YES!! Mt husband before passing had only 1 wish ... to be in the presence of God and at the feet of Jesus. 7/23/17 he died in my arms & his only concern was me. I kept telling him "God's got me!" And his last exhaled breath was "I love you so much!" But I know in my heart of hearts he is where he's always wanted to be ... seeing Jesus as He is & worshipping Him. Thank you Lord for Monday's uplifting message. Keep our Pastor safe & in good health. Amen. God Bless you N.T. Wright ...I was sent to you & your teachings by the Lord & I praise Him daily for doing so. You are my gift from (blessing) from God. 🙏🕊💕💖💞
So helpful and life giving reminder. I had an atheist friend ask me recently, why "Christians are only concerned with after life and not the present life." Such a good reminder that knowing Jesus now changes us for this present life.
I watch these after preaching… beats scrolling through post service instagram. Thank you Dr Wright. So glad you are here. 🇬🇧🇺🇸Asbury Theological Seminary grad.
This transformation comes in the here and now when one is Born again. Very few commentators speak about being Born of the spirit. It seems like very few are Born again.
Absolutely brilliant! This is one more way of seeing that it’s heaven coming to earth in Jesus and soon when He appears again that transforms us. As Dallas Willard explained, there is no cosmic car wash; we must be now who we want to be then. And the more we see if Jesus the more we’ll reflect Him in the here and now. Thank you Dr. Wright for your exceptional insight into scripture.
Thank you so much for your kind words! While N.T Wright doesn't monitor this channel, our team and donors are glad you found the teaching uplifting and inspiring. Your support means a lot to us. Blessings to you! --NTW Online Team
1 John 3:2 " Beloved ones, we are now, already, God’s children it hasn’t yet been revealed what we are going to be. We know that when he is revealed we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." The very part of that statement tells us who we are and how should conduct ourselves in this press age. We do not have to wait to become children of God but I am a child of God.
Hi , thank you to Mr Wright for all his outstanding philosophy and understanding of the Bible, and the inner spirit of Paul, and Yeshua, and the way that he appears to understand that the focus of the Gospel is "above all love one another " and above all love is the greatest" for this was the focus of the entire Bible and the saints who wrote it. Thank you for your videos indeed . God Bless you
I saw Him in this life when I was calling His name to get me rid of the devils who were bothering me. It was the dead of the night, I was having nightmares with those devils which felt quite real. Then I called on His name multiple times. And then first, I heard someone shot down like the sound of a bullet.. My spirit straightened up in the bed. He was standing, hands exactly like in the Shroud of Turin. He wore a white tunic with red sachet across His chest. His golden hair was glistening in the dark and down to His earlobes. His expression was a beam, just like a father looks at his own newborn. It was a second of sight. But thanks to Him, the devils never bothered me again. Literally it's the spirit who wakes up to see Him so not with a naked eye like we see other humans. God blesses abundantly those who believe in the Holy Son 🙌🏻
This is absolutely brilliant, and has so many applications for a sermon I have been asked to give on "A New Identity". While we have a new identity in Christ, what I'm picking up here is that 1) our new identity may not be fully known until we see Christ face to face at his second coming, 2) we have the opportunity to begin that transformation into our new identity now by looking intently at Jesus through prayer, scripture, creation, etc. and 3) our new identity is not simply an individual identity, though Revelation 2:17 says that we will receive a name known only to us, it is a new familial identity. We are, as Tom says, "God's children who stand ready to inherit all God's promises for creation..."
What a great, succinct teaching on what our future hope and glory is. It would be encouraging to send this to someone who just experienced a loss. Thank you Bishop Wright.
I have been asking the question of “how will we not sin after getting to heaven?” to no avail. It seems even the well seasoned followers cannot seem to answer me questions. Adam and Eve walked and talked with him and still full. The disciples too. I think this is my answer and it has brought me great peace.
It is reassuring to know that in the person of Jesus, God came to dwell with us--in the midst of flawed people. One way of looking at this question (how will we not sin...) might be through a lens of new creation. We can imagine fully redeemed humans living with Christ forever in renewed, resurrected bodies and fully renewed minds. The hope of goodness and righteousness will be the very essence of life without sin.
A few years ago, I was scheduled to fly into Texas for one of your lectures. Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and it was cancelled. But I am enjoying these wonderful and wise moments online, thank you for taking the time to share.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we're glad you're enjoying N.T. Wright's content. N.T. Wright does not personally monitor this channel, but our team is grateful for your support and engagement. We're sorry to hear that your previous plans were disrupted, but we're happy to announce that we'll be in Texas again in June for the Summer Intensive event, "All the Fullness of God," where we'll be exploring Ephesians in depth. It'd be great to see you there! Thank you for being a part of our community and for your encouragement.
