Victory Over the Darkness: Realizing the Power of Your Identity in Christ [Paperback]

Neil T. Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2000

Ten years ago a breakthrough book launched a ministry that has helped more than one million people overcome this world and win the battle for their hearts and minds. Now Neil Anderson has revised and expanded Victory over the Darkness for a new generation of readers, outlining practical and more productive ways to Christian growth based on Christ’s promise: "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Victory Over the Darkness emphasizes the importance of believing and internalizing the cardinal truths of Scripture as a base from which to renew the mind and fend off Satan’s relentless attempt to convince us that we are less than Christ empowers us to be.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Countless people have found genuine freedom in Christ through the insights God has given Neil Anderson. Among them is my oldest son.
Kay Arthur
Author of As Silver Refined and God, Are You There?, Executive Vice President and Co-founder, Precept Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Reading Victory Over the Darkness has been the catalyst for numerous people on the journey of spiritual freedom in Christ. As part of our core curriculum studies, we encourage every new member of our church to complete Dr. Anderson’s Steps to Freedom in Christ. It is the book we offer to every person who desires spiritual counseling. I have seen the hope it brings for those who thought there was no hope for their lives. Even more amazing, I know the man behind the book, and he lives the life he proclaims.
Paul Bane
Pastor, New Hope Community Church, Brentwood, Tennessee

The Lord has given Neil Anderson a marvelous counseling and discipleship model that is a genuine blessing to the Body of Christ.
Bill Bright (1921–2003)
Founder, Campus Crusade for Christ International, Orlando, Florida

Of the many things I appreciate about Neil Anderson’s ministry, his commitment to God’s Word tops my list. Neil goes to God’s Word to demonstrate that resolution in life is found in the Word of life because it points us to the Lord of life.
Robert B. Bugh
Senior Pastor, Wheaton Bible Church, Wheaton, Illinois

It is time for all of us to experience freedom in Christ! Dr. Neil Anderson shares solid biblical guidelines for how Christians can be used of God to help set the captives free.
Paul A. Cedar
President, Mission America, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Neil Anderson touches a nerve of vital need in the Body of Christ! His ministry in the arena of spiritual growth is sound-minded, trustworthy and—best of all—Christ-centered and Bible-based. I recommend him and his work.
Jack W. Hayford
President, The King’s Seminary, Founding Pastor, The Church On The Way, Van Nuys, California

Victory Over the Darkness was released at a time in my life when I desperately needed its message. I didn’t know how to fight back, and I didn’t know the authority I had in knowing who I was in Christ. This book profoundly impacted my awareness of spiritual warfare and helped me see things as they really are. I am forever grateful for this gift because it changed my life. I've given it away more times than I can count. Read it, and you’ll be doing the same thing.
Brian Hardin
Daily Audio Bible, www.dailyaudiobible.com

Dr. Neil Anderson has done a masterful job of taking a rather complex truth and making it plain enough for all to understand and practical enough for all to experience. The principles in Victory Over the Darkness have helped us to disciple both old and new believers in our church. As a result, lives are being transformed by the power of God. Gerald Martin Pastor, Cornerstone Church and Ministries, Harrisonburg, Virginia When we first met Neil Anderson, we were impacted most by his pastors’ heart. He loves God, and he loves people. We’ve often laughed with one another and jokingly said that Neil says more over lunch than most pastors do in the sermons they spend a week preparing. He trained our intercessors in discipleship counseling, and they still experience the power of God when they walk people through the Steps to Freedom in Christ. Neil’s teaching on spiritual warfare is biblically sound, powerful and practical.
Pastor Tom and Leighann McCoy
Thompson Station Church, Thompson Station, Tennessee

Victory Over the Darkness is a much-needed book written for everyone who longs for spiritual growth and, even more, joyous spiritual victory in a dark world.
Robert L. Saucy
Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, La Mirada, California

In Lombardi-like fashion, Neil Anderson has entered our locker room and re-introduced our “football,” reminding us of the power found in the fundamentals of our faith. Thank you, Neil, for pointing us toward God’s Word and the security and significance that is ours in Christ.
Ed Smith
President, Williamson College, Founder, Oxygen for Leaders, Inc.

