For a long time this now classic exposition of messianic eschatology has influenced me; at the same time I keep wanting to understand it better! Reformed theologian Moltmann continues moving beyond theology for the church to theology for the world, essentially proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ [in the power of the Spirit] as the horizon of the fullness of God's future new creation inbreaking and also becoming fully realized amidst the present suffering of creation.
Over and against theology of the first article of the Creed, or theology of the essential goodness of creation, beyond what we recognize as the Reformers' second article theology of sinful depravity over and against grace made manifest in the cross of Calvary, third article theology of church and world in the sovereignty and power of the Holy Spirit interprets the Spirit encompassing all creation in the brokenness of the cross along with the triumph and the hope of resurrection, the glory of Jesus Christ's ascension.
Almost every paragraph is packed full of ideas to contemplate and consider; I'll conclude with a couple of quotes: [page 238] "In the power of the Holy Spirit baptism is entirely and exclusively related to the Christ event and must therefore be understood as the representation, witness, sign, and illumination of this event. It points away from itself and its own happening in the direction of Christ alone." And, [page 358] "What constitutes the apostolate are the appearance and the commission of the risen Christ, not merely the discipleship of the [359] earthly Jesus."
The Church in the power of the Spirit for the world!
my amazon review: theology for the world
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