Thank you Tom for this very encouraging message. In 1st Corinthians 1:9 it is written that “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord “. By calling us into the holy, loving relationship of the Father, Son and Spirit, God has started a “good work” in us which he has promised to complete (Philippians 1:6). And we know that all the promises of God are “Yes in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Believers have received a wonderful calling that cannot be revoked or rescinded.(Romans 11:29). We can only go forward with Jesus Christ! God takes no pleasure in the soul that “draws back”. (Hebrews 10:38).
Facing mortality more these days with loss of friends, something that happens more and more when you reach your 70's with failing body, (sometimes) failing mind, feelings of weakness and inadequacy... It is so good to reflect on the promises and reality of what the Bible says. It seems clear to me that heaven isn't the goal. Being like Jesus is the goal. When I reflect on Jesus character seeking to walk in his way, I realize that it is much more than keeping commandments. The commandments, I believe, only lead us to his character and show us our failing. I am learning that Jesus is full of love, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. He is always just. He is full of grace, mercy and peace. +++++. Are we like that all the time? Hardly. It seems to me it's all about relationship to the Father, to his creation, to our neighbor, to ourselves. Jesus spoke of the greatest of all the commandments to love God and the second greatest commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We fall so short...even the best of us. There is so much to Jesus and his character that it is a lifetime learning curve. I believe, in this life, we are always a work in progress reflecting who he is to the world when we are walking in his way individually and collectively. The truth I hear is that we can look forward to the day we will be transformed finally and completely into his image when we meet him and see him in his perfection. We will be the people we were meant to be from the very beginning. Amazing grace! I love seeing all the thought provoking comments and testimonoies here.
Good words! Thank you for the encouraging reminder of our 'lifetime learning curve' and the call to reflect God's love to all creation, our present and future hope.
@@NTWrightOnline Thank you so much, sir, for engaging our hearts and minds in truth and hope. Your writing and teaching has brought so much clarity and understanding of the Way, the Truth and the Life in my latter years. I am very grateful.
He brilliantly said, you will most probably not see Jesus the moment you die since we are not sure on account of scripture not being clear on the matter, but we will be seeing Jesus the moment of resurrection in the end. The focus was then brilliantly placed where it belongs, a transformed life in advance having hope, the hope of completion in Jesus.
The fact that God is the creator of this world and when I see all the beautiful details, I am very wondered. The transforming of ourselfs and by extension "the earth" (the whole kosmos) is a great mystery to me. What will we cognise and what will completely new? Probably there will be a lot of surprising elements! Sometimes I think the change will be gradual. And the church has to play a role in this, but at the same time waiting for His geat "finish" (or start..)
I love all the mystery that shrouds the concept of after-life. It keeps us in a state where we must completely trust Jesus without the promise of fully understanding how His kingdom works. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6 He gives us a very childlike way of approaching life, of simply trusting Him as a father, a very wise father. My identity is no longer the focus. My inheritance is not the focus. Nothing about me is the focus. I just fix my eyes on Him in EVERYTHING I do, and He will show me what is next. The more I look at Him, the more I will reflect Him. And then when I see Him sometime after this life, I will know Him and He will know me, and I will reflect Him. The point is to have a relationship with Him. What’s next after this life? Who cares?? As long as I know Him, I can trust Him with whatever is next! I’m not owed anything, I haven’t earned anything, I simply am His…I just am. This revelation from His Holy Spirit has set me free from religion and from the trap of having to know and understand everything. Trusting Jesus is the safest place I’ve ever been! That is His work - what He can do with a surrendered heart. There’s no where else I want to be, and I’m so grateful that He has chosen me to be with Him. He desires ALL of humanity to be His family. He has chosen you, will you choose Him? It must be mutual, because He does not force anyone to accept his offer of adoption into His family. We love Him because He loved us first.
Yes - we do not have to be purified to come into the presence of Jesus - it’s the coming into the presence of Jesus that purifies us. If we need to be purified to come into the presence of God then how did any of us become Christians in the first place? Maranatha.,
It seems to me that there is a principle in Scripture: you become like whatever it is that you give attention to; worship being the highest form of attention. You see this in Psalm 115 and Jeremiah with regards to idols; here in 1 John 3 we have, I think, the highest application of this principle.
