FROM VICTIMS TO VICTORS, AS PLANNED!

The Love Story of the Trinity

See Grace and Truth restoring humanity (new humanity) as we journey from Self-Governance to Christ’s Reign.

A Love Letter to the World

This is a love letter from the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—to a world enslaved by SELF, blinded by lies, desperately needing the salvation that has been provided since before the foundation of the world.

For 6,000 years, self-governance has failed miserably. Every day it grows worse. Yet humanity, blind to the truth, continues to choose the tyranny of SELF over the freedom of surrender to Christ.

There is only one question that matters for every human life: Who will you serve?

Will you remain a slave to SELF—to rebellion, to separation from God’s rule, to the endless cycle of victimhood?

Or will you become a slave to righteousness—surrendering to Jesus Christ, your Lord, Savior, Master, King, and God?

This is not a philosophical question. This is THE question. The only point of every life.

THE CENTRAL ISSUE: GOVERNANCE

The Battle of Two Kingdoms

Every human heart is a throne. The question is: Who sits on it?

SELF-GOVERNANCE = I rule. I decide. I determine good and evil. I am autonomous.

CHRIST’S GOVERNANCE = He rules. He decides. He determines good and evil. I surrender.

This is the root of all sin, all rebellion, all suffering, all death. The moment SELF takes the throne that belongs to Christ, chaos enters. Peace departs. Victory becomes victimhood.

The Two Voices

Every believer hears two voices:

VOICE ONE: SELF/SIN

The original voice, inherited from Adam
The lying voice
The victim’s cry: “It’s not fair!” “I deserve better!” “Look what they did to me!”
Can only lie, can only serve self
Leads to death

VOICE TWO: THE HOLY SPIRIT

The voice of the Great Shepherd
The Spirit of Truth
Reveals the Word of God (Jesus Christ)
Calls us to surrender, to die to self, to live for Christ
Leads to life

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

We must learn to recognize the Shepherd’s voice and silence the voice of SELF.

THE ORIGINAL VICTORY — Creation’s Glory

Before the Beginning: The Trinity’s Perfect Love

Before time, space, or matter existed, there was the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—dwelling in perfect fellowship, perfect love, perfect unity, perfect joy.

“Father…You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).

This was not static existence but dynamic relationship: giving, receiving, glorifying, delighting. The Three-in-One needed nothing, lacked nothing, desired nothing outside Themselves. They were complete.

Yet from this overflow of love came the decision: “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26).

The First Victors: Adam and Eve in Glory

When God created humanity, He created VICTORS, not victims:

1. CROWNED WITH GLORY

Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
Crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5)
Clothed in God’s radiant light
Reflecting His glory like polished mirrors

2. COMMISSIONED AS RULERS

Given dominion over all creation (Genesis 1:26-28)
Vassal kings under the Great King
Stewards of God’s good earth
Exercising authority in perfect submission to God

3. DWELLING IN PARADISE

The Garden of Eden was God’s temple on earth
His dwelling place with humanity
Perfect provision: every tree good for food
Perfect access: the Tree of Life (Jesus)
Perfect work: tending the garden for God
Perfect relationship: husband and wife, naked and unashamed

4. CHILDREN OF GOD

Made by the Trinity
For the Trinity
To dwell with the Trinity forever
The Father’s inheritance
The Son’s bride-to-be
The Spirit’s temple

Adam and Eve were God’s First Victory—a declaration that love wins, that relationship triumphs, that God’s goodness creates goodness.

THE FIRST VICTIM — Lucifer’s Fall

The Anointed Cherub: Lucifer’s Original Glory

Before humanity existed, there was another created being of extraordinary beauty and power:

“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:14-15).

Lucifer’s Position

The covering cherub—guardian of God’s very presence
On the holy mountain of God
Full of wisdom, perfect in beauty
The seal of perfection
Adorned with every precious stone

Lucifer was the highest created being, closest to God’s throne, most gloriously made.

The Birth of SELF: Iniquity Found

“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness” (Ezekiel 28:17).

Pride was the root. SELF was the fruit.

Lucifer looked at his beauty, his wisdom, his position—all gifts from God—and made a catastrophic choice: “I will glorify MYSELF instead of God.”

