Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The speaker notes Dordrecht’s language about canceling the “handwriting” and “destroyed the works of the devil,” and he connects this to Christus Victor rather than penal substitution—what is gained or lost (in worship, fear of Satan, or confidence in holiness) when atonement is framed primarily as victory rather than legal penalty?
Another way to ask: If the atonement is mainly Jesus defeating the devil (Christus Victor) instead of paying a legal penalty, what changes in worship and in how we face sin and Satan? What might we lose by focusing on victory instead of penalty, or vice versa?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker, framing atonement as Christ’s victory highlights deliverance—Jesus “defeated Satan,” “destroyed the works of the devil,” and freed people from his power, which can strengthen confidence for holy living. The transcript doesn’t spell out what is “lost,” but it implies people may argue more and divide when penal substitution is treated as the required framework.
- Dordrecht language: Christ “bruised the serpent’s head,” “destroyed the works of the devil,” and “annulled the handwriting.”
- The speaker identifies “handwriting” as from “Colossians… nailed to the cross,” often understood as the Mosaic Law or sins.
- He notes Dordrecht doesn’t present “penal substitution… at all,” and says it fits “more with… Christus Victor.”
- He describes Christus Victor: “Jesus defeated Satan through the cross and freed us from his power.”
- He observes Protestant influence causes controversy: men confront him—“Are you saying… about the atonement? Don’t you believe…”—and he says penal substitution is “not part of Anabaptist doctrine.”