C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe contains many powerful Christian themes that resonate with readers both young and old. Here are some of the key biblical messages found in this classic story:
Sacrifice and Resurrection
Aslan’s sacrifice and resurrection is a clear allegory for Christ’s crucifixion and victory over death. Just as Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for the sins of humanity, Aslan allows the White Witch to kill him on the stone table in place of Edmund. After his sacrificial death, Aslan rises again, breaking the power of death and evil. This parallels Jesus’ resurrection from the grave and foreshadows the future resurrection of the dead in Christ.
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (Isaiah 57:1-2)
Good vs. Evil
The battle between Aslan and the White Witch represents the cosmic struggle between good and evil, God and Satan. Just as Christ came to conquer sin and darkness, Aslan comes to free Narnia from the Witch’s cruel reign. Her whiteness and appealing Turkish Delights disguise her dark heart, echoing how Satan masquerades as an angel of light. In the end, Aslan triumphs through selfless love.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Temptation and Sin
Edmund’s temptation by the Turkish Delight parallels the temptation of Eve by the forbidden fruit. Both Edmund and Eve are tempted by their desire for sinful pleasure, even though this betrays their loved ones. Edmund’s subsequent redemption shows how God’s grace can cover even the worst sins. When Aslan willingly takes Edmund’s place, it mirrors Christ dying for sinners.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Following Aslan
The children learn to trust and follow Aslan, accepting him as their true king despite not always understanding his plans. This echoes how Christians are called to follow Christ in childlike faith, trusting God’s goodness even when circumstances are difficult. Although Aslan often seems absent, he is always working behind the scenes for their good.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Creation, Fall, and Redemption
Narnia’s story echoes humanity’s biblical narrative of creation, fall and redemption. At first, Narnia is an unspoiled paradise under Aslan’s rule. But when Jadis entices Digory to sin, evil enters Narnia and brings death and suffering. Yet Aslan promises future restoration through his sacrificial death and resurrection. This mirrors Eden, the Fall, Christ’s salvation, and the renewal of all things.
“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21)
Jesus as Lion and Lamb
Aslan embodies different aspects of Christ’s nature. As a mighty lion, he reflects Jesus Christ as conquering King and Lord of all. But as a lamb sacrificed, he shows Jesus as the suffering servant who gave his life for us. The Great Lion and Lamb of biblical prophecy come together in one Savior who is both victorious ruler and sacrificial redeemer.
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'” (Revelation 5:5)
Grace and Forgiveness
Even after Edmund betrays his siblings, Aslan forgives him, offering him grace and a second chance. Their reconciliation and Edmund’s transformation show the power of God’s redemptive love. Christ forgives even the worst sins when we repent, blessing us with new life and hope. Aslan does not hold Edmund’s mistakes against him but selflessly gives his life for him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Battle Between Good and Evil
The fight between Aslan’s army and the White Witch points to the epic spiritual battle taking place unseen around us between God’s kingdom and the forces of darkness. Christ has already won victory on the cross, but we still struggle against evil, injustice, and sin in this fallen world as we await the full establishment of God’s kingdom.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Becoming Like Children
When the Pevensie children enter Narnia, they have childlike hearts ready to receive truth. Their simple faith enables them to embrace fantasy and believe in the seemingly impossible. Jesus calls His followers to have childlike faith, shedding cynical and prideful mindsets that block trust, wonder and spiritual insight.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Jesus as the Doorway
The wardrobe functions as a passageway into the magical land of Narnia just as Jesus is the doorway into God’s kingdom. We access God’s grace, truth and eternal life only through the door of faith in Christ. Entering this Kingdom requires childlike hearts ready to believe and embrace the wonder of the Father’s love.
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Longing for Heaven
Narnia awakens in the children a longing for something more. This parallels the Christian’s hunger for heaven and deeper experiences of God’s presence amidst the shadows of our temporary earthly existence. Though broken now, this world nudges our hearts toward eternity each time we encounter goodness, beauty, and sacrifice.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
When Aslan temporarily disappears, he leaves the children a guiding spirit to nudge them in the right direction. This embodies how Christ sent his Holy Spirit to lead, teach, and comfort believers after his ascension. Though invisible, the Spirit actively prompts and guides God’s people, especially when we face uncertainty.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16)
Evil Deceives and Enslaves
Edmund is led astray by his desire for Turkish Delight. The more he yields to temptation, the more the Witch tightens her control over him. This shows how sin deceives us with empty promises of happiness, only to enslave. Edmund is helpless and unhappy until Aslan frees him from the Witch’s grasp.
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'” (John 8:34)
Importance of Fellowship
The children avoid danger and accomplish more working together than separately. This demonstrates the need for Christian fellowship, which provides mutual support and guidance. Together we reflect more of God’s wisdom and power to a lost world. Division and disunity impair our witness.
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
Jesus Transforming Us
Through Aslan’s grace, Edmund moves from weakness to courage, selfishness to selflessness, and deception to honesty. This symbolizes Christ’s transformative power in each believer’s life. As we walk with Jesus, his resurrection life brings renewal of our hearts and minds.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Deep Magic and Deeper Magic
The White Witch relies on the Deep Magic of Narnia – the law that traitors belong to her. But Aslan defeats death through Deeper Magic from before the dawn of time – God’s eternal promise to redeem sinners through self-sacrifice. This reflects the triumph of the Gospel of grace over any legal demands.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
Aslan is Not Safe, But He Is Good
Mr. Beaver’s line about Aslan encapsulates our relationship with Christ. Following Jesus is risky and unpredictable, often leading through danger and hardship. But God promises to work even pain for good. Aslan harnesses evil for redemption. Though not tame, He remains wholly trustworthy.
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.’ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Sovereignty of Aslan
Aslan maintains complete sovereignty over Narnia’s story. He controls all events while respecting human free will. This parallels God’s authority over human history, mysteriously weaving together divine purposes and human choices. Aslan guides all things toward his promised triumph while allowing suffering for now.
“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and [God] does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.” (Daniel 4:35)
Faith During Dark Times
During the White Witch’s rule, Narnia endures a long spiritual winter devoid of Aslan’s presence. This represents seasons when evil seems to gain ground, and God seems distant. Yet Aslan remains at work even when hidden from view. Our hope rests in God’s faithfulness despite outward appearances.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Jesus’ Victory and Return
Though the Witch initially defeats Aslan and gains control, this is only temporary. Aslan returns victorious, breaking her hold over Narnia forever. This symbolizes Jesus’s resurrection, which ensures Satan’s final defeat, and foreshadows Christ’s return to fully establish His eternal Kingdom.
“Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-25)
Destruction of Evil
The battle culminates with Aslan’s followers defeating the White Witch and her evil allies, restoring peace and justice. Though evil persists in our fallen world, the Bible promises one day the Lion of Judah will utterly vanquish Satan, sin and suffering. Justice will rule, and every knee will bow to Christ.
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20)
New Creation
Aslan’s redemption of Narnia culminates in a renewed, idyllic world that far surpasses the old. Flowers bloom, winter thaws, and the children establish a golden age. Christ’s salvation similarly leads to a future renewed heavens and earth unmarred by evil and suffused with God’s presence.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (Revelation 21:1)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe weaves a tapestry of profound biblical themes that reflect the grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. As Aslan guides Narnia to freedom and renewal through his sacrificial death and resurrection, we catch glimpses of the saving work of Jesus Christ for all humanity. Lewis masterfully immerses readers in the spiritual realities at the heart of existence.
