16
Jun
The Church as an Anticipation of the Coming Kingdom

How does the Spirit transform the church? And how can we participate in this work? This paper explores these questions through the methodology of Third Article Theology (TAT), an approach which intentionally views all reality through the lens of the Spirit. Just as TAT’s development of Spirit Christology provided insights into Jesus’ human growth and development, a Spirit eschatology provides similar insights into the church’s maturation. Through such a perspective, the church can be viewed (in part) as the proleptic anticipation of the coming kingdom. 

We are an exiled community living in a foreign land (and time) (1Pet 2:11-12), with the Spirit bridging the distance between our current situation and our true home. In particular, the Spirit draws back pivotal features of the coming kingdom to become increasingly present in our current ecclesial existence. This paper explores how this happens, and consequently how churches can participate in the Spirit’s transformative work. The ultimate objective of this examination is a coherent eschatological Third Article Ecclesiology—a practical understanding of contemporary church life when viewed from the vantage point of the coming kingdom through the lens of the Spirit.


About the Speaker

Greg is Acting Head of Theology at Laidlaw College. He teaches primarily in the area of systematic theology. His research interests focus on the role of the Spirit in the life of the church, and exploring how the interaction between science and theology raises fundamental questions about reality and the nature of time.


Where Henderson Campus and via Starleaf
When 12:30pm - 1:25pm
Cost FREE & open to the public
RSVP For a link to Starleaf please email [email protected]

About Laidlaw’s Research Seminars

As a part of Laidlaw’s commitment to relevant, gospel-centred, innovative research, the School of Theology faculty gather each month for a research seminar. The seminars are built around a simple format – one academic presentation followed by critical interaction. The seminar is videoconferenced across Laidlaw’s three campuses. Anyone is welcome to join us – this could include postgrad students, researchers from other institutions, or any others looking to hear and interact with cutting edge theological and biblical research.  

If you are unable to come to a Laidlaw campus and would like to join in from your device (anywhere, any place), please email Kerry Gordon E. [email protected]