The Five “I Wills” of Self-Governance (Isaiah 14:13-14)

“I WILL ascend to heaven”
“I WILL raise my throne above the stars of God”
“I WILL sit on the mount of assembly”
“I WILL ascend above the heights of the clouds”
“I WILL make myself like the Most High”

Five times: “I WILL.”

This is the essence of SELF: autonomous will asserting itself against God’s sovereign goodness.

From Lucifer to Satan: The First Victim

The moment Lucifer chose SELF-GOVERNANCE, he became the first victim—not of God’s injustice, but of his own pride.

SELF always sees itself as the victim

“This authority structure is unfair!”
“I’m not appreciated enough!”
“I deserve more!”
“Why should I serve when I could rule?”

When God announced His plan to create humanity in His image—beings who would rule over creation, who would be served by angels, who would even judge angels—Lucifer’s jealous rage exploded:

“These inferior creatures made from dust will rule over ME? The covering cherub? The seal of perfection? This is the ultimate injustice!”

Satan’s victim mentality birthed his strategy: If I am a victim, I will make everyone else victims too. If I must live under God’s tyranny, I will enslave all His beloved image-bearers to my tyranny.

THE GREAT FALL — From Victory to Victimhood

The Serpent’s Strategy: Infect Humanity with SELF

Satan could not dethrone God. But he could attack what God loved most: His image-bearers.

The temptation in the Garden was not primarily about fruit—it was about GOVERNANCE:

“You will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).

Translation “You don’t need God’s governance. You can have SELF-governance. You can determine for yourself what is good and evil. You can be autonomous. You can sit on your own throne.”

The Catastrophic Exchange

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they made the most devastating trade in history:

WHAT THEY TRADED AWAY

Christ’s throne on their hearts → SELF’s throne
God’s glory clothing them → naked shame
God’s provision → SELF-provision (fig leaves)
Trust in God → blame and accusation
Perfect peace → fear, anxiety, guilt
Eternal life → death
Victory → victimhood
Paradise → exile
Fellowship with God → separation

WHAT THEY RECEIVED

Knowledge of good and evil (but no power to choose the good)
Eyes opened (to their shame)
Autonomy (enslaved to sin and death)
SELF-governance (the tyranny they chose)

This was the Fall from Grace into Dis-Grace.

The Curse: SELF’s Tyranny Established

To the Serpent Cursed, crawling in dust, enmity with humanity
To the Woman Pain in childbearing, conflict in marriage
To the Man Painful toil, thorns and thistles, sweat, death
To All Humanity Separation from God, exile from paradise, slavery to SELF and SIN

From SELF came

SELF-protection (hiding, fig leaves, blame-shifting)
SELF-provision (painful labor, striving, anxiety)
SELF-promotion (pride, jealousy, competition)
SELF-destruction (sin leading to death)

Every form of evil, darkness, disorder, unrighteousness, wickedness, and rebellion grew from this root of SELF-GOVERNANCE.

THE MULTIPLYING VICTIMS — Cain and the Flood

Cain: The Prototype of SELF as Victim-Victimizer

Genesis 4 reveals the terrible pattern:

Abel: The Victor

Offered sacrifice by faith (Hebrews 11:4)
Gave his best to God
Trusted God, not self
Though murdered, he remains a victor: “through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks”

Cain: The Victim

Offered sacrifice from self-effort, not faith
Gave ordinary produce, not his best
When rejected, embraced victim mentality:

“This is unfair!”
“God is picking favorites!”
“Abel is the problem, not me!”

God’s warning to Cain reveals the nature of SELF: “Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7).

But Cain chose victimhood over repentance. He chose SELF over God. He chose murder over mastery.

The pattern of SELF

Feel victimized
Blame others
Nurse wounded pride
Victimize others
Create more victims

Cain, the victim, murdered Abel, the victor. SELF always destroys what it cannot control.

The Flood: SELF’s Total Corruption

By Genesis 6, SELF had infected all humanity:

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

Every intent. Every thought. Only evil. Continually.

SELF had so thoroughly enthroned itself that God grieved He had made humanity. The flood was judgment on a world where SELF ruled every heart, where victims created victims in an endless cycle of violence and corruption.

