Statement of Faith Project – Part 8

I’m concluding my first draft a statement of faith with a broad evangelical posture. This project was started from a commission to write a statement for a particular organization, and to do so within particular parameters. This has shaped my approach deeply.

Thanks for the interaction on my previous posts, on the Triune God, scripture, humanity, the Gospel, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the church.  I appreciate your feedback on each of these entries, because it will help the final version be that much better! Here is my statement about Eschotalogy.

Eschatology
While Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God, it has yet to be completed, so we should continue to pray that his kingdom would come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our ultimate hope is in the triune God’s ability to bring about the new creation – the redemption of our bodies and the redemption of the world. The return of Christ is certain and can occur at any time, thus we ought to live holy lives, seeking to take the good news to all of creation.  For only those who are already connected with Christ in this life can have assurance that after death, they will be present with the Lord and after final judgment be with him forever in the new heavens and new earth.  What we do in this life matters, for not only will God reward every good deed done in his name, but he will honor the decisions of those who reject him in this life.  Hell is a reality. And while God desires the salvation of all people, he will always respect the choices of those who reject him.  Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades and will judge the world with truth and grace.   His judgment means the ultimate end of evil, and the renewal of all things.

4 Responses to Statement of Faith Project – Part 8

1. Chris Ridgeway says:

   October 10, 2012 at 7:17 pm

   Like that you are framing eschatology as “ultimate hope” which is certainly the key. Christianity isn’t real Christianity without this part.

   I LOVE “what we do in this life matters”–this is key. And you sort of show this, but I wonder what you think of “heaven (hell) starts now,” a la, CS Lewis in the Great Divorce. Makes me thing that the reason our actions matter are not only “reward,” which can feel sorta arbitrary, but that our choices to love or hate, trust God or trust ourselves, etc wind up creating the reality that ultimately happens.

   word semantic: “the triune’s God ability” is one thing, but God’s actual action is another. The word ability adds a level of abstraction that weakens it for me. I might think “Our ultimate hope is that the triune God *will bring* about new creation”

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2. JR Woodward says:

   October 10, 2012 at 9:46 pm

   Chris,

   Great suggestions on both counts. Thanks for your feedback. I’ll make some adjustments.

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3. arlenerauen says:

   October 11, 2012 at 9:19 pm

   Both my parents are dead…one in heaven, one in hell…this reality of a loved one in hell spurs me on to share with others even in my inadequacies or me thinking of me(I’m not in the mood stuff)…Thanks for posting this so clear…With the part about rewards and life decisions could you add something that would point to rewards being after you know Christ…Just a thought… I was motivated these last days with the Christ’s return and reasons to pursue holiness…besides people knowing our Lord from a life well lived…so thanks for the reminder…Great job on this project, JR!!

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4. arlenerauen says:

   October 11, 2012 at 9:22 pm

   OOps…also could you give specific times you are speaking this weekend for those who want to pray for you? Thanks

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