Christ the Warrior King: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Analysis of the Divine Warrior Theme in Christology

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduces the dissertation's thesis, highlights its methodology and establishes its goals. This dissertation argues that the divine warrior theme is a central Christological feature in both biblical and historical theology, which carries significant implications for contemporary issues in systematic theology. This chapter also sets the argument within the contemporary context of various approaches to theme of warfare in Scripture.

Chapter 2 offers a historical analysis of treatments of the divine warrior theme in Christology. It reveals that prominent theologians throughout church history have recognized Christ as warrior king, particularly through their understanding of the atonement as victory.

Chapter 3 explores how the divine warrior theme is a central feature in the messianic expectation of the Old Testament. It highlights how a biblical theology of warfare interplays with the Old Testament's emphasis on the unfolding kingdom of God.

Chapter 4 argues that the New Testament presents Christ as a warrior king in its messianic fulfillment. The New Testament's treatment of the person and work of Christ presents him as a conquering messianic warrior. In addition, both the inaugurated and consummated dimensions of eschatology center on Christ the warrior king's victory.

Chapter 5 demonstrates how the divine warrior theme in biblical theology yields beneficial insights into contemporary issues in systematic theology. It examines how a divine warrior Christology contributes to evangelical theology in the areas of the atonement, salvation, eschatology, and providence.

Chapter 6 concludes the dissertation by offering a summary of arguments and considering areas for further research related to the subject. It suggests that evangelical theology could benefit significantly from further exploration of the divine warrior theme in Christology.