Thanks. Pleased to hear “the new testament is very reticent" about answering after-death questions. There's enough unknowns this side of death in spite of google. But is it understandable (that some should ask about life after death). “When we see him that is what will transform us” I understand seeing Jesus here as realising that the post-resurrection man was different to the man from Galilee. So the transformation process begins, and the Spirit moves us to purify ourselves in anticipation (vs3). What we will become I think is what Jesus became, a new man. So as it is written, in the same way that he ascended into heaven so shall he return. That is as that new man, in us. The secret hidden wisdom of God - Christ in us the hope of glory.
Greetings NT Wright, I enjoyed your general comments, but you left open an immortal soul going to heaven at death. I believe in the return of Jesus and the resurrection 2 Timothy 4:1,6-8. Kind regards Trevor
Thanks for the observation. Yes, the ultimate destiny for the Christian is bodily resurrection and an existence on the New Earth where the 'New Jerusalem' will reside with God forever there. In this particular episode of our devotionals, we're talking about the 'intermediate state' where Christians find rest and refreshment, awaiting the Lord's return. In ways not totally clear to us, we will 'be with the Lord' as Paul says in Philippians.
@@NTWrightOnline Greetings again NT Wright (Online), Having immortal souls is either right or wrong, but I believe Genesis 3:19, that Adam, the whole man would die. I believe that the dead are asleep in the grave, asleep in the dust of the earth Daniel 12:2-3. they at present dwell in dust Isaiah 26:19-21.. Kind regards Trevor
The way we see that passage, the writer speaks of our hope being in God ALONE, then, in verse 5 he says, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5) You see that? He has not mentioned the name of Jesus yet, because Jesus did that and, because HE is the One true & living God, He is the only one we will see when we are transformed BY seeing HIM.
The Lord gives me strength, it’s because of him I have persevered. I have two beautiful boys both are autistic. My husband passed away years ago. I’m all alone. I lost my job over declining the vaccine. LIKE MANY OTHERS! I declined due to my pre existing health conditions lupus and heart disease. I’ve been struggling to provide for myself and my children since losing my job from Forsyth hospital. I’m now waitressing, and I’m thankful, but I’m not making nearly enough to get by. Groceries are super expensive. Every month is a battle to not end up on the streets with my two children. I’m constantly in fear of losing my home. To even think about being on the streets with two young children is terrifying. But even as I face homelessness seemingly every month. I have faith, God will provide. With GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Faith over fear.
I am praying for you child of God!! I have been there but with 1 child. Jehovah Jirah theORD our provider. These struggles are to strengthen us and because you are His to draw us closer to rely solely on Him. Then you will be able to comfort others in the future who will be going through what you are. 🙏 Joshua 1:9 was my go to verse & YES nothing... NOTHING is impossible with God. Do not be moved ... do not listen to those inner voices of despair & self pity ... Abba is with you wherever you go. Jesus promises to never leave you OR forsake you NO MATTER WHAT. Cling to His promises and the Holy Spirit will be a Light unto your feet & a lamp to your path providing help. God bless you & I love you too!! 😍 🙏🕊
I, too, am praying for you ChildofGOD. I pray for favor and provision, But mostly, I pray for GRACE. His grace IS truly continuously sufficient for you. You must trust Him and ask Him to show you how it is sufficient for YOU specifically. He will not fail you. Peace.
Thank you for insights on this verse. The American evangelical church suffers from too many copycat teachers who pass on bad eschatology. In my humble opinion.
I feel that the Bishop here obfuscates around the truth...death is well presented within Scripture as sleeping in Christ and Paul was very definitive about wishing to depart to be with Christ (phil 1:23) which for him was much better! Also the context of this verse is in relation to the return of Christ!
Prof. Wright is speaking primarily, as you commented, of the coming day when Christ returns and we will 'see him'. The focus is on the transformation that will happen when that day occurs. Hope that helps.
