Progressive Creation and the Struggles of Humanity in the Bible: A Canonical Narrative Interpretation

Why does the Christian walk often feel like an ongoing struggle and why does Gods creation include imperfection let alone forces that are intent on thwarting Gods creative work? In seeking a response to these questions this book argues that the biblical accounts describe creation in terms of a progressive transformation process whereby the initially incomplete created order will reach perfection only in the fulfilment of new creation. The following discussion then outlines a comprehensive framework for the biblical theology of humanitys struggles centered on three key themes: corporeal temptation deficient social structures and the much-debated notion of spiritual warfare.The book presents an overarching canonical narrative that threads together a series of diverse biblical topics. The final part surveys biblical teaching on how human conduct can be aligned with Gods creative purpose and discusses three assignments from Jesus to believers: to celebrate the Eucharist to pray the Lords Prayer and to fulfil the Great Commission.