The Greek word translated “overcame” in Revelation 12:11 means to conquer, prevail or get the victory. The context is one of martyrdom, for we go on to read in that verse that these saints who overcome, “loved not their lives even unto the death.” Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can link the words “death” and “victory” (1 Corinthians 15:55 – 57)!

But lest we are tempted to bestow “hero status” on these blessed saints, we must be very careful to note that their victory was won for them 2,000 years earlier when The Lord Jesus Christ shed His innocent blood on the cross for all our sin (Ephesians 2:13). They overcame by the blood of The Lamb. The redeeming blood of The Lord Jesus Christ and the word of their testimony combined as the source of their victory. In other words, the very moment that they put faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, they already overcame (1 John 5:4,5).

Oh the power that is in the blood of The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (John 1:29)! The Revelation record is scarcely begun when The Holy Spirit talks about Jesus Christ, “Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). The redeemed in heaven sing the new song: “…You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). John saw many souls who had “…come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14)

When we truly believe that the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7), and we place all of our faith and trust in Him, it gives us a holy boldness in life (Acts 4:13; Philippians 1:20). This precious truth has valuable, practical application for us today. While very few Christians are called to martyrdom, all are called to die to self. Our flesh wants to rule the roost, call the shots, be in charge, take control; you know the manifesto of the world! But all of that changes with the new birth, for we read: “and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Jesus said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) This is not morbid theology, beloved; this is a gospel of liberty (Galatians 5:1)! Self is the root of all misery, and the cross is the source of victory over sin and self. We do not need to wait until we die to experience this victory, for we have it now through the blood of Christ Jesus (Hebrews 9:12 – 14). Oh blessed be His Name (Psalm 72:19)!