory that has put power in his hand Rev 1:18
  • several categories of individuals mentioned: 1) angels, 2) general assembly, 3) church of the firstborn & 4) the spirits of just men made perfect Heb 12:22-24
    • some of these individuals have been dead a long time in the heart of the earth, Abraham’s bosom cf Heb 2:15, Lk 16:22

2) Heralding his victory to the spirits in prison

  • “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;” I Pe 3:19
    • There are compartments & places to the pit; lower parts of the earth
    • “preached” a herald of victory to these spirits; pronouncing their doom
    • there’s a connection between the judgment of the flood and the Lord’s day of wrath

[Three major hallmark events in God’s dealings with the adversary. The reason why Peter makes these connections: 1) The Flood 2) The Battle on the Crossing and 3) The Lord’s Day of Wrath]

3) “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Mat 28:18

  • There’s a similarity in sound in Lk 4:6 the way Satan said “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me…”
  • …the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.(Rev 5:12)

The Mystery Aspect of the Spoils of the Victory 

The reason why the mystery was kept since the world began was to keep from the adversary himself. This guaranteed the complete destruction of the adversary’s plan of evil. I Cor 2:8, I Tim. 6:14-15

  • “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”Eph 1:10
  • The prophetic program simply set forth the reconciliation of the earth and its repossession unto God
  • The revelation of the mystery of God’s will in the dispensation of grace, in view of the victory taken place the cross, God has revealed his wisdom & genius giving us insight to what his eternal purpose of the ages are – not just the repossession of the earth but also the heavenly places. All this so that after the times have come to their fullness, a dispensation/program can be brought in which the heavens and the earth are under the imperial headship of the Lord Jesus Christ AND the whole creation can function for the first time in accordance with the plan and purpose God has for it. Eph 1-17-23
  • We’ve been delivered from the power of darkness & translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son have participation & inheritance of the saints in light Col 1:12-13
    • we’re translated into the kingdom for the purpose as described in Col 1:13ff, to reconcile the heavenly places back unto God
    • “the firstborn of every creature:” Col 1:15ff, not just of the earth but every creature
    • “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” Col 1:19, not just the fulness of the earth but ALL things, heaven and earth.
    • “…having made peace through the blood of his cross,” Col 1:20, focal point is the cross: that makes for peace in the heaven & earth, between these two realms in the dispensation of the fulness of times Eph 1:10
Lesson 8 - Opening to the pit

The major opening of the pit under the Red Sea.

  • • Song of Moses, Ex 15:1ff, three phases of this victory song
    • 1) deals with the visible, 2) the things that cannot be seen, 3) Egypt, the iron furnace
  • opening exposed with the blast of his nostrils, Ex 15:8
    • waters were “heaped” forming walls which demanded the opening be passed over
    • the depths [abyss] were congealed [solidified], the deep mire was solidified, Ps 69: 2, 14
  • • “…the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.” Ex 15:10, 12, Ex 14:30
    • God congealed the heart of the sea, Satan couldn’t open the pit as Israel passed over, then it becomes un-congealed as Pharaoh’s armies crossed. As the waters came crashing in, Pharaoh’s armies were physically drown and the earth swallows their souls.
  • Another example what happens when the earth swallows someone up, Num 16:28-33
    • this was not the normal opening to the pit [Red Sea], this was a ‘new thing’, Num 16:30
    • destination is the pit
    • they went in alive, Num 16:33 (something new in this situation)

Review the significance of Isa 49-53

  • “…as in the ancient days,” Isa 51:9, the call here for the strength he put on in the Lord’s day and there’s a parallel with this and the ancient days. The awakening can take place since the battle on the cross was victorious.
    • Isa 51:10 defines which “generation” in Isa 51:9,
    • “…and wounded the dragon?” Isa 51;9,  Isa 27:1
    • things are spoken about in Job 41 concerning leviathan; the physical creature Satan modeled himself after. Satan was infuriated when Israel cross over the opening thus holding nothing back when he contended with Jesus on the cross.
  • “…behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.” Isa 50:2

Half of what the Lord did back in his program with Israel cannot be understood without this. Psalm 66 is in the second book of the Psalms, dealing with the Deliverer.

  • “All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.” Ps 66:4
  • the gentile nations are responding to what’s in view what took place in the Lord’s day of wrath
  • “…He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot:” Ps 66:6
    • drying up the sea was a momentous issue in God’s dealing with Israel!!! because it is going to be repeated in the Lord’s day of wrath.
    • The nations will be able to see the dragon that was slayed in the midst of the sea AND the pit will be opened
  • Lord knows what’s coming; the reason why he’s talking about the waters and deep mire Ps 69:1ff; he knows where he is going in connection with death
    • “…the floods overflow me…” similar terminology in Ex 15:8; “the floods stood upright…”
    • the FLOODS stood upright for Israel’s crossing in Exodus but didn’t for the Lord on the cross.
    • The focal point of the Lord’s thinking during time, is his agape love for the ones he’s dying to redeem and ransom and the promise of his Father that’s he been taught and has set his resolve upon being delivered. Ps 69:13 “…thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.”
    • go down through water, the deep, the pit Ps 69:14-16
  • Book of Job was primarily written for Israel in the Lord’s day of wrath when they enter into Satan’s captivity without cause. [considers a specific set of questions in Job 38]
    • “…counsel by words without knowledge?” Job 38:2, the “words” had nothing to do with what is going on with Job
    • The questions asked by God contained information to make it so Job hears ‘words with knowledge’. He needed to know what he was going through, was part of what God was doing when it came to resolving his conflict with the usurper and the repossession of the earth.
    • Specific questions focused in on the very place that’s the adversary’s strength is located. Job 38:15-16
    • Lord is bringing a place into Job’s thinking, the sea called the depth. Job knew of the covering of hell. Job 26:5ff Job needed to know its location and have the keys to the gates Job 38:17
    • “…the doors of the shadow of death? Job 38:17 cf Ps 23:4

In Romans 10:6-7 there are two areas are mentioned: 1) heaven and 2) the deep.

  • Cf Deu 30:12-13; Paul in Romans says the “the sea” and “the deep” are connected.
    Note what the unclean spirits understood: Luke 8: 29-31
  • “… that he would not command them to go out into the deep.” Lk 8:31
    • “… that he would not send them away out of the country.” Mk 5:8-10
    • “the deep” is located “out of the country”

In conclusion hopefully this study will help you glory that much more, that the cross is our all-in-all.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Gal 6:14

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Col 1: 12-14

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