After the expulsion from Eden, God immediately sets out on a mission of restoring humankind (relationally) and creation (physically) which will one day end in a renewed heavens and renewed earth. With this holistic mission before us and using restoration (e.g., Jubilee) as an overarching principle, we trace its theological, economic, social, and ethical implications in the Old Testament. The theme of Jubilee and restoration is pick-ed up by Jesus (i.e. Luke 4:1-18) with similar underpinnings and holistic thrust, flowing chiefly from the cross-work and resurrection of Christ and issued forth in godly living. Restoration is further traced via the writings of Paul (Rom. 8:18-25), Peter (2 Pet. 2:1-10) and John (Rev.21:1-3) where God’s plan of the restoration and renewal brings an accompanying responsibility for the people of God to behave mor-ally and responsibly. For the authors of the New Testament, and in light of the end-times, ethics and the eschatology are two sides of the same coin.
The Bachelor course is intended to build on earlier courses in the Biblical stream by focusing on a theme while also underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to mission as Christians live in the last days.
The mission of God begins in a Garden and culminates in the New Jerusalem. But what takes place in between? This course enables students to reflect critically on mission in a holistic manner and from a range of biblical texts and readings. Mission is about the forgiveness of sins but it is more profound and thoroughgoing than this and has economic, social and moral ramifications as God works to bring about the renewal of all creation.
The course discusses Old and New Testament texts in assessing the Christians responsibilities between the present and the future.
Understanding God’s mission in the end-times requires a sensitivity to read both Testaments as single story-line as Christians wait and work for the climax of God’s redemptive purposes.
We move from ancient context (the New Testament) to the contemporary context (21st century) of the learner so that the connections between the two are clear.
How this course applies across cultures will be borne in mind.
Students will be invited to reflect on their own moral and ethical responsibilities to live in light of the culmination of all things.
Living in the end-times requires sensitivity to and caring for God’s creation. How should this affect the way I live? Can I live more simply? For example, does my family need two cars when one might suffice?
