Redemption in White

White is Ted Dekker’s third novel in his Circle series. Thomas Hunter continues to try to find a cure to the Raisin Strain on Earth while trying to prevent Valborg Svensson from getting the Book of History. At the same time, Thomas is still in search for the Book of History on the Other Earth. A new character is introduced to the Other Earth: Justin. Justin is kind-hearted and perfect. He speaks truth and love. Rather than just destroy the Horde (Their sinful enemies), he wants them to love them and try to help them change their ways. He believes everyone can change their ways and accept Elyon (God). He shows up out of nowhere when Thomas and his group need saving more than anything. He always has a solution to their troubles. He is willing to sacrifice himself to save others. Sound familiar? On Earth, Monique finally discovers a vaccine to the Raisin Strain: Thomas. Thomas has Elyon (God) in his heart. Thus, He runs through Thomas’ blood. When Thomas swam through Elyon’s water, he physically allowed God to enter his body. Anyone who came in contact with Thomas Hunter’s blood was immune to the virus. This is a great example to show that through Christ, we are saved. Only blood with Christ physically running through it could save them from death. Without Christ, we are all dead.

Justin is meant to represent Jesus Christ. He shows up out of nowhere but offers love and redemption. He preaches that Elyon loves everyone and reminds the group that those in the Horde were once their brothers and sisters who have lost their way. In the end, Justin offered himself as a sacrificial lamb to shed light on the truth and provide everyone else the opportunity to enter Heaven. Justin was killed by drowning. The only way people could keep from becoming like the Horde was to also drown. Through death, they gain life. Likewise, as Christians we are meant to take up the cross and follow God. Not literally, of course. But we are to nail our sinful nature to the cross and live through Christ. It is nice to remember that Ted Dekker uses physical metaphors to help us put conceptual things into something tangible that we can see. It brings understanding to a whole new level.

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