*The following is a poem based on C.H. Spurgeon’s sermon, “Christ the Spoiler of Principalities and Powers” by CBTS Student Joshua Avila.
Oh how our Savior died,
On that cursed cross He died,
A cross as a stumbling block for those who reject,
Foolishness to those who knowledge seek,
The darkness enshrouding the cross,
Satan bringing forth a battalion of former angels,
To conduct war with the Creator,
This is where mankind was ransomed,
The work was finished,
He has disarmed his enemies,
Though Satan is still present he has no power over God’s elect,
The accuser has been defeated,
The spoils have been divided,
The cross has revealed a symbol of triumph,
Now for the future what can be said?
Our King returning in all His glory,
An army that stands with Christ,
As He walks through the streets,
As He rides on a triumphant horse,
With many crowns,
Eyes as a flame of fire,
On His vesture written,
King of kings and Lord of lords,
When He calls to the elect,
To be risen with Him,
To be seated with Him,
Acknowledge the defeat of Satan and his demons,
The victory over the dark,
How Christ spoiled the principalities and powers,
Oh how our Savior died,
Oh how our Savior lives!
About the Author
My name is Joshua Avila. I am from New Haven, CT, and I am finishing my second year at CBTS. I am enrolled in the BDIV/MDIV program and hope to graduate by the end of 2026. I am 33 years old, a Husband to a beautiful wife, and a father to three children. I am a former police officer and currently an entrepreneur. My hobbies include working out, spending time with my wife, playing with my children, and discussing theology with my counterparts.
My journey started at 14 when the Lord placed His sovereign hand on my life. By opening my eyes to the truth and reliance on Him, the life He has given me changed in ways that are impossible even to describe. Upon repentance and trust in God, I burned for the Gospel to be proclaimed in the area I was raised. The call was strong at the beginning of this journey, and it never left. Through my years, God has revealed how amazing and powerful He is and how His sovereign hand is always there, no matter the circumstance. Fast forwarding to 2023, God moved me to find a seminary where I have grown in His word and been placed in a position to answer the call of eldership. By His grace, He has placed many elements in my life to shape and mold me to be used to His glory. Christ is King!
This blog post is authored by a student of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.
