#100 Jesus the revolutionary - NT Wright at London Bible Week
Jan 13, 2022
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NT Wright, a New Testament scholar, discusses the transformative power of the cross, the victory achieved through Jesus' death, Jesus as the true king and high priest, the condemnation of sin, worship, the church's purpose, and the power of love in living out the victory of God.
Jesus' death on the cross was a victory over evil and demonstrated the power of sacrificial love.
The cross transforms our identity, frees us from idols, and empowers us to reflect the love and glory of God.
The cross is the means by which Jesus establishes the kingdom of God, bringing about the reconciliation and renewal of all things.
Deep dives
The Meaning of Jesus' Death
The central theme of the podcast episode is the significance of Jesus' death on the cross. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' death was not just a celestial mechanism or a punishment borne by an innocent victim; rather, it was a victory over the dark forces of evil. By dying on the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers and demonstrated the power of sacrificial love. The speaker highlights that the cross is not just an act of atonement for individual sins, but also a revolutionary moment that inaugurates the kingdom of God on earth and reveals the love and nature of God.
The Transformative Power of the Cross
The podcast explores the transformative power of the cross, emphasizing that it changes the way we view ourselves and our purpose. The speaker proposes that the cross not only forgives our sins, but also frees us from the grip of idols and empowers us to live as genuine human beings. Through the cross, we are called to reflect the love and glory of God into the world, becoming image bearers who engage in royal and priestly tasks. The speaker underlines that being passover people means experiencing the victory over evil and participating in God's new creation.
The Relationship Between the Cross and the Kingdom of God
The podcast highlights the close relationship between the cross and the kingdom of God. The speaker argues that the cross is the means by which Jesus defeats the powers of evil and establishes the kingdom of God on earth. Drawing from Scriptures, the speaker emphasizes that Jesus' crucifixion marks the moment when a victory was won, and that Easter demonstrates the permanent victory over sin and death. The cross, therefore, is not separate from the kingdom of God, but rather the central event that brings about the reconciliation and renewal of all things.
The Role of Worship in Responding to the Cross
The podcast emphasizes the importance of worship and its role in responding to the cross. The speaker suggests that worship should go beyond mere rituals and traditions, and instead focus on celebrating and reflecting the victory of Christ on the cross. By worshiping in spirit and truth, Christians become a sign to the world and the cosmic powers that Jesus is Lord. The speaker encourages the renewal of worship practices to reflect the transformative power of the cross and to demonstrate the love and victory of God.
Living Out the Victory of the Cross
The podcast calls for actively living out the victory of the cross in daily life. The speaker urges believers to embrace their vocation as part of the royal priesthood, reflecting the manifold wisdom of God in the world. The victory of the cross should be manifested through acts of love, justice, and service. The podcast highlights examples of practical expressions of the victory of the cross, such as supporting asylum seekers, engaging in spiritual warfare, and being a presence of hope and help in the midst of darkness. The speaker emphasizes that all believers can find their personal vocations within the framework of reflecting the victory of the cross in the world.