The theme of the Bible is the real "Stars Wars" story. The great "war in heaven" described in Revelation 12 is the great 'Mother of all Wars.' Emphasis of this warfare motif goes by various names such as "The Great Controversy", "The Larger View", "Cosmic Conflict Theology", "Christus Victor" and others. Although this thread runs through the entire Bible, these three letters of Paul, all written from prison, are a good place to explore this very important subject. Why is there so much suffering? How can a loving God allow children to starve and allow for events like 9/11? The only satisfactory explanation must involve an enemy and a cosmic conflict.

 

 

 

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We are often pre-occupied with our own personal salvation to the point that we lose the "big picture". Yet the Bible again and again tries to reveal to us the reality of a cosmic conflict that is being fought over the character of God. As we really begin to understand the issues involved, Christians should be a voice in the world that can at least begin to articulate to our friends how it is possible than an all-powerful and all-loving God could allow children to starve or allow for planes to be flown into skyscrapers. The theodicy dilemma is one of the major factors that prevents people from believing in God, but as Christians we should be in a position to at least discuss some reasonable answers to this question. In addition, we can only begin to understand subjects such as the complexity of prayer when we have incorporated a larger picture of this war that began in heaven. As we discussed in this lecture, thanks to the writings of Celsus and Origin, there is convincing evidence that cosmic conflict theology was a prevaling model of the 2nd century Christian church.

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These 3 books were all written from prison, but Paul speaks in the most clear and beautiful language about love, freedom and the unity that God will achieve. Unity between his people as they complete the body of Christ; unity as we - his living stones - build the spiritual temple with Christ as the cornerstone; and unity with Christ, an experience no less intense than a man and a woman coming together in love.