Marking Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

Ses s i on 2: Chr i s tus Vi c tor

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3. Implication: The Church is both the locus and agent of the Kingdom, the proof positive of Christus Victor in the earth.

B. For theology and doctrine

1. As confession rooted in the Apostolic Tradition (i.e., the canonical Scriptures), the theology and doctrine of Christus Victor is the commentary on the grand narrative of God regarding his saving work in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord and Messiah, 2 Tim. 3.15-17.

2. Clarification

a. The Great Tradition has authoritatively affirmed the truth of the Christ event, i.e., Christus Victor and its meaning in the world, John 5.39-40; Luke 24.27, 44-48.

b. The Nicene Creed is an authoritative summary of the Story of God’s triumphant grace in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

3. Implication: Christus Victor is the center and heart of all biblical theology and orthodox doctrine , Phil. 2.5-11; Col. 1.15-20.

C. For spirituality

1. As experience, both personal and communal, of our union with Christ by faith, spirituality is the living expression of the Holy Spirit’s power in the people of God as they remember, reenact, and reflect upon the mystery of God in Christus Victor , 2 Pet. 3.18; John 15.4-5.