I concur: a really great introduction to the word. I would love this to be part 1 of a multi-part series. What is the content of the Jesus gospel? What is the victory? Does the victory theme take us in “Christus victor” directions as a way of understanding Jesus’ work? Is there an enemy beyond humans (and human sin) that has been defeated? A super-human force? How might this connect with modern biblical conceptions, such as NT scholar Matthew Thiessen’s recent work on Jesus and the forces of death? And, perhaps most importantly, how does the Jesus gospel stand in deep continuity with God’s program in the OT? If we can see that latter connection accurately, I believe it would solve a world of problems in theology and practice, especially the relationship of the church to the world.
I concur: a really great introduction to the word. I would love this to be part 1 of a multi-part series. What is the content of the Jesus gospel? What is the victory? Does the victory theme take us in “Christus victor” directions as a way of understanding Jesus’ work? Is there an enemy beyond humans (and human sin) that has been defeated? A super-human force? How might this connect with modern biblical conceptions, such as NT scholar Matthew Thiessen’s recent work on Jesus and the forces of death? And, perhaps most importantly, how does the Jesus gospel stand in deep continuity with God’s program in the OT? If we can see that latter connection accurately, I believe it would solve a world of problems in theology and practice, especially the relationship of the church to the world.
This is an outstanding summary of what the word means! Thank you for posting it.
P.S. I just sent you an email to your substack.com address.