The Warrior Savior: A Theology of the Work of Christ (Owen Strachan)

The Warrior Savior

A Theology of the Work of Christ

Owen Strachan

with a foreword by Steven J. Lawson

In this stirring biblical theology of atonement, Owen Strachan turns our gaze to the biblical Jesus—the greater David, a mighty king who comes in the power of God to save sinners and destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). The true Jesus is the most fascinating subject in all history: he is Lamb and Lion, gentle and ferocious, divine yet a humble servant. All these graces bear down on one moment in time: the cross.

The Warrior Savior brings together strands of doctrine that are too often separated, notably penal substitutionary atonement and Christus Victor. Instead of arguing for an unweighted blend of “models” or “theories” of the cross, Strachan argues that the cross accomplishes a propitiatory atonement, which in turn secures the defeat of the dread foe of God’s people, Satan. Throughout the book, he weaves in rich devotional and spiritual commentary, focusing on the love of God as the chief message of the cross of Christ. The result is a vivid, dramatic, and inspiring study of the most important salvific event ever to occur.

Read a sample.

About the Author: 
Owen Strachan (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is provost and research professor of theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary. He is the former president of the Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, the former director of The Center for Public Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a senior fellow of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council. He has authored books on a wide range of topics; his works include Reenchanting Humanity: A Theology of Mankind, The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision (coauthored with Kevin J. Vanhoozer), and The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian (coauthored with Douglas Allen Sweeney). He is married and the father of three children.

Endorsements

“Owen Strachan reminds us of the mystery and unfathomability of the cross as a revelation of God’s justice, love, and victory. Strachan rightly reminds us that we have both penal substitution and Christus Victor in the cross. The writing is powerful, punchy, and gripping, reminding us of the greatest gift of all.”

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“A masterful work on the doctrine of the atonement—one of the most impactful books I have read on the topic. It is a biblical theology of the cross that captures the most epic battle in human history. . . . This excellent study is how theology is meant to be understood and experienced.”

—Jeffrey Johnson, President, Grace Bible Theological Seminary

“Our God has waged war against the forces of evil, and they are no match for his power. Our God has won the victory in the salvation of every one of God’s people. This excellent book is accessible by the average church member and is likewise packed with rich theological depth on the atonement of Jesus Christ. Take up and read.”

—Josh Buice, Pastor, Pray’s Mill Baptist Church, Douglasville, Georgia

“Strachan does not offer us dry and detached scholarship. He writes with the heart of a pastor-theologian concerned to bring theology to the person in the pew—where theology belongs. The Warrior Savior is a deeply edifying work of theology for those who want to grow deeper in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by studying his atoning work on the cross.”

—Scott Christensen, Author, What about Evil? and What about Free Will?

“A fascinating read and a compelling study on the atonement. . . . A significant contribution to atonement theology.”

—Josh Howard, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Battle Creek, Michigan

“Exegetically rich. . . . A robust articulation of both [atonement’s] penal substitutionary nature and its victorious triumph over the domain of darkness.”

—Ryan L. Rippee, President, The Cornerstone Bible College and Seminary

“This is a great resource for believers no matter how long they have walked with the Lord.”

—James White, Director, Alpha & Omega Ministries