The Power of Evil and the Victory of the Cross

The New Testament portrays the power of evil as gathering around Jesus, leading up to his crucifixion. Jesus believed that his death would overcome the ruler of this world, or the Satan, and inaugurate a new reign of God. The victory over the powers of darkness is an essential aspect of atonement. It is a victory through substitution, as Jesus takes the place of sinners. Evil powers are kept in circulation through idol worship and sin, and Jesus' death breaks their power. The balance between underemphasizing and overemphasizing the powers of darkness requires discernment and wise judgment, combining prayer, medical expertise, and authorization from the church. The complexity of human life includes unseen dimensions, and encountering evil may involve both supernatural and natural explanations.