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Christ's victory over evil

Mighty conqueror

CHRIST’S VICTORY OVER EVIL
Biblical theology and pastoral ministry
Edited by Peter G. Bolt
Apollos. 260 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978-1-84474-379-7

The contributors to this volume are to be congratulated on tackling a subject that produces a range of responses, from near indifference to apparent obsession. We are grateful to the publishers for making material prepared for the 2008 Moore College School of Theology available to the wider Christian world.

Fear of the power of the devil is considered from various theological disciplines, but always with the aim of bringing the reader to hear the gospel that Christ has won the victory through his atoning death and bodily resurrection.

The first chapter begins with Tony Payne’s outline of the history of ‘deliverance ministries’ in which he seeks to demonstrate that the modern charismatic interest in demonology can be traced back via the Pentecostal Movement to Wesley’s holiness teaching and the various ‘second blessing’ ideas that abounded in the 19th century. Casting out demons he believes to be an off-shoot of the earlier healing ministries. Roman Catholic teaching and practice are not considered.

Peter Bolt then gives a biblical overview of the subject of evil spirits and their powers. He is concerned not only to present what the Bible does teach but also what it refrains from saying. We are encouraged to consider such evil influences from the perspective of their defeat. In his closing remarks he indicates that ‘spiritual warfare ... is not a particular aspect of the Christian life but is the Christian life itself’ (p.81).

Other chapters deal with the noticeable ‘absence’ of ‘exorcisms’ in John’s Gospel and the way the defeat of the devil is emphasised through Christ’s cross and resurrection, a point that is followed through into 1 John by another contributor. Mark Thompson presents the pastoral implications of justification in this context of Christ’s victory over evil. This is followed by Con Campbell’s chapter on union with Christ and the assurance that this gives the believer.

The book does not ignore or dismiss the very real presence of evil that many in our world fear and one chapter presents the results of research among Aboriginal Christians. The final two chapters are particularly pastoral in nature: the first considers the importance of prayer and the second emphasises the importance of the gospel ministry in this disordered, suffering world.

One can dip anywhere in this book and get spiritual comfort and encouragement to fight the good fight of faith and to live free of fear from forces of evil. This book is highly recommended for all readers of EN and especially helpful to pastors in their preaching and counselling.

Philip H. Eveson,
recently retired principal of the London Theological Seminary, now living in Wrexham