But God preserved Noah—a man who “found favor [grace] in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8).

Even in judgment, grace appears. God never abandons His plan to restore victors.

ABRAHAM — The Father of Faith

What Did Abraham Do to Earn God’s Favor? NOTHING.

This is crucial: Abraham was born into the same SELF-infected, SIN-enslaved system as every other descendant of Adam.

Abraham had nothing to offer God but SELF and SIN. He was a pagan from Ur of the Chaldees, worshiping false gods, living under SELF’s tyranny like everyone else.

So what happened?

God’s Pure Grace: The Call

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1).

Notice the order

God called (Genesis 12:1) — Pure initiative, pure grace

Abraham went (Genesis 12:4) — Response of faith

God promised (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:4-5) — Grace upon grace

Abraham believed (Genesis 15:6) — Faith receiving grace

God credited righteousness (Genesis 15:6) — Justification by faith alone

Abraham didn’t earn God’s favor. God’s favor created Abraham’s faith.

The Heart of Faith: Dethroning SELF

“Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).

What did Abraham believe? That God could do the impossible: give him offspring when both he and Sarah were past childbearing age.

But deeper than that, Abraham’s faith meant

Dethroning SELF’s security (left his country)
Dethroning SELF’s identity (left his family)
Dethroning SELF’s control (went not knowing where)
Dethroning SELF’s limitations (believed the impossible)
Enthroning Christ (trusted God’s word over circumstances)

Romans 4:18-21 captures Abraham’s faith

“In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken…Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead…yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform” (NASB).

Abraham and Sarah: Truth and Grace

Abraham (representing TRUTH/FAITH)

Believed God’s word even when impossible
Trusted the promise over circumstances
Placed God’s truth above SELF’s “reason”

Sarah (representing GRACE/PROMISE)

Received what was impossible by human means
Conceived by divine intervention
Gave birth to the promised seed

Together they show: GRACE accomplishes what TRUTH demands.

Abraham became the Father of Faith not because he was better than others, but because by God’s grace, through faith, he became the first person since the Fall to voluntarily dethrone SELF and re-enthrone Christ on the throne of his heart.

ROMANS 1-7 — Diagnosing the Victim State

Romans 1: SELF’s Downward Spiral

Paul reveals the progression of SELF-governance:

Suppress truth to maintain SELF-sovereignty (Romans 1:18)
Exchange God’s glory for SELF’s images (Romans 1:23)
Worship the creature (SELF) rather than Creator (Romans 1:25)
God gives them over to SELF’s desires (Romans 1:24, 26, 28)

This “giving over” is God’s judgment When humanity insists on SELF-governance, God allows SELF to fully reign—and SELF’s reign always creates chaos, destruction, and victims.

Romans 2-3: Universal Victimhood Under SELF

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

No exceptions

Jew and Gentile
Religious and irreligious
Moral and immoral
Educated and uneducated

All have SELF on the throne. All are victims of SELF’s tyranny. All victimize others from SELF’s throne.

Romans 5: The Two Adams

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17).

First Adam (SELF-Governance)

One man’s sin
Death reigns
All become victims
Condemnation for all

Second Adam (Christ’s Governance)

One man’s obedience
Grace reigns
All who believe become victors
Justification for all who receive

Romans 6: Death to SELF, Life to God

“Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6-7).

The great liberation Our old SELF—the one who sat on the throne and created victims—has been crucified with Christ. SELF’s tyranny is broken.

The new reality

We died with Christ (Romans 6:4)
We were buried with Christ (Romans 6:4)
We rose with Christ (Romans 6:4)
We are freed from sin (Romans 6:7)
We are slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18)

The Paradox

SELF promises freedom but delivers slavery to sin and death
Christ offers slavery but delivers freedom from sin and eternal life

A victim says “I am free to do what I want” (SELF’s lie)
A victor says “I am a slave of righteousness” (Christ’s truth)

Romans 7: SELF’s Frustrating Tyranny

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15).

This is SELF’s tyranny Even when we want to do good, SELF sabotages us. The law reveals SELF’s reign but cannot dethrone it.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24).

The desperate cry of the victim, enslaved to SELF, longing for deliverance.

