A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Creation and Life
2 The Fall: Death and God’s Promise of Redemption
3 The Unfolding Promise of Life in the Pentateuch and Historical Books
4 Sayings and Songs of Life and Resurrection
5 Prophecies of Resurrection
6 Jesus’ Life, Ministry, and Death on the Cross
7 The Resurrection of Jesus
8 The Church Raised to New Life
9 Future Resurrection
10 Concluding Thoughts on Resurrection Life
Recommendations for Further Reading
Discussion Questions
Summary
Introduction
People have an intuitive recognition that humanity was created for life. They long to flourish, and throughout history people have looked for eternal life or the fountain of youth. Life can be good, but there is also pain and sorrow, suffering and death. God created the world to be very good, but the fall into sin has brought death and frustration. The biblical-theological categories of creation, fall, and redemption correspond with life, death, and resurrection. Resurrection refers to, “God’s act to raise his people from the dead to a bodily and glorified eternal life in the new creation.” Since God created us for life, salvation includes physical resurrection and living forever in the new heaven and new earth. Our eternal state and great hope are not that we will live in an ethereal heaven as disembodied spirits. In eternity, those who are united with Christ will share in the glory of his resurrection.
Much more attention has been given to the doctrine of the atonement than the resurrection, and we need a more robust biblical understanding of the resurrection’s importance. In Scripture, the resurrection is vital for the biblical worldview, and “Jesus is risen” was a central confession—it was one of the things of first importance (1 Cor 15). The doctrine of the resurrection sets Christianity apart from other religions. It is essential for discipleship, since it gives us comfort, hope, and courage in this life. In the resurrection, our last enemy—death—is defeated.
Chapter 1: Creation and Life
It may seem odd to start reflecting on the resurrection by beginning in Genesis 1, but unless we understand why God made human beings in the first place, we won’t understand the purpose of our existence. God created us for his glory, and he created us for life. God is a life-giving God; he is the source of life, and he breathed life into Adam. The basis for our life is a relationship with God himself. He has provided instructions for how to live and flourish in this world, and turning away from him in rebellion meant death. Life flourishes in the presence of God, and Eden shows that God made human beings to dwell in his presence. God created people to serve him as vice-regents: he gives our lives purpose and significance. All of this is for his glory, and we are called to worship him. As his image bearers, we are to honor him by our conduct, ruling over creation as God’s vice-regents. We are created to be God’s people in relationship with him, living in God’s place (i.e., living in his presence), under God’s reign as his vice-regents (which is our purpose in life). Our life can only flourish in relationship with God, and life and resurrection are his gifts. God created the world for life, and Adam and Eve had everything they needed so that they could flourish in the presence of God.
Chapter 2: The Fall: Death and God’s Promise of Redemption
In the Garden, God gave Adam and Eve life and established the parameters of their relationship with him. He gave them a beautiful job to do, and everything he created and provided for them should have caused them to trust him completely. Instead of obeying him, however, Adam and Eve trusted the serpent and fell into sin. The penalty for sin is death; rather than trust the source of life, they turned and chose death instead. In their sin, they broke their covenant relationship with their Creator. In mercy God did not take their lives immediately, but death was inevitable. Their relationship with God was severed, and this broken relationship is now a reality for every one of their descendants apart from Christ. As a result of their sin they were cut-off from God’s presence and banished from the garden. Their purpose had been to glorify God and serve under him as his vice-regents, but they failed to do so and now began to sinfully serve themselves, seeking their own glory. Self-glorification became humanity’s aim.
Nevertheless, in grace God promised a deliverer who would crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15). God’s original creation purposes did not change, but people needed a strong savior who would defeat their enemies. Our broken relationship with God would be restored, and thus life would be restored. Life would extend beyond death, with God’s people being restored to life in his presence. Once again, God’s image bearers would serve as his vice-regents and give him glory. The promise of victory requires life after death; redemption requires resurrection. After their sin, God provides Adam and Eve with coverings made from animal skins. This shows that life is now tied to sacrifice. Even in the immediate aftermath of their sinful rebellion, God provides them with hope and grace. . . .
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