In Christ, man can gain victory over sin and a home in heaven.

Paul wrote, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul was certain that his reward awaited him. His life is an example of how a child of God should live.

The word of God shows that it is through baptism that one “gets into Christ.” Paul wrote, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). To those at Rome, he wrote, “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father. Even so, we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). When one is baptized into Christ, he is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and has forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1:14) and, in Christ, salvation and eternal life (2 Timothy 2:10, 1 John 5:11).

God sent Christ to die for the sins of mankind (John 3:16). Man must see that victory is to be found in Christ, not in what man thinks. It is recorded in the writings of Solomon: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The one who seeks to please God will heed these words of the “wise man.” God has provided “… all things that pertain to life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

God made the plan for man’s salvation, knowing that it would take the shedding of Christ’s blood to forgive sins. In many places, but especially in chapter 53, the prophet Isaiah gave man a look at Christ to help man see God’s plan. In Christ, salvation is to be had gaining the victory.

A study of the life of Christ shows that his life was not an easy one, but he gained victory. He suffered things that if most people suffered, they would have deserted their mission. He pressed forward and was tempted as all men are tempted, yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).

In the Gospel account given by Matthew, Satan tempted Christ with things of this life, yet he refused to sin. In each temptation, the Lord quoted Scripture to overcome Satan’s advances. While going about his work, he was continually challenged by the scribes and Pharisees, yet remained steadfast to the will of the Father.

Victory can be obtained, and heaven can be man’s eternal home — but it must be through Christ.