ROMANS 8 — The Victor’s Reality

The Great Declaration of Victory

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1-2).

This is the turning point: from victim to victor.

What Changed

No condemnation — The victim narrative ends
Set free — The slavery to SELF and SIN is broken
New law operating — Not law of sin and death, but Spirit of life

The Spirit vs. The Flesh (SELF)

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).

Two Mindsets, Two Outcomes

Mind Set on Flesh/SELF

Concerned with SELF’s desires
Results in death
Hostile toward God
Cannot submit to God
Cannot please God

Mind Set on Spirit

Concerned with God’s desires
Results in life and peace
Indwelt by God’s Spirit
Belongs to Christ
Pleases God

Adoption: From Slaves to Sons

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:15-17).

The transformation is complete

Victims think “I am enslaved and afraid”
Victors know “I am adopted and beloved”

The victim asks “What more can go wrong?”
The victor declares “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31)

The Unbreakable Victory

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The victor’s confidence

Predestined, called, justified, glorified (Romans 8:30)
God is for us (Romans 8:31)
Christ died, was raised, and intercedes (Romans 8:34)
NOTHING can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39)

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

The victim sees obstacles as defeats.
The victor sees obstacles as opportunities for God’s power.

JESUS — The Victor Who Had No SELF

Christ Had Absolutely No SELF

This is the stunning reality that changes everything:

From eternity past, Jesus existed in perfect submission

To the Father’s will
In unity with the Spirit
With no autonomous will
No self-seeking
No self-protection
No self-promotion
No self-defense

Jesus’ Own Testimony

“I do nothing on My own initiative” (John 8:28)

“I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30)

“I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38)

“Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus Had

No SELF-interest “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45)

No SELF-defense “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7)

No SELF-exaltation “I do not receive glory from men” (John 5:41)

No victim mentality Even dying unjustly, He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)

The Kenosis: Jesus Emptied Himself

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

What Jesus did NOT empty

His deity (He remained fully God)
His divine nature (Colossians 2:9)
His divine attributes (omnipotence, omniscience, holiness)

What Jesus DID empty

His divine glory (hidden under human flesh)
His divine prerogatives (rights and privileges of position)
His divine independence (chose dependence on the Father)

Jesus emptied Himself BY ADDITION He added humanity. He took on the limitations of human flesh while remaining fully God.

Jesus: The Innocent Victim Who Remained Victor

Jesus was the ONLY innocent person who ever lived

Born without original sin
Lived without committing any sin
Had no SELF to defend
Was perfectly righteous in every way

Yet He became a victim

Betrayed by a friend (Judas)
Abandoned by His disciples
Falsely accused by religious leaders
Mocked and beaten by soldiers
Crucified between criminals
Died a criminal’s death

But Jesus NEVER embraced victimhood. He never said:

“This is unfair!”
“I don’t deserve this!”
“Look what they’ve done to Me!”
“I want revenge!”

Instead:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)

“No one has taken [My life] away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative” (John 10:18)

Jesus was victimized but NEVER became a victim in His identity. He remained the VICTOR even in apparent defeat.

Christ’s Descent and Complete Victory

After Jesus died, He descended:

His spirit went to the realm of the dead
He proclaimed victory over sin, death, Satan, and all powers
He led captivity captive
He freed those held captive

Then He rose triumphant—death could not hold Him!

The payment was complete

Every sin of every person paid for
The legal claim of SIN revoked
The tyranny of SELF broken
The power of death destroyed
Satan’s authority stripped

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15).

THE RESTORATION — Grace Recovers All

What Satan Stole, Jesus Restored

Lucifer’s Disgrace, Jesus’ Restoration

Glory (covering): Glory restored (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Garden (God’s dwelling): New Heaven & Earth (Revelation 21-22)

Tree of Life: Access restored (Revelation 22:2, 14)

Peace: Peace with God (Romans 5:1)

Victory: Victory in Christ (Romans 8:37)

Grace: Grace upon grace (John 1:16)

Truth: “I am the truth” (John 14:6)

Life: “I am the life” (John 14:6)

Light: “I am the light” (John 8:12)

Children of God: Adopted as sons (Romans 8:15-17)

Grace and Truth Inseparable

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Jesus came full of BOTH grace and truth. They cannot be separated:

Truth without Grace = Condemnation (law that kills)

Grace without Truth = License (SELF remains enthroned)

Grace + Truth = Transformation (SELF dethroned, Christ enthroned)

Grace accomplishes what Truth demands.

