The Victor
Steve Green
Triumph Over Darkness: The Victory of Jesus Christ
Steve Green's song "The Victor" is a powerful anthem celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His triumph over death and evil. The lyrics vividly depict the dramatic events following Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing the belief that death could not hold Him. The opening lines, "Swallowed into earth's dark womb / Death has triumphed that's what they say," set the stage for a narrative of apparent defeat. However, the song quickly shifts to a victorious tone, proclaiming that Jesus rose on the third day, defying the grave and shattering the gates of hell.
The imagery of the gates of hell crumbling and Jesus bursting through the walls with laughter is both striking and symbolic. It represents the ultimate defeat of evil and the liberation of souls from the bondage of sin and death. The chorus, "It is finished, He has done it / Life conquered death / Jesus Christ has won it," echoes the final words of Jesus on the cross, signifying the completion of His mission to save humanity. This refrain reinforces the central message of the song: the victory of life over death through Jesus Christ.
The song also highlights the cunning nature of Jesus' plan, which "fooled them all." By allowing Himself to be led to death, He entered the realm of the dead only to break its chains and redeem the prisoners of hell. The vivid descriptions of demons screaming and the serpent's head being bruised draw from biblical imagery, particularly the prophecy in Genesis 3:15 about the Messiah crushing the serpent's head. This reinforces the theme of Jesus as the ultimate victor over sin and Satan, bringing hope and redemption to believers.