The Warrior Savior: A Theology of the Work of Christ

by Owen Strachan

In this stirring systematic 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 he is Lamb and Lion, gentle and ferocious, divine yet a humble servant. All these graces bear down on one moment in 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.

Genres: Theology, Christian

368 pages, Hardcover

Published January 17, 2024

About the author

Dr. Owen Strachan is Provost and Research Professor of Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary (GBTS). Before coming to GBTS, he served as Associate Professor of Christian Theology and Director of the Residency PhD Program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS). He holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, an MDiv from Southern Seminary, and an AB from Bowdoin College. Strachan has published fourteen books and writes regularly for the Christian Post, and Thoughtlife, his Patheos blog. Strachan hosts the City of God podcast. He is married and is the father of three children.
You can also connect with Strachan on Facebook.

Reviews

[Paul Tautges · Rating 5 out of 5]

My longing for a theological study that synthesizes the dual role of Christ, as both the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah, is satisfied in this immensely readable and thoroughly biblical book. Let the sufficiency of the atoning work of Christ renew your mind and stir your heart toward worship and obedience! Highly recommended!

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was profiting from this book until I came to chapter 10 where he discussed the roles of father and son in the Trinity. He is I realize now a huge proponent of ESS which is unbiblical.
Here is one quote “ This is the way they have always dwelt together. The father loving the son, the son trusting and obeying the Father”

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Biblical, sound doctrine, reader friendly, edifying. The truths exposited in this work are foundational for a proper view of Christ and His work. Get it and read it. It will not disappoint

[Chloe H]

I really want to read this -- Owen Strachan is the literal best, and I love his podcast, Grace & Truth with Owen Strachan. I actually met him last night and heard him preach!!! He's awesome.

[Dave Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a read. One of the best books I have read on the theology of the Work of Christ. Deep, yet understandable. Page 281 (bottom of page), "In the cross of Christ, Jesus the Warrior-Savior has kept the head-crushing promise. Genesis 3.15 is fulfilled. The power of satan is broken because Jesus the Prophet, Priest, and King atones for the sin of God's elect." If you want to see where the story of Easter really begins, read Genesis chapter three and then give this book a whirl.

[Chris Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this one.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

In simple terms, God is victorious, but how is this victory achieved? In this masterful work, Dr. Strachan explores the doctrine of atonement from Adam's inception to its culmination in Christ, showcasing God's profound storytelling and the implications of His triumphant defeat of Satan. Dr. Starchuan also adeptly addresses objections against specific views of the atonement. The atonement is a beautiful doctrine, and if you intend to dedicate time to studying this precious truth, this book is a must-read.

[Maury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior Savior by Owen Strachan is a powerful look at Christ’s work on the cross—not just as a sacrifice for sin but as a victorious King who defeats Satan. Strachan clearly explains how Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice while also breaking the enemy’s grip on the world. His writing is bold, biblical, and engaging, making deep theological truths easy to grasp. A great read for anyone wanting to understand both the gospel and the spiritual battle we face today.

[Jols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding the complexity of the man and savior Jesus, is something that I hope I never stop enjoying. Strachan illuminates the qualities of warrior types throughout the biblical narrative, that all point to the ultimate warrior savior: Jesus. So interesting to see Jesus painted in this light- his fierce love for us, the created beings, compelled him to war against death and he surely won. So sweet to rest in that promise and understand this aspect of his character. Would recommend.

[Jaclyn Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Really enjoyed listening to this book. Learned a lot, but also some things were still over my head.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid work on the work of King Jesus.

[Kieran Grubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic overview of atonement theology. Nothing groundbreaking, but definitely a good grounding in a scriptural basis for both penal substitution and christus victor. Jesus represented both as Lamb of God and Lion of Judah.

It is a hefty systematic theology, so it does require some concentration. It is, however, well written and readable.

Worth a read if you have the time.