Jesus Cropped from the Picture

The Kingdom of God

by emphasizing that Jesus’ work was not limited to the cross, but continues during the Church age, until he returns. 24

But in recent times, the Christus Victor view virtually vanished from the American church, where Jesus’ work is often reduced almost exclusively to his death and resurrection, as a means toward personal salvation. Ignoring his other accomplishments, and reducing the cross to personal salvation , has cropped Jesus out of the picture . One-Dimensional Implications Reducing the work of Jesus to the cross (for personal salvation) had far-reaching implications for people in a self-oriented environment. It suggested a static, provincial view of life. For example, it was not farfetched to conclude that “since Jesus did the work on the cross, now all the work is done. I can accept Christ, live a moral life, and wait until heaven, living an ethical life out of a thankful response to his Rescue (personal salvation). As long as I avoid sin, learn facts about the Bible, and share the story of the Rescue with others, my duty is fulfilled.” Taking this error further, some have concluded, “Since Jesus suffered and died in my place, I do not have to suffer. In fact, as long as I do my job (avoid sin, accumulate good doctrine, share the gospel, and pray), God will make my life good.”

When these assumptions take root, believers are susceptible to easy-believism, license, or laziness. When pastors see such lack of discipline, they feel pressure to use rules and guilt to motivate people.

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