Rev. Leonardo Galanza II
Christus Victor presents the triumph of God in Christ’s atoning work — his victory over the
“unholy trinity” of sin, death, and the devil. It is not just one of the “atonement motifs” but can be
a way of reading the Bible — that God is seen as a warrior, delivering His people Israel from
bondage (Exodus), from their own desire to return to Egypt in the wilderness, and from the
idolatry that brought them to captivity.
We see God eventually sending Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s Scripture and the Old
Covenant. Christus Victor reminds us that the life journey of Israel is a vivid picture of our
Christian walk with God (1 Cor 10). With the reconciling aspects of Christ’s work (Eph 1–2), we
can also see a sense of participation with Christ being a victor (Gal 2:20). It can help motivate
us to be like Christ. First, in the area of sin: we not only have the victory through justification,
but we have the victory and the power to be holy and not sin — yet it remains a lifelong battle.
Christ was tempted yet did not sin (Heb 4:15). Next is the reality of death.
Romans 8 is Paul’s telic argument that “we are more than conquerors through him who loved
us.” Jesus rose a victor from the dead. We will share with Him in glorified bodies (1 Cor 15).
The conclusion is staggering. Whatever may be in the eschaton, we will surely inherit the new
heaven and earth. Death remains an interlude. Lastly, victory over the enemy Satan: Jesus
came to destroy him (1 John 3:4–9). Our allegiance (faith) to Christ is the victory that
overcomes the world (1 John 5:4–5).
Three principles from A. N. Martin’s Living the Christian Life (Banner of Truth Trust, 1986)
anchor this for us:
- There is no master key in living the Christian life (also not one model of atonement).
- There is no suspension of use of any human faculty (intellect, will, and emotion). Every
faculty must work. - There is no escape from tensions and struggles in living the Christian life.
As we end, let us sing in our hearts Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” with this Christus
Victor motif. Amen.