The Ressurection

Lately I've become an avid reader of NT Wright, and have found his Theology very lively and stimulating. But what I've really learned to appreciate as a result his writings is the importance of the resurrection. And rightly so,the apostle Paul told the Corinthian church that: 'if Christ has not be raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith' (1 Corinthians 15:14). Peter abhors his readers to: 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead'. (1 Peter 1:3). Just two verses which emphasise the history changing moment of the Resurrection.

So, in this time of lent, how does the Resurrection effect my life?

For me, the Resurrection is when God made the ultimate intervention in time and space, where we are left in a state of eschatology of the beginning of a new creation, but not quite fulfilled (almost, but not yet). And Wright points out that the culmination of this new creation is not just the 'going to heaven when we die', but the promise of 'heaven on earth' (Revelation 21). And it's
this assurance which shines like a bright beacon on a hill, and its radiance effects our 'here and now', particularly in terms of virtue and hope. Because virtue comes as a result of a life lived in relationship, which in turn brings about a transformation of character, and the hope of a heaven on earth where all tears will be wiped away......