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Home > Articles > Putting Evil in Perspective
Putting Evil in Perspective
If Christ has truly defeated the powers of Satan on the Cross, why do the powers of evil effectively operate in this world?
Answered by Richard B. Hays

Topics:Culture, Discernment, Discipleship, Sin, Spiritual leadership, Spiritual warfare
Filters:Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:Discipleship
References:Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 2:15, 1 Peter 5:8
Date Added:August 08, 2007

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Many features of the letter show that Paul does not actually think the triumph over evil is complete. Paul himself continues to suffer as an apostle (1:24), and he prays that his readers will be able "to endure everything with patience" (1:11). While it may be true that our lives are "hidden with Christ in God," we still must wait for him finally to be revealed in glory (3:3-4).

In the meantime, the letter is full of urgent moral exhortations, urging believers to "put to death" the remaining sinful practices that characterized their former lives. This kind of instruction makes sense only for a community still engaged in the struggle against evil.

Why do the powers of wickedness continue to operate effectively in this world? Because the story is not over. The climactic victory has been won on the Cross, but there is still much residual resistance. So we live in a tension-filled interval where skirmishes are still under way. One of Paul's fullest teachings on this point is found in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28: The resurrection has come through Jesus; nonetheless, there are still many enemies to be subdued under Christ's feet.

Richard B. Hays is the George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School.