2009 February Clothesline

Greetings to all on 10 FEB 2009

Word for the Day
Eschatology - literally, the study of last things.

Quote for the Day
The people don’t need words, their ears are worn down already by words; they need a listening ear.
From Edward Fudge quoting the message he received from a modern-day prophet.

Website for the Day
http://www.christianchronicle.org/ and check out the article on church growth in the Photo Gallery.

Thought for the Day
I’ve just finished reading Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright. In this book, Wright explores an alternative view of a “new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” [2PET 3.13] Most of us were raised to believe that this earth will be destroyed by fire and that our final salvation will result in our eternal living in an angel-like existence, where we will sit on the clouds and sing non-stop praises. Now, I don’t know about you, but that never really held much appeal for me - other than it’s superiority over the alternative! Maybe that’s one reason men have not been attracted to the American church; the reward offered only eons of sitting around with nothing constructive to do!

What if there was another eschatological viewpoint? What if instead of focusing on the prediction that this old orb will be destroyed by fire, we considered many other scriptures that indicate a new heaven and a new earth? That is what we will explore over the next few issues. I believe the implications of this view will change the way you live each day.

One passage that has always left me puzzled is Romans 8.18-25. How does the “creation wait with eager longing ... [to] be set free from its bondage to decay ...” [v.19-21] Be careful before you quickly dismiss this by saying that we humans are the creation. Paul continues with “and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” [v.23] Is it possible that the “whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now.”? [v.22] I would add that the creation, like us, continues to “groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption as sons.” The difference is that now we look forward with hope, not just blind hope, but one ensured by Jesus as the “first-born among many brethren,” [8.29] the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” [HEB 12.2]

The teaching of a new heaven and a new earth is not at all new. “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” [ISA 65.17] I would submit that John actually reinterpreted the phrase from Isaiah when he wrote Revelation 21.1, “for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away ...” I had never noticed that the first heaven would also pass away! The “holy city, new Jerusalem [was] coming down out of heaven ... and the dwelling of God is with men.” [REV 21.2-3] This is one of several verses that speaks of Jesus returning to earth.

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you, and ... I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” [JOH 14.3] I believe this is the same John who later wrote that he saw a new heaven and a new earth coming down out of heaven. [REV 21] A contradiction? No, just additional insight. The one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” [REV 21.5] What if we will be the caretakers of this new world?
Next time, we’ll look at what Paul says about our new bodies.

May God Bless
Mike Toole
Lori Moores, ed.