The Kingdom of God (3): United with Those in Heaven
This article examines the Reformed understanding of Christ's redemptive work and the Christian's role in the kingdom of God, specifically critiquing the "Creation Regained" theology promoted by institutions like Calvin and Dordt colleges. By analyzing Colossians 1:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:18, Laning questions whether believers are called to actively "renew" all aspects of creation or whether a proper eschatology draws a necessary distinction between our present sanctification and the future consummation. This piece challenges contemporary Reformed thinking about cultural engagement and the scope of redemptive calling.
Previous article in this series: September 1, 2016, p. 468. Not long ago a young adult asked me a question about something he had heard at college. One of his instructors cited Colossians 1:20 as proof that Christians have a calling to strive to renew everything in this world. That specific passage in Colossians speaks of Christ "reconciling all things" unto God. What does that mean, and what does it imply as to our calling in the midst of this world? Colleges training "agents of renewal"...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org