Jesus is not God the Father or God the Son, because he tells us variously *the Father is greater than I* and *You must worship the Son as you worship the Father* and so we have to unravel the relationship. God is Spirit, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, this is the Trinity of One God. God has one Son begotten not made which means *Of Himself* this could be compared to the relationship we have with ourselves when we address ourselves with regard to any venture we ask how feasible it is, and we get our own answer, just as God who asks Himself any question He too receives His own answer from the faculty of Truth and also Wisdom because God's self loves Him the answer is always at a higher level of Truth and Wisdom taking into account God's righteousness and His Providence. The Word of the Lord is zealous to put into effect all that the Father has given Him, and as the Father creates Life the Son has life in Himself The Son has a privelidge in that everyone *through time* will hear his testimony and the children of God are his progeny which he sires (non-sexually) as a proxy for God the Father who has but One Son. In order to create the Children of God there has to be a feminine, this is the Holy Spirit who is the source of the human soul, this means that the human soul is feminine in males and females. *The exegesis of the soul* states _The sages that came before us gave the soul a feminine name, she also has a feminine nature and even has a womb_ Simeon told Mary that *and a sword shall pierce your own soul* this is a Holy Impregnation by the Word of the Lord that can occur during life when someone is either *convinced of his faith* or has received his _accounting of judgement during life_ where the Word of the Lord allows that person to see the child of God leaving his deceased body during judgement. So we are all to be the children of God by the fertility of the Virgin who is the Holy Spirit. There is no disputing that the Trinity is established in Jesus Christ but God is beyond comparison or limitation, yet according to biblical tradition a person could be given permission to rule co-equally with a human ruler and God responds to generosity with generosity, Jesus says in the Beatific Vision *I am wholehearted as is my Father wholehearted, you are halfhearted* Notice that He calls God the Father "my Father" . Therefore we can pray to Jesus and he can act accordingly to our needs. But Jesus is also the Son of Man, John 3:13 *No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven-the Son of Man* The process by which this was accomplished is that God made a promise to Abraham and his progeny, He adopted Jacob and renamed him ISRAEL Israel died and left Paradise a thousand years later 1400 years before Jesus, God said to Israel *You are my servant Israel in whom I shall be glorified* Jesus identified John the Baptist as Elijah redivivus and John the Baptist identified Jesus as Israel redivivus in John 1:26-27 _“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”_ Together with John 3:13 the origin of Jesus is Israel so *Jesus is the Son of Man*
The bible answers what happens when a human being dies: he goes unconscious i.e. death. believers are resurrected to life in Christ. unbelievers do not come back to life in resurrection but remain dead forever i.e. perish.
is that what happened to Jesus when He died? No. Death does not mean "remain dead forever"...and since Jesus CONQUERED death [2Tim 1:10, 1Cor15:5-57]. ALL will be resurrected because Jesus was risen up [John 12:32]... some will be raised to eternal life in Christ Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven... the rest to damnation in the lake of fire be careful because it sounds like you are parroting "soul sleep" which is a lie... for believers, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.(2Cor 5:8) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29) Read Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
What do you make of Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross? That seems to imply a conscious experience of Jesus' presence after death. Or am I missing something.
The promise of being with Christ in life after death is our promised rest, or paradise. The distinction is between this time of rest and the ultimate and final bodily resurrection, or the 'life after life after death'.
@@michaelkistner6286 He was telling him something "Now/today" not that he would enter paradise within 24 hours. Foundationally we need to keep the nature of man in mind which is strictly physical: Man does not have a soul, he is a soul or literally "breather"/nephesh in the hebrew. I don't believe the scriptures teach man having a conscious nature without the body. In addition Jesus was dead: i.e. unconscious for 3 days after crucifixion witch nixes the idea of an immediate entry into paradise. I could be wrong, just my opinion.
@@NTWrightOnline I respectfully disagree, but will continue to study. Where is the evidence man has conscious existence outside of his body? I think Paul's gospel was an emphasis on resurrection, with no intermediate state expounded upon or even taught if I remember correctly.
YES!! Mt husband before passing had only 1 wish ... to be in the presence of God and at the feet of Jesus. 7/23/17 he died in my arms & his only concern was me. I kept telling him "God's got me!" And his last exhaled breath was "I love you so much!" But I know in my heart of hearts he is where he's always wanted to be ... seeing Jesus as He is & worshipping Him. Thank you Lord for Monday's uplifting message. Keep our Pastor safe & in good health. Amen. God Bless you N.T. Wright ...I was sent to you & your teachings by the Lord & I praise Him daily for doing so. You are my gift from (blessing) from God. 🙏🕊💕💖💞
What a beautiful testimony, Sherry. Thank you for sharing. It is so good to see you here every week.
oh my goodness, Sherry, so nice. God bless you and help you. Thank you Professor, always enjoying you very much
Thank you for sharing that dear Sherry!
❤
Thank you Father for your Loving Kindness!
This was so good. Short but utterly thought provoking and encouraging. Thank you NT Wright.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re encouraged to hear that you found it thought-provoking. Your feedback means a lot.
And our eyes shall at last see him! Amen
Amen.. hallelujah.
❤🙏
let us(me) not be ashamed at his coming! come lord jesus!
Amen.
