Ripe for Harvest

250 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

I. Introduction to the Christus Victor Motif: To Christ the Victory!

The Christus Victor motif offers an alternative perspective on the work of Christ, viewing the cross and resurrection from the standpoint of conflict and victory over Satan, sin and death rather than ceremonial sacrifice for sins. It is a perspective that sees the plight of Israel and humankind as bondage to a power rather than laboring under guilt (though these are not ultimately exclusive perspectives). The cross and resurrection form the climax of the paradoxical battle that engages spiritual and human forces within Israel, with the cross, the harsh symbol of coercive Roman power, transformed into the symbol of Christ’s victory. In the words of Paul, “having stripped off the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, and led them in triumphal procession on the cross” (Col. 2:15). In his resurrection from the dead he has vanquished the ancient enemy: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:54-55 NIV; cf. Hos 13:14). Since Jesus has triumphed over his enemies, “God has highly exalted him” (Phil. 2:9) as cosmic Lord. He is pictured both as presently subduing his enemies (1 Cor. 15:24-26) and as reigning in triumph over his enemies, who are now “under his feet” (Eph. 1:19-22; cf. Ps. 110:1). And he will come again in visible power and glory to vanquish the last embodiment of evil (2 Thess. 2:1-12) and establish his kingdom (1 Cor. 15:25-28).

~ Leland Ryken, et. al. The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery , Elec. Edition.

A. Gustaf Aulen’s Christus Victor : three views of the Atonement (i.e., the work of Christ on the Cross)

1. The Satisfaction motif : Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109). The sin of humanity had offended the honor of God, bringing disharmony and injustice into God’s created order. Atonement is the debt payment necessary to restore God’s honor and to restore justice back into the universe.

a. Propitiation in response to God’s honor defiled

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b. Expiation in response to the guilt and penalty of sinners

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2. The Moral Influence motif : Abelard (1079-1142), the problem of the atonement was not to change God’s mind to us, but to