Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Kingdom’s triumph over every kingdom of this world (Rev. 11.15), resulting in greater peace of mind. An EPIC view produces freedom because the emphasis is on Christ’s achievement, not the individual’s accomplishments. Believers have victory, but it is completely dependent on Christ. Life is simpler when Jesus is central, but more complicated when the Self is the focus. SLIM crops Jesus from the picture , making the individual the SUBJECT . EPIC “un-crops the picture,” restoring Christ as the SUBJECT . Living “In Christ” A powerful example of an EPIC view is J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings, which tells the story of a brave group of ordinary folks, called into a dangerous journey, to put an end to the evil that has overcome the world. This epic story illustrates the Christian’s dependence on Christ as Champion. Two of the heroes (Merry and Pippin) are creatures called “Hobbits,” who are small in stature, but passionate of heart. Separated from their group, these Hobbits are rescued by giant living trees (Ents) who provide them with refuge from their enemies, and food to sustain them. When battle breaks out, the Hobbits throw rocks at the enemy from their protected place in the Ent treetops. The Hobbits were empowered to destroy the enemy because they were perched within the mighty Ents. In the same way, when people are placed (baptized)“in Christ,” they become empowered to do Kingdom work, and experience the capacity, protection, and freedom of operation only Christus Victor can provide.

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