The Winner

It will be remembered as one of the greatest competitions of  all time. Two powerful personalities squared off in battle. The winner would become the most powerful leader in the world; the loser would watch his influence slowly dwindle and disappear. The battle was intense, as each side seemed to surge ahead at times, only to apparently fall behind. Mountains of effort were invested as the conclusion neared. Back and forth the battle raged, with the outcome unsure right up to the very end.

And then, after hours of waiting, it was finally over. A winner was declared, and the observers shook their heads and went home. End of story, end of competition. But wait! It wasn't over! The apparent loser was actually declared the winner, and while questions remained, it seemed that he had indeed triumphed! Some refused to believe it, denying his victory. Others demanded more information, claiming that his supporters somehow cheated and that his victory was hollow and meaningless. But the winner and the loser both know the truth about who won and who lost the greatest competition of all time.

Final score at Calvary:
 
Jesus Christ and his church   1
Satan and death                     0
No recount needed. We win.