Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

Chapter 5: L i v i ng the Chr i s t L i fe , Ser i es 3

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But, I want to be honest with you all – it has really been hard for me since I heard of Larry my cousin’s death in Iraq. I know it’s war, I know that there are horrible things in the world, and truly evil people. I know, too, that things won’t really be the way they should be until Christ returns and puts down evil forever. Still, I don’t know why he is waiting so long! Why does he allow all of the stuff to happen around us. The world is so ugly, so filled with injustice and pain, and evil people just seem to hurt little people everywhere. I know God sees it, and I know he cares, but I don’t know why he puts up with it. Believe me, I know the verses, I’ve heard the sermons, but my heart is still heavy. I don’t know – I just want God to come and make it right.” What words of comfort, instruction, and understanding would be appropriate to give Gracie in light of Larry’s death and the prospect of Christ’s return to set things right? The Christus Victor motif offers an alternative perspective on the work of Christ, viewing the cross and resurrection from the stand point 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 pro cession 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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Content I. Christus Victor: The Victory of Christ over Satan and the Powers of Evil

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