Ep. 149 Jon DePue: Part 1 of a discussion on "Beyond Justification" co-authored with Douglas Campbell (or...Paul's Original Gospel & the Ultimate Redemption of All!)
May 6, 2024
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Jon DePue, co-author of 'Beyond Justification' with Douglas Campbell, discusses Paul's original gospel of inclusive love, God's eternal plan of redemption, human liberty, cosmic perspectives, and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. They explore Paul's theology, adoption language, and the unifying of humanity in Christ, highlighting the ultimate message of universal salvation.
God's unconditional love extends to all, inviting humanity into His family before creation.
Redemption in Ephesians signifies freedom from sin's burdens, offering a renewed sense of wholeness.
The podcast highlights Christ as the center of unity, symbolizing the gathering of all things in Him.
Deep dives
God's Unconditional Love and Inclusive Plan for Humanity
God's plan for humanity is rooted in unconditional love and inclusivity. The podcast delves into Ephesians and discusses how humanity is chosen to be adopted into God's family from before the foundation of the world, emphasizing God's redemptive act through Jesus. This adoption metaphor conveys the idea of being drawn into God's life and family. Despite the use of adoption language, it's highlighted that all humans are inherently children of God, with God's love preceding creation.
Redemption and Release from Sin's Grip
The concept of redemption from sin is explored through Ephesians, which describes redemption as release from sinful debts through Jesus' sacrificial act. The podcast discusses the interpretation of sin as a crushing weight, likened to debt, which harms and damages individuals. Redemption is portrayed as the elimination of this burden, freeing individuals from the consequences of sin and offering a new sense of freedom and wholeness.
Unity and Reconciliation in Christ's Headship
The podcast delves into Ephesians 1:10, emphasizing the concept of gathering all things in Christ and the idea of recapitulation. This language hints at the reunion of humanity under Christ's headship, with the body of Christ symbolizing humanity united with Christ as the head. The discussion underscores a vision of unity and reconciliation through Christ, aligning with the early fathers' interpretation of humanity's relationship with Christ.
God's Initial Plan and Humanity's Predicament
Christ has always been God's plan A, indicating a predetermined rescue operation due to humanity's nature and sin. Christian philosopher Thomas Talbot emphasizes that God's pre-existing rescue plan acknowledges human struggles and the influence of opposing evil forces. Paul highlights sin as a dominant force capturing humanity, with cosmic powers and elemental principles opposing God's purposes, symbolized by Satan. This worldview of battling against evil powers reflects a deeper understanding of sin's influence beyond personal choices.
God's Solution to Sin and Resurrection's Significance
Humanity's enslavement to evil forces within and without necessitates death as the initial solution, showcased by Christ's death on the cross defeating death itself. Resurrection and glorification follow as the ultimate solution, offering new life beyond flesh, sin, and death for all connected to Christ. Early church fathers viewed Christ's victory over evil powers as a universal triumph, emphasizing the defeat of sin and death for all humanity. The victorious narrative of Christ's death and resurrection extends grace universally, reshaping ethical living and restoring the creation.