The Love Story of the Trinity

This is the love story between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shared with humanity

The Father’s Love

Planned redemption before the foundation of the world
Sent His only Son to die for rebels
Predestined us for adoption
Works all things for our good
Will lose not one lamb

The Son’s Love

Emptied Himself of glory
Took on human flesh
Lived without SELF
Died as a victor conquering victimhood
Rose to give us His victory
Intercedes for us continually

The Holy Spirit’s Love

Hovered over chaos to bring order (Genesis 1:2)
Enabled Jesus’ virgin birth
Empowered Jesus’ ministry
Raised Jesus from the dead
Indwells all believers
Produces fruit of the Spirit
Guarantees our inheritance
Reveals Truth to us
Silences SELF’s lies

THE PRESENT REALITY — Two Voices, One Choice

Living Between Two Voices

Every believer lives with two voices in constant tension:

VOICE ONE: SELF/SIN (The Flesh)

The original voice inherited from Adam
The lying voice that can only lie
The victim’s cry: “It’s not fair!” “I deserve better!” “They hurt me!”
Demands: rights, recognition, revenge, comfort, control
Leads to: fear, anxiety, anger, bitterness, death

VOICE TWO: HOLY SPIRIT (The Truth)

The new voice given at salvation
The Shepherd’s voice His sheep recognize
The Spirit of Truth revealing Christ
Calls to: surrender, trust, obedience, love, sacrifice
Leads to: peace, joy, freedom, life

Learning to Recognize the Shepherd’s Voice

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

How to recognize the Spirit’s voice

Aligns with Scripture
Glorifies Jesus, not self
Produces peace, not anxiety
Calls to love, not hate
Leads to surrender, not control
Bears fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

How to recognize SELF’s voice

Contradicts Scripture
Glorifies self, not Jesus
Produces anxiety and fear
Calls to self-protection and revenge
Demands control
Bears fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)

The Daily Choice: Victim or Victor?

Every day, every moment, we choose:

Which voice will we listen to?
Which voice will we obey?
Which master will we serve?

Paul’s command “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The battle is real. The voices are real. The choice is real.

But the victory is already won. We simply choose to walk in it.

THE JUDGMENT — Heaven’s Court Has Concluded

SIN and SELF Judged

The courts of Heaven have reached their verdict:

SIN: GUILTY

The penalty: Death
The payment: Christ’s blood
The verdict: Condemned forever

SELF: GUILTY

The penalty: Crucifixion
The payment: Our old self crucified with Christ
The verdict: Dead and buried

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15).

SELF Is Being Judiciously Removed

For believers, SELF is in the process of execution:

Legally dead (position in Christ)
Practically dying (progressive sanctification)
Eventually eradicated (glorification)

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:3-4).

The New Humanity About to Be Revealed

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us…For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-19).

What is Coming

The manifestation of God’s children
The revealing of Christ’s glory in us
The redemption of our bodies
The restoration of all creation
Heaven and Earth made new
Perfect peace forever

All of creation—Heaven and Earth—waits for this moment when humanity rests fully in Christ, clothed in His glory, for His glory, displaying the triumph of Grace and Truth.

THE ONLY QUESTION THAT MATTERS

Victims or Victors?

After 6,000 years of SELF-governance producing nothing but misery, destruction, and death, the question remains:

WHO WILL YOU SERVE?

Two Options. Only Two.

OPTION ONE: Remain a Slave to SELF

What SELF-Governance Offers

Autonomy (the illusion of freedom)
Rights (the demand to be served)
Control (the anxiety of maintaining power)
Victimhood (the endless cycle of blame)

What SELF-Governance Delivers

Slavery to sin
Bondage to death
Separation from God
Eternal judgment

SELF promises freedom but delivers slavery.
SELF promises life but delivers death.
SELF promises glory but delivers shame.

