Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 231

a. Rescind the curse over creation and humankind (Revelation 22:3). b. Defeat Satan and the powers and destroy their work (1 John 3:8). c. Reverse the present order by defending and rewarding the meek, the humble, the despised, the lowly, the righteous, the hungry, and the rejected (Luke 1:46-55; 4:18-19; 6:20-22). d. Propitiate God’s righteous anger (Galatians 3:10-14; 1 John 2:1-2). e. Create a new humanity (1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Ephesians 2:15; Revelation 5:9-10). f. Destroy the last enemy: death (1 Corinthians 15:26). 2. Ultimately, the very Kingdom itself will be turned over to God the Father, and the freedom, wholeness, and justice of the Lord will abound throughout the universe (Isaiah 10:2-7; 11:1-9; 53:5; Micah 4:1-3; 6:8; Matthew 6:33; 23:23; Luke 4:18-19; John 8:34-36; 1 Corinthians 15:28; Revelation 21). B. The Church witnesses by: 1. Functioning as a sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God; the Church is a visible community where people see that: a. Jesus is acknowledged as Lord (Romans 10:9-10). b. The truth and power of the Gospel is growing and producing fruit among every kindred, tribe, and nation (Acts 2:47; Romans 1:16; Colossians 1:6; Revelation 7:9-10). c. The values of God’s Kingdom are accepted and acted upon (Matthew 6:33). d. God’s commands are obeyed on earth as they are in heaven (Matthew 6:10; John 14:23-24). e. The presence of God is experienced (Matthew 18:20; John 14:16-21). f. The power of God is demonstrated (1 Corinthians 4:20). g. The love of God is freely received and given (Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 3:18; 4:7-8).