The Christus Victor (Christ the Victor) model of atonement, posited by Gustaf Aulen, presents the problem that humans live in bondage to sin, Satan, and death. In this model, Jesus’ death on the cross sets us free from that bondage. As Dr. Bounds points out, Revelation 12:11 says, “They have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” The lamb, Jesus Christ, shed his blood on the cross and defeated sin, Satan, and death, freeing us from their bonds. According to Jones, the theme of this view is a “Divine conflict and victory” and that “The model images Christ’s victory over the powers in battle metaphors,” which parallels the vision in Revelation 12 of Michael and his angels fighting and winning a fierce battle with Satan and his angels. Christ’s victory in this battle over the evil powers of the world redeems the relationship between God and the world.
I like this theory. It is true that humans sinned, and that sin has caused consequences throughout creation. However, Satan caused humans to sin, and this theory shows that Jesus’ death defeated the source of death and sin, rather than punishing humans for sinning. As Jones states, because this theory takes death seriously, it also takes resurrection seriously. I also like the specific idea of solving the issue of being in bondage. Humans today talk about being in bondage to addiction, lust, etc. – basically having their lives controlled by these things that they cannot seem to break free from. The image of Jesus breaking the chains that bind humans is one that can be transferred and related to in today’s world. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and his victory over the bondages of death, Satan, and sin, we are no longer under the control of these things, and Christ reigns in our lives rather than sin.