The New Testament picks up from the old the theme that God intends, in the end, to put the whole creation to rights

The New Testament picks up from the old the theme that God intends, in the end, to put the whole creation to rights

N.T. Wright, a prominent theologian and scholar, has written extensively on the theme of God's ultimate plan to restore and redeem the entire creation. In his works, Wright emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, arguing that the New Testament builds upon the foundation laid in the Old Testament regarding God's intention to put the whole creation to rights.

Wright points to passages in the Old Testament that speak of God's promise to restore and renew all of creation. For example, in Isaiah 65:17, God declares, "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." This vision of a new creation, free from sin and suffering, is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation where John describes a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with his people.

According to Wright, the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan is not just the salvation of individual souls, but the restoration of the entire created order. This includes the physical world, as well as human society and relationships. Wright argues that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the first step in this process, signaling the beginning of God's work to put all things right.

Wright's emphasis on the restoration of creation has profound implications for how Christians understand their role in the world. Rather than focusing solely on personal salvation and the afterlife, Wright challenges believers to actively participate in God's mission to bring about justice, peace, and reconciliation in the world. This includes caring for the environment, working for social justice, and promoting reconciliation between individuals and communities.