When it seemed America was suffering addiction more than ever before, God raised up Neil Anderson to write Victory Over the Darkness to help people to walk through the steps to victory over addiction. I have used Neil’s steps to victory in my teaching at Liberty University, and I have outlined his Steps to Freedom in Christ in my writings. Praise God for the contribution of Neil Anderson to the Christian church and for the contribution of this awesome book.
Elmer L. Towns
Co-founder and Vice President, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia

This book is as relevant today as when it was first released. New readers will find life-transforming insights and practical guidance on every page. It is still the first book I recommend to those who need to be grounded in their identity in Christ.
Dr. Marcus Warner
President, www.DeeperWalkInternational.org

From the Back Cover

It's Jesus' promise to you-the promise that you live triumphantly. But what keeps you from really walking in the joy of the Lord? The powers of darkness attack us daily. But, as Dr. Neil Anderson shows in Victory over the Darkness, you can have the power to conquer them by knowing who you are in Christ. Learn how to: € Realize the power of your identity in Christ € Free yourself from the burdens of your past € Stand against the spiritual forces of this world € Win the battle for your mind € Become the spiritual person you want to be € Discover the truth about God's view of you Neil Anderson has updated and expanded his best-selling Victory over the Darkness for a new generation of readers, spelling out practical and productive ways to experience Christian growth based on Christ's promise. Learn to apply the truths of Scripture as a base from which to renew your mind and become the person Christ empowers you to be.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 239 pages
• Publisher: Regal; 10th Anniversary edition (July 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830725644
• ISBN-13: 978-0830725649
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration
  • #17 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Ministry

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 100 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book on who we are in Christ. November 10, 2001

By Erik Olson VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

"Victory Over The Darkness" was a book that I really looked forward to reading. I have been intrigued by the concept of being a new creation in Christ ever since I read "Alive for the First Time" by David Needham a couple of years ago. After seeing a video Mr. Anderson did about forgiveness in one of my seminary classes, I wanted to learn more about his ideas, since they seemed to echo Needham's. So it was with anticipation that I began reading this book.

Anderson's theme in "Victory Over The Darkness" is the Christian's status as a new creation in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are alive in Him, and are no longer dead in our sins. We are spiritual beings - indwelt by the Holy Spirit and reliant upon his power. If this were not the case, then we would be unable to experience change on a fundamental, spiritual level. The title "Victory Over The Darkness" perfectly fits the book's central idea of our true standing as Christians - we are indeed victorious in Christ. However, a lot of Christians still live in unnecessary defeat, and play the same negative thought tapes over and over again. Anderson's desire is that we forsake these false internal messages for the vital truths found in Scripture.

An important aspect of "Victory Over the Darkness" is its heavy Scriptural basis. This is extremely important, because if there is nothing beyond us in which we can put our hope, then there is really no point in striving for radical internal change. If we are the highest beings in the universe, the only real imperative to change is conformation to societal mores and avoidance of legal penalties. The secular world's constant redefinition of right and wrong is not based on a foundational truth. What's wrong today can be right tomorrow, and vice versa. In such a society, the only necessary change is based on altering external behavior to achieve conformity. However, the existence of an unchanging, holy God characterized by love, grace, and holiness invalidates such a scenario. There is Something beyond us, a greater reality that is based on true perfection. God is concerned with internal change in us based on His righteousness. These changes serve to produce external actions which glorify Him. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that we have a deep knowledge of Scripture, for it is our main method of knowing and relating to God and man in a loving manner. This point cannot be stressed enough.

I found a number of Anderson's practical recommendations to be eminently useful. First, his admonition for us to forgive is key, and he backs it up with solid Scriptural quotations. Too often we are in bondage to the hurts of the past, and we miss out on God's forgiveness and freedom if we fail to forgive (Matt. 6:14-15). There are some people that I continually need to forgive, and I know that I run to God for forgiveness quite often. Unforgiveness on my part hinders my relationship with God, and that's a scary proposition. Better to forgive (or seek forgiveness) and be free to live a redeemed life, rather than remain in fatal bondage to pride and bitterness. Second, Anderson's insights into rejection are also important, especially since many people fear it and live their lives accordingly. I have had my share of rejection, and it's very hurtful. But fear of rejection inevitably produces the sin of self-protection, and that's ultimately even worse than any rejection can ever be. That's because we miss out on the kind of true love that can only be had by taking relational risks. The principle of "high risk, high return" applies. These actions are easier said than done, of course, and they are often part of a long, difficult healing process. But they are necessary applications on our part, and their importance cannot be denied.