OPTION TWO: Become a Slave to Jesus Christ

What Surrender to Christ Offers

Submission to His will
Service to His kingdom
Surrender of control
Death to self

What Surrender to Christ Delivers

Freedom from sin
Victory over death
Union with God
Eternal life
Peace that surpasses understanding
Joy inexpressible
Glory beyond imagination

Christ demands surrender but delivers freedom.
Christ calls us to die but gives us life.
Christ strips us of self but clothes us with glory.

How to Receive: The Faith of a Child

Salvation is not earned. It is RECEIVED BY FAITH—the faith of a child, the faith of the thief on the cross.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

What Must You Do?

RECOGNIZE - You are enslaved to SELF and SIN. You are a victim creating victims. You need rescue.

REPENT - Turn from SELF-governance. Dethrone SELF. Acknowledge that your way leads only to death.

BELIEVE - Trust that Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose from the dead, and offers you His victory.

RECEIVE - Accept His gift of grace. Surrender to His lordship. Enthrone Him as King of your heart.

FOLLOW - Listen to the Shepherd’s voice. Walk by the Spirit. Live as a victor, not a victim.

It is simple enough for a child, profound enough for eternity.

The Thief on the Cross: Perfect Example

One thief mocked Jesus from his own cross (victim mentality: “Save Yourself and us!”).

The other thief recognized truth:

“We are receiving what we deserve for our deeds” (repentance)

“This Man has done nothing wrong” (recognition of Jesus’ innocence)

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” (faith)

Jesus’ response: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

No time for good works. No time for religious rituals. No time for self-improvement.

Just faith. Just surrender. Just receiving grace.

A Personal Testimony

I write this as a humble servant of Jesus Christ, enslaved to righteousness by Grace alone.

I have been humbled by the beauty of the Glory of God and crushed by my immense failures—a sinful man full of SELF.

Like Peter, I have been crushed. The Rock fell upon me and crushed me into dust. PRAISE GOD! For only as dust can I be used to glorify my Lord, Savior, Master, King, and God, Jesus Christ.

I do everything for the Glory of God. This report is written for His glory alone.

I am writing this as a love letter of Grace and Truth to the world I have left behind—to those still enslaved to SELF, still believing the lie, still choosing victimhood over victory.

There is hope. There is rescue. There is salvation.

His name is Jesus Christ.

THE FINAL WORD: Heaven and Earth Await

The old creation groans under the weight of SELF’s corruption.

The new creation is ready to burst forth.

The judgment is complete: SIN condemned, SELF crucified.

The verdict is announced: GUILTY—but PARDONED through Christ’s blood.

The execution is underway: SELF being judiciously removed from God’s children.

The revelation is imminent: The glory of God in His children about to be displayed to Heaven and Earth.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God…because the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:18-19, 21).

All Creation Waits

The angels wait.
The heavens wait.
The earth waits.
All creation waits.

For What?

For the moment when humanity—redeemed, restored, glorified—finally rests completely in Christ, clothed in His glory, bearing His image perfectly, dwelling with the Trinity forever.

For the moment when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

For the moment when SELF is forever eradicated and Christ reigns completely in every heart of every child of God.

For the moment when the love story between Father, Son, Spirit, and humanity reaches its eternal consummation.

The Invitation Still Stands

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:7-8).

The Shepherd is calling.

Will you hear His voice?

Will you dethrone SELF?

Will you enthrone Christ?

Will you move from victim to victor?

The choice is yours. The time is now.

The Complete Story in Brief

CREATION: The Trinity creates humanity as victors—crowned with glory, dwelling with God, perfectly loved.

LUCIFER’S FALL: The covering cherub chooses SELF over God, becomes the first victim, and determines to infect all humanity with victimhood.

THE FALL: Adam and Eve choose SELF-governance, dethrone Christ from their hearts, and fall from grace into disgrace. All humanity inherits SELF and SIN. The cycle of victims creating victims begins.

THE MULTIPLICATION: Cain murders Abel. The flood judgment. SELF rules every heart. Victimhood multiplies exponentially across 6,000 years.

ABRAHAM: By pure grace, God calls Abraham. Abraham responds in faith, dethroning SELF and enthroning Christ. He becomes the Father of Faith—the first victor since the Fall.

