The Christus Victor Theory

Introduction

Illustration

Motivation

Explanation

Application

Jesus Defeated The Forces of Evil

Illustration: Who doesn’t love a good story about the forces of good fighting the forces of evil? They are all over the place in tv, books and movies.

So why do we get so excited about those stories? What is it that makes millions of people buy movie tickets to see the good guys take on the bad guys in an epic clash for the fate of the world? I would argue that the reason these stories resonate so much with so many people is because they are based on a true story. Not the details of course. But there is an element to truth to them if you believe that the Bible is true.

According to the Bible’s description of the world there is an epic clash between the forces of good and the forces of evil. We read of Satan or the Devil being cast out of heaven with the other angels, and we find him in the garden tempting Adam and Eve who are the first to sin and plunge the whole world into darkness, spiritually speaking. Since then we have been living in a world of death and destruction and wrongdoing that seems to be inescapable.

Motivation

Explanation

Colossians 2:8–15 CSB

Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.

Application

Jesus Defeated The World

Illustration:

Motivation

Explanation

John 16:31–33 CSB

Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Application

Jesus Defeated Death

Illustration

Motivation

Explanation

1 Corinthians 15:50–57 CSB

What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Application

Conclusion

Recap

Application

Sending