Manufacturing the Millennium, Assurance of Salvation & Could Sin Return in the New Creation?
Ask NT Wright AnythingSummary
A recent discussion centers on the theological concepts of assurance and the nature of God's kingdom. The conversation begins with a question about the relationship between being "born again" and the assurance of salvation, referencing John Wesley's insights on the witness of the Spirit. The speakers emphasize that assurance is not merely a modern concern but has roots in historical Christian thought, including the Reformation. They argue that true assurance comes from a deep, transformative faith in Jesus Christ, which is validated through practices such as baptism and the Eucharist.
The dialogue then shifts to the cyclical nature of creation and redemption, prompted by a question about the potential for repeated cycles of rebellion and redemption in a renewed creation. The speakers reject the notion of an endless cycle, asserting that the biblical narrative is one of forward progression, culminating in a final victory over evil and death. They highlight that in the new creation, there will be no room for corruption, contrasting this with stoic philosophies that suggest a repetitive cycle of rebirth.
Finally, the conversation addresses the role of believers in building the kingdom of God. One questioner expresses concern about the apparent lack of progress in the world despite centuries of effort. The speakers clarify that while believers are called to work "for" the kingdom, it is ultimately God who builds it. They encourage a humble approach, focusing on living out kingdom values in daily life, rather than striving for triumphalism. The discussion concludes with a reminder that every act of kindness and faithfulness contributes to the unfolding of God's kingdom, even if the results are not immediately visible.
Show Notes
How can you know you're truly saved? Could God's new creation fall into sin all over again? And if Christians are called to work for God's kingdom, why doesn't the world seem to be getting any better?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird begin with the question of assurance. Drawing on Romans 10, Tom explains why justification by faith assures believers that they belong to God's family, while baptism and the Eucharist remain powerful signs of God's grace.Next, they consider whether the cycle of creation, fall and redemption could repeat forever. Tom turns to Revelation 21–22 and the promise that evil will finally be defeated: there will be no serpent in the new garden.Finally, what does it mean to build for the kingdom rather than build the kingdom itself? Tom challenges both naive optimism and despair, explaining why even our smallest acts of faithfulness can have a place in God's ultimate new creation.
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