DIAGNOSIS: (Romans 1-7) Paul exposes SELF’s tyranny: universal sin, universal guilt, universal slavery to SELF and SIN. Even the law cannot dethrone SELF. The cry: “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free?”

JESUS: The Second Adam lives without SELF. He empties Himself, takes on human flesh, lives in perfect submission to the Father. Though perfectly innocent, He is victimized—but never embraces victimhood. He dies, descends, pays for all sin, conquers death, rises victorious. SELF is judged. SIN is condemned. Victory is won.

VICTORY: (Romans 8) No condemnation. Set free. Spirit of life. Adopted as sons. Heirs of God. Nothing can separate us. We overwhelmingly conquer. From victims to victors—completely, finally, eternally.

TWO VOICES: Every believer hears SELF’s lying voice and the Spirit’s true voice. We must learn to recognize the Shepherd and follow Him.

THE JUDGMENT: Heaven’s court has ruled: SELF and SIN are guilty, condemned, being removed. The new humanity is about to be revealed in glory.

THE QUESTION: Will you remain a slave to SELF (victim), or become a slave to Christ (victor)?

THE ANSWER: Receive by faith—the faith of a child, the faith of the thief on the cross. Recognize, repent, believe, receive, follow.

THE HOPE: All creation waits for the revealing of God’s children—when we rest fully in Christ, clothed in His glory, dwelling with the Trinity forever.

Key Scriptures for Meditation

On SELF and Sin

Genesis 3:5 — “You will be like God” (the lie of SELF)
Genesis 6:5 — Every intent only evil continually
Romans 3:23 — All have sinned
Romans 6:23 — Wages of sin is death
Romans 7:24 — “Wretched man that I am!”

On Faith

Genesis 15:6 — Abraham believed God
Romans 4:3-5 — Faith credited as righteousness
Ephesians 2:8-9 — Saved by grace through faith
Hebrews 11:6 — Without faith impossible to please God
James 2:23 — Abraham, friend of God

On Victory

Romans 5:17 — Reign in life through Christ
Romans 6:6-7 — Old self crucified, freed from sin
Romans 8:1-2 — No condemnation, set free
Romans 8:37 — Overwhelmingly conquer
1 Corinthians 15:57 — Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 2:15 — Triumphed over rulers and authorities

On Christ’s Work

Philippians 2:5-8 — Emptied Himself
John 10:18 — “I lay down My life”
John 14:6 — “I am the way, truth, and life”
Colossians 1:16 — All created through Him and for Him
Hebrews 1:3 — Upholds all things by His word

On the Spirit

John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice”
John 16:13 — Spirit of truth will guide you
Romans 8:14 — Led by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 — Walk by the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 — Fruit of the Spirit

On Our Identity

John 1:12 — Right to become children of God
Romans 8:15-17 — Spirit of adoption, heirs of God
2 Corinthians 5:17 — New creature in Christ
Ephesians 1:5 — Predestined to adoption
1 John 3:1 — Called children of God

On Glory to Come

Romans 8:18 — Glory to be revealed
Romans 8:19-21 — Creation waits for revealing of sons
1 Corinthians 15:49 — Bear image of heavenly
Philippians 3:21 — Transform our body to be like His
Colossians 3:4 — Revealed with Him in glory
1 John 3:2 — We will be like Him

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—

Thank You for Your love story.

Thank You for creating us as victors.

Thank You for not abandoning us when we chose SELF.

Thank You for calling Abraham and showing us the way of faith.

Thank You, Jesus, for emptying Yourself, living without SELF, dying our death, conquering our enemies, and giving us Your victory.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for dwelling in us, revealing truth to us, silencing SELF’s lies, and leading us into all truth.

Help us to

Recognize the Shepherd’s voice
Dethrone SELF daily
Walk by the Spirit
Live as victors, not victims
Glorify Jesus in everything

Until that day when

SELF is completely eradicated
Your glory is fully revealed in us
We dwell with You forever
All creation is restored
Your love story reaches its eternal perfection

We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. We are slaves of righteousness by grace. We are victors in Christ.

To God alone be the glory—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—forever and ever.

Amen.

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