Study

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE – A Study: Part 6   (Based on Joshua 1–8)

Requirements to Reach the Victory Side, Josh. ch.3

 

Nelson Thomas, Mumbai

We have considered three things in connection with a victorious Christian life:

1. Importance of victorious living
2. Steps to success
3. Knowing the enemy

Now, in chapter 3, we see how the people of Israel cross over the River Jordan and enter Canaan. This entrance into the land of Canaan is an important event in their lives. They have been waiting for this for the last 40 years.

God delivered Israel from Egypt to bring them to this land. Because of their rebellion and disobedience, they had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Now, a new generation of Israel under the leadership of Joshua, with a new attitude and commitment, reached the eastern side of Jordan to cross over to Canaan.

They can see Canaan on the other side, the land which God promised to their forefathers, for which they have been waiting for a long time. But they confront a great obstacle to enter the Land, to possess it. Though they are sure of God’s promise, they have to cross the river Jordan, which in this particular season is overflowing all its banks.

Nevertheless, here we see the people of Israel cross river Jordan wonderfully.

Notice the following verses:

• Jos. 3:1: Israel came near the eastern side of Jordan.

• Jos. 3:15: Overflowing river Jordan—barrier—sure they saw Canaan, but wondered how to?

• Jos. 3:4c: ‘‎you have not passed this way before’ --new way, no knowledge.

• Jos. 3:5c: ‘Lord will do wonders’—that alone can take them there.

• Jos. 3:17c: ‘all Israel crossed over’. All of them crossed over.

This mighty work of God in taking them to the other side in a miraculous way gives enough lessons on our victorious Christian living.

Even today, we see the victorious and peaceful life beyond. We know all about the blessings we have in Christ, yet we are not able to enter. We only contemplate it. Something hinders, like the river Jordan — maybe our own sin or some bad habit or weakness. We do not know the way to reach the victory side. And we hope for a mighty work of God.

From this story, we learn that we can reach the victory side – the Lord will open a new way and do wonders for us. But how, and what are the prerequisites to reach the other side, the higher level of spiritual life?

Two crossings contrasted

There are certain requirements and conditions to be fulfilled before God will perform such a great thing. Notice that earlier, when Israel crossed the Red Sea, there were no such demands. It’s good to carefully observe the difference between these crossings. Rich spiritual truths are found in these incidents.

 

Crossing at the Red Sea	Crossing at the River Jordan
Exodus from bondage	Entrance to the promised land
To escape from the Egyptians	To conquer the Canaanites
Presence of God at the back – enemy behind	God’s presence at the front – enemy ahead
By Moses	By Joshua
To the barren desert	To a fertile land, milk and honey flow.
Bondage over – no more claim	Wandering over, but a continuous fight
Done for an unbelieving people, Ex.14.11	Done for a believing people
They simply had to stand still and see Ex.14.13	They had to believe and prepare, Josh.3.3-5
By the power of God alone	God does as a result of faith and obedience
All except Joshua and Caleb failed later	All could possess the land
Dead to Egypt	Dead to wilderness
No fight needed	The fight needed to possess
Speaks of our position in Christ	Speaks of our possession in Christ
Judgment on sin	Judgment of self

 

From the above table, it’s very clear that the crossing of the Red Sea is a picture of salvation, and the crossing of Jordan is a picture of victorious life, when the fruitless wandering wilderness life comes to an end and enters into a higher life.

 

Salvation is free, and it’s the work of the Lord, hence no requirement from the people at the Red Sea, Exo. 14:13. Only believe and see the salvation of the Lord. However, for growth and victory, we need to meet the conditions He has laid down in the Word. That is what is outlined in the procedure to cross the river in Josh. Ch.3. Around 10 steps are noteworthy. G&P

To be continued (DV)

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Grace & Peace e-periodical
Vol. 20 No. 06 November - December 2025

In this issue: -

Editorial: Review and Reflect

Perspective: Reflect, Repent, and Return

Outline: To Call to Remembrance

Reflections: Stewardship and Responsibility

Anecdote-1 Unmerited Favor

Anecdote:- 2 Self-examination

Study:-1  Requirements to Reach the Victory Side

Study:-2  Seven Things about Self-examination

Meditation: - : Divine Grace: The Saint's Privilege