We live under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things aren’t the way they used to be; we long for the ‘normalcy’ promised by vaccines. In a small way this matches Biblical history. Things aren’t the way they started out in Eden. It’s not just that Adam sinned (like us all) & needed forgiveness. That’s correct, but incomplete. Humanity’s problems run deeper, &God’s salvation is greater. Dark cosmic powers have invaded God’s good creation. We live in ‘enemy-occupied territory,’ under Death’s dark shadow. Humanity is held hostage by the ‘strong man’–Satan. Jesus’ coming launched God’s liberating mission to regain his creation. Jesus’ cross defeated the cosmic powers; Satan was dispossessed, his captives released; Sin was condemned, God’s sovereignty restored. Plus Jesus’ resurrection defeated Death & Hades; it launched new creation--a new humanity began. By baptism we exit the Old Age of Adam & enter Christ’s new creation, expressed in his church, united with Christ the Victor.