Proposition #7 from Plowing in Hope 7. Redemptive history is Gods unfolding purpose for man to make a covenanted people for Himself from the fallen, sinful human race. (One aspect) of redemptive history is restoring mankind to holiness of body and soul in order that Gods original culturative program may be fulfilled with joyful obedience. In the second sentence of Hegemans 7th proposition, I have supplied the phrase one aspect in place of the authors original phrase the ultimate purpose of. In my opinion, it is an imbalanced overstatement to say the ultimate purpose of redemptive history is fill in the blank. Nevertheless, Hegeman highlights a helpful and important biblical truth that is sadly overlooked or erroneously disagreed with in our day -- namely, the scope of redemptive history is broader than the salvation of individual souls. Gods redemptive program certainly includes the salvation of individual souls. However, redemption, as John Murray has stated, has cosmic proportions. God saves people, body & soul, to form His holy race, with whom He will dwell in everlasting fellowship in the New Heavens & Earth. Redemption is the restoration (and the eventual glorification) of true humanity and the original creation design. The cultural mandate was not revoked or replaced. The missionary endeavors of the people of God (culminating in the Great Commission) operate against the backdrop of and parallel with the original cultural mandate. Consider just a few verses as examples of this point (e.g. Genesis 3:23; 9:1-2, 7, 20; Jeremiah 29:4-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Hegeman cites a wonderful quote from J.I. Packer and Thomas Howard in Christianity: The True Humanism as fitting summary: To affirm and bask in the goodness of the world, to praise God for the wonders of creation, to practice responsible stewardship of this small planet, and to honor its Maker by using its resources wisely for the welfare of the race and the enriching of human life are all integral aspects of the work Christians are called to do. Any idea that consistent Christianity must undermine or diminish concern for the tasks of civilization should be dismissed once and for all.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 03:07:22 +0000