Many a movie or TV series has been scripted with the plot of defeating an evil villain. Even children's programs have the "bad guy" that terrorizes innocent people and "runs roughshod" over everybody. In this plot can also be found "the good guy" or the "hero" who comes in, stands up to the bully, and stops him. In this, we're reminded that good always conquers over the forces of evil. Not only is this "Hollywoodish" but is also Biblical.
Heb. 2:14 states Jesus came to earth, "partaking" of flesh & blood that He might "destroy (render powerless) him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." If we could poll all humans, I believe death would top the list of things feared most in life. Because of our "fear of death" (v. 15), we were subject to slavery to Satan. Yet, the Scripture triumphantly declares that Jesus' coming was for the purpose of destroying the devil. If so, why do we still suffer at Satan's hands? Why is there still death? Such thinking has long been the modus operandi of the atheist who attacks the notion of God.
What we need to understand is how Jesus destroyed the devil. He did not annihilate him, thus removing him from the human world. No, He destroyed the "power" Satan had over man. If one dies in sin, he is forever lost and will be forever separated from God. That is the "power" Satan had in death, and is precisely the point made by the Hebrews writer. When Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the grave, that dealt a crushing blow to the "power" Satan had over humanity. Yes, we have to die (Heb. 9:27). But, now we do not need to fear death.
In 1 Cor. 15:26, we learn that the last enemy to be defeated is death. Until then, death will come and take away our loved ones. If they are in Christ, they die "in hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). On that great day of Christ's appearing, "...then (emphasis mine, JBS) shall be brought the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory'..." (1 Cor. 15:54-57). Then can we say, "Victory at last!! Evil is destroyed!!"
Yes, the evil Satan has kidnapped us (2 Tim. 2:26). But we were hardly innocent victims. Each of us went with our kidnapper willingly (Jas. 1:13-16). Now can you see how high a ransom Jesus had to pay to destroy evil?
