Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

This study explores Johannine understanding of the terror of the Cross and the hope of the resurrection. In recent years, acts of terrorism have become the most dangerous threats to world order. They have become so pervasive that no country on earth can claim immunity from its violent acts of bombing, shooting, armed robbery, hostage taking and demand for ransom, kidnapping, bank robbery, train attack, plane hijacking, displacement of local communities and killings. In the Cross, Jesus suffered the full terror the world has to offer, and in the resurrection, this terror was defeated. In the terror of the Cross, Pilate, as the most powerful man in Judea, capitulates to the powers of falsehood and hands Jesus over for execution.  Against this background, the question is: why did Jesus have to die on the Cross? Accordingly, this study reflected on Johannine understanding of the terror of the Cross and the hope of the resurrection using an epistemological framework to unravel the implications for the faithful, the Church, the world, and the devil. This study aims to reveal that on the Cross, evil is conquered as evil, principalities and powers are disarmed; the faithful are forgiven, and the defeat of the last enemy, death, is complete and irrevocable. Furthermore, the finding reveals that the resurrection gives hope in a time such as this, in a society being torn apart by violence of all kinds, continuing extralegal killings, and high levels of corruption. This study advocates that the Cross carries the message of love, finality, fulfilled promises, and the ultimate emblem of faith. It concludes that the resurrection gives hope and perseverance in the midst of terror.