“It is Finished!”
Many Christians today wrongly assume that because “It is finished” (John 19:30), there is no longer a need to actively engage in spiritual warfare including praying against witchcraft and the works of darkness.
But this is a misapplication of a powerful Truth.
“It Is Finished….” But what was finished?
When Jesus cried out “Tetelestai” [τελέω] on the Cross (John 19:30), it was a legal and prophetic declaration meaning:
- The debt of sin was paid in full.
- The veil of separation between God and man was torn (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- The power of Satan over the believer’s destiny was stripped (Colossians 2:14-15).
BUT : What was finished was the legal right of the enemy not the enemy’s presence or activity.
Even after Christ’s resurrection, the apostles spoke continually about warfare, resistance, and alertness.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion… Resist him, firm in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Paul is writing to born-again, Spirit-filled believers yet warning them of real battles with dark spiritual powers.
If there were no more battles, why armor up?
Witchcraft is a Work of the Flesh and of Satan!
- Galatians 5:20 lists witchcraft/sorcery (pharmakeia) as a work of the flesh.
- Acts 8:9-24 (Simon the Sorcerer): Even after hearing the gospel, Simon tried to manipulate God’s power through occult intent showing that witchcraft still operated in the early Church era.
- Revelation 21:8 says that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire.
Witchcraft is NOT a fantasy it is a demonic system of manipulation, control, and spiritual rebellion. (1 Samuel 15:23 — “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.”)
But there are reasons why many Christians do not want to pray and avoid the topic of spiritual warfare with even justification.
Reasons, such as Poor Teaching / Hyper-grace Doctrine!
Some are taught: “Jesus did it all, you don’t need to pray hard anymore.” This is rooted in error and laziness, not Scripture!
Yes, Jesus did everything necessary for Salvation and Victory — but we must now contend for it.
“Contend earnestly for the faith…” Jude 1:3.
“The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12 .
Many are Spiritually Dull or Carnally Minded!
“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Many ignore witchcraft because they are disconnected from spiritual realities. But the devil loves when people believe he’s not real it allows him to work freely.
They also fear backlash or don’t want to offend!
Some avoid warfare or praying against darkness, because they fear retaliation or don’t want to “judge others.”
But that’s a compromised Faith!
“God has not given us a spirit of fear…” 2 Timothy 1:7.
“I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions…” Luke 10:19.
- Jesus cast out demons constantly (Mark 1:39, Luke 4:41).
- Paul rebuked a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16-18.
- The Ephesian believers burned their books of magic publicly (Acts 19:19).
- The church prayed, fasted, and exercised authority over darkness.
If Yeshua and His apostles dealt with witchcraft and demons, how much more should we today, when the darkness has only intensified?
Yes “It is finished” means the victory is secured.
- Enforce Christ’s victory daily.
- Take authority through prayer.
- Stay spiritually alert.
- Pray against witchcraft, curses, and demonic strongholds.
You are not fighting for Victory — you are fighting from Victory.
But the battle is still very real and prayer is how you occupy until He comes, (Luke 19:13).
Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas
Awesome..amen.