Provocatively encouraging!
So helpful and life giving reminder. I had an atheist friend ask me recently, why "Christians are only concerned with after life and not the present life." Such a good reminder that knowing Jesus now changes us for this present life.
Great message
This blessed me today. Thank you, Prof. Wright.
thank you, God's Peace to you also Dr. Wright
Hallelujah
I watch these after preaching… beats scrolling through post service instagram. Thank you Dr Wright. So glad you are here. 🇬🇧🇺🇸Asbury Theological Seminary grad.
Thanks for being here with us!
This transformation comes in the here and now when one is Born again. Very few commentators speak about being Born of the spirit. It seems like very few are Born again.
Absolutely brilliant! This is one more way of seeing that it’s heaven coming to earth in Jesus and soon when He appears again that transforms us. As Dallas Willard explained, there is no cosmic car wash; we must be now who we want to be then. And the more we see if Jesus the more we’ll reflect Him in the here and now. Thank you Dr. Wright for your exceptional insight into scripture.
Glad you enjoyed the video. And, yes, the Spirit renews and energises us for God's Kingdom now, until we see him face to face.
Your teaching on this subject is uplifting and inspiring. Thank you and bless you and all who make these films possible
Thank you so much for your kind words! While N.T Wright doesn't monitor this channel, our team and donors are glad you found the teaching uplifting and inspiring. Your support means a lot to us. Blessings to you! --NTW Online Team
Thank you for your work. This Channel is amazing.
We appreciate you. Thanks!
1 John 3:2 " Beloved ones, we are now, already, God’s children it hasn’t yet been revealed what we are going to be. We know that when he is revealed we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." The very part of that statement tells us who we are and how should conduct ourselves in this press age. We do not have to wait to become children of God but I am a child of God.
Hi , thank you to Mr Wright for all his outstanding philosophy and understanding of the Bible, and the inner spirit of Paul, and Yeshua, and the way that he appears to understand that the focus of the Gospel is "above all love one another " and above all love is the greatest" for this was the focus of the entire Bible and the saints who wrote it. Thank you for your videos indeed . God Bless you
I saw Him in this life when I was calling His name to get me rid of the devils who were bothering me. It was the dead of the night, I was having nightmares with those devils which felt quite real. Then I called on His name multiple times. And then first, I heard someone shot down like the sound of a bullet.. My spirit straightened up in the bed. He was standing, hands exactly like in the Shroud of Turin. He wore a white tunic with red sachet across His chest. His golden hair was glistening in the dark and down to His earlobes. His expression was a beam, just like a father looks at his own newborn. It was a second of sight. But thanks to Him, the devils never bothered me again. Literally it's the spirit who wakes up to see Him so not with a naked eye like we see other humans. God blesses abundantly those who believe in the Holy Son 🙌🏻
This is absolutely brilliant, and has so many applications for a sermon I have been asked to give on "A New Identity". While we have a new identity in Christ, what I'm picking up here is that 1) our new identity may not be fully known until we see Christ face to face at his second coming, 2) we have the opportunity to begin that transformation into our new identity now by looking intently at Jesus through prayer, scripture, creation, etc. and 3) our new identity is not simply an individual identity, though Revelation 2:17 says that we will receive a name known only to us, it is a new familial identity. We are, as Tom says, "God's children who stand ready to inherit all God's promises for creation..."
Thanks for sharing your reflections--great point about the expansion of our personal identity in Jesus.
What a great, succinct teaching on what our future hope and glory is. It would be encouraging to send this to someone who just experienced a loss. Thank you Bishop Wright.
I have been asking the question of “how will we not sin after getting to heaven?” to no avail. It seems even the well seasoned followers cannot seem to answer me questions. Adam and Eve walked and talked with him and still full. The disciples too. I think this is my answer and it has brought me great peace.
It is reassuring to know that in the person of Jesus, God came to dwell with us--in the midst of flawed people. One way of looking at this question (how will we not sin...) might be through a lens of new creation. We can imagine fully redeemed humans living with Christ forever in renewed, resurrected bodies and fully renewed minds. The hope of goodness and righteousness will be the very essence of life without sin.
A few years ago, I was scheduled to fly into Texas for one of your lectures. Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and it was cancelled. But I am enjoying these wonderful and wise moments online, thank you for taking the time to share.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we're glad you're enjoying N.T. Wright's content. N.T. Wright does not personally monitor this channel, but our team is grateful for your support and engagement.
