Abstract
The New Testament writers explored the mystery and meaning of salvation in Christ through a variety of images, notably the bucolic metaphor of the good shepherd who gathers and guards his flock, the military metaphor of spiritual combat led by Christ the victorious warrior, and the juridical metaphor of Christ the redeemer and ransom from sin and death. In western Christianity, the juridical metaphor of redemption dominates. In eastern Christianity, however, images of Christ as physician and salvation as healing lie at the heart of piety, worship, and theology. This eastern imagery may be more compelling for our time and advantageous for evangelism and pastoral care.
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