I have to say that the lessons in this book are not a quick solution to any problem. They are based on having a love relationship with Christ, and not on a list of do's and don'ts that guarantee emotional health overnight. God usually takes time working change in our lives, and ultimately He is in control of any internal change. But I know that He does want us to have the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians), so there is hope for our hurts - even if they remain in order to make us rely on His grace. I recommend that this book be read in conjunction with "Inside Out", "From Bondage to Bonding", and "The Search for Significance." The Scriptural truths in these four books are liberating and healing.

68 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book really is cool for people with mental problems December 12, 2002

By Dona Mason

Format:Paperback

I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Depression and am filing for Total Disability. I once made over $100,000.00 per year - now, I barely manage to function.

I was shopping for a self help book because I have always had problems with the question "Who am I?" In fact, the first question my new church councelor asked me is "Do you know who you are?"

My husband always told me to define myself by what I do; what I am able to produce. When I became sick with Fibro, I could only work (and do that at an extreme cost to my health) and my housework, being a good mother and wife went by the wayside. Then I couldn't even work, I was too sick. I quickly saw that defining myself by what I do/produce is not a true way to answer "Who am I" because if production defines a person, then I am already dead. As long as you are healthy and able to do things, you can try to convince yourself that is the answer, however, the moment you can't perform, you have just destroyed your own self worth.

My therapist tried to ask questions like "Are you kind?" to help me develop self-worth. For her, if you had good morals and were patient, kind, have self-control, etc, then that should give you self worth. Although I tried to be, I was not always kind (sometime I had road rage, sometimes I was impatient waiting in line when I was in a hurry, sometimes I over ate). Sometimes I was kind because of ulterior motives such as "this will help me sale this idea to my boss", "this will help me...". So I could quickly see that basing "who am I" on a relative system that constantly changed versus and absolute system was doomed.

This book tells you who you are. In fact, I took the scripures the author uses for "Who are You?"; "I am Significant"; and "I am secure" and typed them out in the new Message Bible. Now each morning, I read and pray these scriptures and my life is slowly but surely changing. Now, "Who am I" doesn't revolve around who everyone else says I am but who God says I am.

I recently underwent a visualization therapy where we were listening to ocean sounds and a therapist was taking the group through relaxation techniques (relax your toes, feel the muscles of your feet relax, etc) then he said, "I want you to go back to a time where you felt safe and secure". I started searching for that time through my childhood, teens, early marriage, young children, teen children, and now empty nest and I couldn't think of one time I felf safe and secure. I started to panic when I asked God to help me remember. Then I remembered the day I accepted Jesus as my savior. That was the one day, I felt safe and secure. Now, I get to read about being secure in God versus being secure in my self and this is helping me.

I never thought I was significant and with the Total Disability, I still have problems with this one - most people would say I am not significant because of my illness. But even with my problems, I am able to produce Godly fruit despite my problems. In fact, without having the problems, I would never have the oportunity to reach people who have some of my problems but don't have God to help them through them. So I see my significance through the scriptures.

I always wanted to write. It was the one goal of my life since age 9, but the publishing part scared me so bad that I couldn't write anything. Since reading about Goals versus Desires, I am able to write. In fact, this one chapter was worth the price of the book.

My church councelor recently gave me the homework assignment of writing down everyone who had hurt me, let me down, made me angry, etc. I plan to use the steps for forgiveness in the book for getting rid of this trash.

I plan to give this book for Christmas to those that are struggling. I think that they too are looking for help.

49 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Healing of past wounds and experiencing future victory. October 16, 1999

By Todd Hudnall

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

In Victory over the Darkness, Neil Anderson provides a guide for healing of past wounds and for experiencing future victory. In Victory over the Darkness Dr. Anderson doesn't suggest change through behavior modification or external rules and regulation. Instead he gets to the issue of living according to our identity in Christ. His sections on healing past wounds and how to continue on the journey of spiritual maturity were very good. I appreciate that this book on emotional health was based on theology and not psychology. I believe it is a good, practical tool for the pastor and for the Christian mental health professional. While the book was strong in emphasizing our new identity in Christ, I felt it was weak in exposing the depravity of self. I've found that until a person abandons all hope in the self-life they will have difficulty rejecting it for their new life in Christ. This book would be a good book to read in tandem with Christ-Esteem by Don Matzat. I see them as being an effective balance for each other.