A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology

by J. Richard Middleton

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2014

Overview

In recent years, more and more Christians have come to appreciate the Bible’s teaching that the ultimate blessed hope for the believer is not an otherworldly heaven; instead, it is full-bodied participation in a new heaven and a new earth brought into fullness through the coming of God’s kingdom. Drawing on the full sweep of the biblical narrative, J. Richard Middleton unpacks key Old Testament and New Testament texts to make a case for the new earth as the appropriate Christian hope. He suggests its ethical and ecclesial implications, exploring the difference a holistic eschatology can make for living in a broken world.

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Key Features

• Draws on both the Old and New Testaments
• Juxtaposes the broader biblical narrative with eschatological pericopes
• Examines the ethical implications of God’s final judgment

Contents

• From Creation to Eschaton
  • Why Are We Here? Being Human as Sacred Calling
  • The Plot of the Biblical Story
• Holistic Salvation in the Old Testament
  • The Exodus as Paradigm of Salvation
  • Earthly Flourishing in Law, Wisdom, and Prophecy
  • The Coming of God in Judgment and Salvation
• The New Testament’s Vision of Cosmic Renewal
  • Resurrection and the Restoration of Rule
  • The Redemption of All Things
• Problem Texts for Holistic Eschatology
  • Cosmic Destruction at Christ’s Return?
  • The Role of Heaven in Biblical Eschatology
• The Ethics of the Kingdom
  • The Good News at Nazareth
  • The Challenge of the Kingdom

Praise for the Print Edition

Rooted in Scripture, chock-full of insight, clearly and fetchingly written, A New Heaven and a New Earth winsomely presents the biblical story of holistic salvation. Over against the all-too-common eschatology of heavenly rapture and earthly destruction, Richard Middleton’s new book reclaims the scriptural vision of cosmic renewal.

—Steven Bouma-Prediger, professor of religion, Hope College; author, For the Beauty of the Earth

This volume is a superb theological examination of a key biblical theme that is all too often neglected in academic circles. Ranging widely across Old Testament and New Testament texts, with careful attention to the history of Christian interpretation on this issue, Middleton presents a very thoughtful treatment that deserves wide attention.

—Terence E. Fretheim, emeritus Elva B. Lovell Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary

Richard Middleton is talking about a revolution! Why should Christians settle for the anemic goal of eternity spent in heaven when the Bible’s robust vision is one of a resurrected humanity on the new earth? Set your imagination free from the chains of other-worldly dualism, and enter into the brilliant and fascinating world of the biblical story, where the vision of all things redeemed breathes new life into our discipleship.

—Sylvia Keesmaat, adjunct professor of biblical studies, Trinity College, University of Toronto

Product Details

• Title: A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology
• Author: J. Richard Middleton
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 336
• Christian Group: Evangelicals
• Resource Type: Monographs
• Topic: Eschatology

About the Author

J. Richard Middleton is Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary, located on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. He also serves as adjunct professor of Old Testament at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology in Kingston, Jamaica. He served as president of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association from 2011 to 2014.

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