We're sorry to hear that your previous plans were disrupted, but we're happy to announce that we'll be in Texas again in June for the Summer Intensive event, "All the Fullness of God," where we'll be exploring Ephesians in depth. It'd be great to see you there! Thank you for being a part of our community and for your encouragement.
Beautiful…I will play this again…again…and again. 🙂
We're glad you enjoyed it! What was a take-away or highlight for you?
Amen thankyou for your encouraging words
Thank you Tom for this very encouraging message. In 1st Corinthians 1:9 it is written that “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord “. By calling us into the holy, loving relationship of the Father, Son and Spirit, God has started a “good work” in us which he has promised to complete (Philippians 1:6). And we know that all the promises of God are “Yes in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Believers have received a wonderful calling that cannot be revoked or rescinded.(Romans 11:29). We can only go forward with Jesus Christ! God takes no pleasure in the soul that “draws back”. (Hebrews 10:38).
Well said NT. The message is transformative since the action required is behavior that aligns us more with the Lord.
So True Amen Thankyou Jesus Christ.
Another wonderful meditation. Thank you again - so very much!
Facing mortality more these days with loss of friends, something that happens more and more when you reach your 70's with failing body, (sometimes) failing mind, feelings of weakness and inadequacy... It is so good to reflect on the promises and reality of what the Bible says. It seems clear to me that heaven isn't the goal. Being like Jesus is the goal. When I reflect on Jesus character seeking to walk in his way, I realize that it is much more than keeping commandments. The commandments, I believe, only lead us to his character and show us our failing. I am learning that Jesus is full of love, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. He is always just. He is full of grace, mercy and peace. +++++. Are we like that all the time? Hardly. It seems to me it's all about relationship to the Father, to his creation, to our neighbor, to ourselves. Jesus spoke of the greatest of all the commandments to love God and the second greatest commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We fall so short...even the best of us. There is so much to Jesus and his character that it is a lifetime learning curve. I believe, in this life, we are always a work in progress reflecting who he is to the world when we are walking in his way individually and collectively. The truth I hear is that we can look forward to the day we will be transformed finally and completely into his image when we meet him and see him in his perfection. We will be the people we were meant to be from the very beginning. Amazing grace! I love seeing all the thought provoking comments and testimonoies here.
Good words! Thank you for the encouraging reminder of our 'lifetime learning curve' and the call to reflect God's love to all creation, our present and future hope.
@@NTWrightOnline Thank you so much, sir, for engaging our hearts and minds in truth and hope. Your writing and teaching has brought so much clarity and understanding of the Way, the Truth and the Life in my latter years. I am very grateful.
I wonder if one of the functions of the church is the generation and transmission of such transformative vision through and to one another.
Yes, and working out together how to 'live gladly and hopefully' as we live out our future in the present.
He brilliantly said, you will most probably not see Jesus the moment you die since we are not sure on account of scripture not being clear on the matter, but we will be seeing Jesus the moment of resurrection in the end. The focus was then brilliantly placed where it belongs, a transformed life in advance having hope, the hope of completion in Jesus.
I agree. Well said.
The fact that God is the creator of this world and when I see all the beautiful details, I am very wondered. The transforming of ourselfs and by extension "the earth" (the whole kosmos) is a great mystery to me. What will we cognise and what will completely new? Probably there will be a lot of surprising elements! Sometimes I think the change will be gradual. And the church has to play a role in this, but at the same time waiting for His geat "finish" (or start..)
Thanks for sharing your reflections. Transformation is a wonderful reality and promise to ponder!
I love all the mystery that shrouds the concept of after-life. It keeps us in a state where we must completely trust Jesus without the promise of fully understanding how His kingdom works.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6
He gives us a very childlike way of approaching life, of simply trusting Him as a father, a very wise father. My identity is no longer the focus. My inheritance is not the focus. Nothing about me is the focus. I just fix my eyes on Him in EVERYTHING I do, and He will show me what is next. The more I look at Him, the more I will reflect Him. And then when I see Him sometime after this life, I will know Him and He will know me, and I will reflect Him. The point is to have a relationship with Him. What’s next after this life? Who cares?? As long as I know Him, I can trust Him with whatever is next! I’m not owed anything, I haven’t earned anything, I simply am His…I just am. This revelation from His Holy Spirit has set me free from religion and from the trap of having to know and understand everything. Trusting Jesus is the safest place I’ve ever been! That is His work - what He can do with a surrendered heart. There’s no where else I want to be, and I’m so grateful that He has chosen me to be with Him. He desires ALL of humanity to be His family. He has chosen you, will you choose Him? It must be mutual, because He does not force anyone to accept his offer of adoption into His family. We love Him because He loved us first.
