Throughout history the human condition has been one of exile, but through Jesus’ death we can find our true homecoming back to God.
“Gospel”
The gospel tells the story of how Jesus became King by fulfilling the story of Israel through his own life, death, and resurrection.
“Gospel of the Kingdom”
The “gospel” is not only the good news of salvation but an announcement of God’s kingdom and as citizens of this kingdom and servants of this King our allegiances should lie with none other than him.
“Image of God”
Through Jesus we are restored as full image bearers of God, representing his plan for the world through our own rule in creation.
“Temple”
Jesus is the ultimate reality to which the tabernacle and temple pointed. Through Jesus heaven and earth are joined together and through Jesus we become God’s temple as his Spirit dwells in us. Therefore, to be God’s temple means that the primary way that heaven (God’s presence and his will) is experienced on earth is through us.
“Heaven and Earth”
Eternal life is so much more than simply living forever. It’s about a life of flourishing that flows out of trusting fellowship and obedient surrender to God. The rest of the Bible’s story is about God’s mission to once again bring heaven and earth together.
“Tree of Life”
In the opening pages of the Bible, God creates a garden, and right in the center is the tree of life. God gives humans living breath, and with this tree he offers eternal life. In contrast to this gift stands the tree of knowing good and bad, and eating from it, God warns, causes death. The two trees pose a …