Thank you for sharing your reflections with us.
Yes - we do not have to be purified to come into the presence of Jesus - it’s the coming into the presence of Jesus that purifies us. If we need to be purified to come into the presence of God then how did any of us become Christians in the first place? Maranatha.,
Beautifully said! Jesus is our purification. Thank you for sharing your reflections.
It seems to me that there is a principle in Scripture: you become like whatever it is that you give attention to; worship being the highest form of attention. You see this in Psalm 115 and Jeremiah with regards to idols; here in 1 John 3 we have, I think, the highest application of this principle.
Thanks. Pleased to hear “the new testament is very reticent" about answering after-death questions. There's enough unknowns this side of death in spite of google. But is it understandable (that some should ask about life after death).
“When we see him that is what will transform us” I understand seeing Jesus here as realising that the post-resurrection man was different to the man from Galilee. So the transformation process begins, and the Spirit moves us to purify ourselves in anticipation (vs3). What we will become I think is what Jesus became, a new man. So as it is written, in the same way that he ascended into heaven so shall he return. That is as that new man, in us. The secret hidden wisdom of God - Christ in us the hope of glory.
What are ways that we can “seek that holiness” as Rev. Wright mentions? Thank you.
Perhaps, a first step into 'seeking' holy living might be explored with others in concrete communities of the Spirit. What do others think?
Greetings NT Wright,
I enjoyed your general comments, but you left open an immortal soul going to heaven at death. I believe in the return of Jesus and the resurrection 2 Timothy 4:1,6-8.
Kind regards
Trevor
Thanks for the observation. Yes, the ultimate destiny for the Christian is bodily resurrection and an existence on the New Earth where the 'New Jerusalem' will reside with God forever there. In this particular episode of our devotionals, we're talking about the 'intermediate state' where Christians find rest and refreshment, awaiting the Lord's return. In ways not totally clear to us, we will 'be with the Lord' as Paul says in Philippians.
@@NTWrightOnline Greetings again NT Wright (Online), Having immortal souls is either right or wrong, but I believe Genesis 3:19, that Adam, the whole man would die. I believe that the dead are asleep in the grave, asleep in the dust of the earth Daniel 12:2-3. they at present dwell in dust Isaiah 26:19-21..
Kind regards
Trevor
The way we see that passage, the writer speaks of our hope being in God ALONE, then, in verse 5 he says, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5)
You see that? He has not mentioned the name of Jesus yet, because Jesus did that and, because HE is the One true & living God, He is the only one we will see when we are transformed BY seeing HIM.
The Lord gives me strength, it’s because of him I have persevered. I have two beautiful boys both are autistic. My husband passed away years ago. I’m all alone. I lost my job over declining the vaccine. LIKE MANY OTHERS! I declined due to my pre existing health conditions lupus and heart disease. I’ve been struggling to provide for myself and my children since losing my job from Forsyth hospital. I’m now waitressing, and I’m thankful, but I’m not making nearly enough to get by. Groceries are super expensive. Every month is a battle to not end up on the streets with my two children. I’m constantly in fear of losing my home. To even think about being on the streets with two young children is terrifying. But even as I face homelessness seemingly every month. I have faith, God will provide. With GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Faith over fear.
I am praying for you child of God!! I have been there but with 1 child. Jehovah Jirah theORD our provider. These struggles are to strengthen us and because you are His to draw us closer to rely solely on Him. Then you will be able to comfort others in the future who will be going through what you are. 🙏 Joshua 1:9 was my go to verse & YES nothing... NOTHING is impossible with God. Do not be moved ... do not listen to those inner voices of despair & self pity ... Abba is with you wherever you go. Jesus promises to never leave you OR forsake you NO MATTER WHAT. Cling to His promises and the Holy Spirit will be a Light unto your feet & a lamp to your path providing help. God bless you & I love you too!! 😍 🙏🕊
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I, too, am praying for you ChildofGOD. I pray for favor and provision, But mostly, I pray for GRACE. His grace IS truly continuously sufficient for you. You must trust Him and ask Him to show you how it is sufficient for YOU specifically. He will not fail you. Peace.
Thank you for insights on this verse. The American evangelical church suffers from too many copycat teachers who pass on bad eschatology. In my humble opinion.
We're glad you enjoyed the video!
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Before we are Dead now we are alive through Him 😂😂😂
I feel that the Bishop here obfuscates around the truth...death is well presented within Scripture as sleeping in Christ and Paul was very definitive about wishing to depart to be with Christ (phil 1:23) which for him was much better! Also the context of this verse is in relation to the return of Christ!
Prof. Wright is speaking primarily, as you commented, of the coming day when Christ returns and we will 'see him'. The focus is on the transformation that will happen when that day occurs. Hope that helps.
Jesus is not God the Father or God the Son, because he tells us variously *the Father is greater than I* and *You must worship the Son as you worship the Father* and so we have to unravel the relationship.
God is Spirit, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, this is the Trinity of One God.
God has one Son begotten not made which means *Of Himself* this could be compared to the relationship we have with ourselves when we address ourselves with regard to any venture we ask how feasible it is, and we get our own answer, just as God who asks Himself any question He too receives His own answer from the faculty of Truth and also Wisdom because God's self loves Him the answer is always at a higher level of Truth and Wisdom taking into account God's righteousness and His Providence.
The Word of the Lord is zealous to put into effect all that the Father has given Him, and as the Father creates Life the Son has life in Himself The Son has a privelidge in that everyone *through time* will hear his testimony and the children of God are his progeny which he sires (non-sexually) as a proxy for God the Father who has but One Son.
In order to create the Children of God there has to be a feminine, this is the Holy Spirit who is the source of the human soul, this means that the human soul is feminine in males and females.
*The exegesis of the soul* states _The sages that came before us gave the soul a feminine name, she also has a feminine nature and even has a womb_
Simeon told Mary that *and a sword shall pierce your own soul* this is a Holy Impregnation by the Word of the Lord that can occur during life when someone is either *convinced of his faith* or has received his _accounting of judgement during life_ where the Word of the Lord allows that person to see the child of God leaving his deceased body during judgement.
So we are all to be the children of God by the fertility of the Virgin who is the Holy Spirit.
There is no disputing that the Trinity is established in Jesus Christ but God is beyond comparison or limitation, yet according to biblical tradition a person could be given permission to rule co-equally with a human ruler and God responds to generosity with generosity, Jesus says in the Beatific Vision *I am wholehearted as is my Father wholehearted, you are halfhearted*
Notice that He calls God the Father "my Father" .
Therefore we can pray to Jesus and he can act accordingly to our needs.
But Jesus is also the Son of Man, John 3:13 *No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven-the Son of Man*
The process by which this was accomplished is that God made a promise to Abraham and his progeny, He adopted Jacob and renamed him ISRAEL Israel died and left Paradise a thousand years later 1400 years before Jesus, God said to Israel *You are my servant Israel in whom I shall be glorified*
Jesus identified John the Baptist as Elijah redivivus and John the Baptist identified Jesus as Israel redivivus in John 1:26-27 _“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”_
Together with John 3:13 the origin of Jesus is Israel so *Jesus is the Son of Man*
Seen by physical eye's is not meant to be 😂😂😂
The bible answers what happens when a human being dies: he goes unconscious i.e. death. believers are resurrected to life in Christ. unbelievers do not come back to life in resurrection but remain dead forever i.e. perish.
is that what happened to Jesus when He died? No. Death does not mean "remain dead forever"...and since Jesus CONQUERED death [2Tim 1:10, 1Cor15:5-57]. ALL will be resurrected because Jesus was risen up [John 12:32]... some will be raised to eternal life in Christ Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven... the rest to damnation in the lake of fire
be careful because it sounds like you are parroting "soul sleep" which is a lie... for believers, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.(2Cor 5:8)
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
Read Luke 16:
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
What do you make of Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross? That seems to imply a conscious experience of Jesus' presence after death. Or am I missing something.
The promise of being with Christ in life after death is our promised rest, or paradise. The distinction is between this time of rest and the ultimate and final bodily resurrection, or the 'life after life after death'.
@@michaelkistner6286 He was telling him something "Now/today" not that he would enter paradise within 24 hours. Foundationally we need to keep the nature of man in mind which is strictly physical: Man does not have a soul, he is a soul or literally "breather"/nephesh in the hebrew. I don't believe the scriptures teach man having a conscious nature without the body. In addition Jesus was dead: i.e. unconscious for 3 days after crucifixion witch nixes the idea of an immediate entry into paradise. I could be wrong, just my opinion.
@@NTWrightOnline I respectfully disagree, but will continue to study. Where is the evidence man has conscious existence outside of his body? I think Paul's gospel was an emphasis on resurrection, with no intermediate state expounded upon or even taught if I remember correctly.
Ha, ha, ha
Just dream on
There ain't no Jesus,
and nobody has ever, or ever will, see Jesus.
God says? LIE!