Now / Not Yet 2.0? Part 1: Ladd, Vineyard & New Wine

The well-known eschatological scheme of the "now" and "not yet" of the Kingdom of God is increasingly being critizised by charismatics. Pastors within the Post-Toronto-movement argue that the scheme isn't helpful, because it tends to underscore the "not yet" of healing and victory, inducing a passive and defeatist Christianity.

They certainly have a point. The term "Now/Not yet" has become jaded, and in many churches it seems to emphasize the "not yet" to the extend that the "now" hardly functions in faith practices.

Previously, I've argued to not let go of the tension of the "Now/Not Yet" (inaugurated eschatology), but to enhance this eschatological scheme from a pneumatological perspective. That's what this new blog series is about. Admittely, this is a series for serious theologians who are prepared to travel far and dig deep ;-) 

We'll be drawing from Wolfhart Pannenberg, Vel-Matti Kärkkainen, Frank D. Macchia, and others. In this first episode, we'll trace the original "Now/Not Yet" back as understood by George E. Ladd, Derek Morphew (Vineyard) and New Wine.

“Being in Christ” and the renewal of Reformed theology Or: How Pentecostal theologian Frank D. Macchia could help advance the endeavour of Hans Burger

In his dissertation Being in Christ (2009) Reformed theologian Hans Burger does a commendable effort to renew Reformed theology through retrieving the concept of participation in Christ, in order to warrant the relational and transformative dynamics of the gospel.

It is doubtful, however, whether his systematic-theological proposal offers the dogmatic innovations that seem to be needed to fully achieve his goals. Further steps could be taken. 

In his compelling study Baptized in the Spirit (2006), Pentecostal theologian Frank D. Macchia suggests five dogmatic moves that might be helpful to further advance Burger’s endeavour.

Experiencing the Indwelling Spirit: Enhancing Pannenberg with Pentecostal theology

The systematic theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg proves very helpful for constructing a systematic-theological framework for the charismatic renewal of “inaugurated Kingdom theology” (as it surfaces within New Wine). But Pannenberg fails to do justice to present experiences of Christ, due to a deficient pneumatology. What happens if we infuse Pannenberg's theology with insights from Pentecostal theology? Well, that's exactly what Frank D. Macchia has been doing in "Baptized in the Spirit: A Global Pentecostal Theology".

“Spirit baptism is a baptism into the love of God that sanctifies, renews, and empowers until Spirit baptism turns all of creation into the final dwelling place of God. Along the way, Pentecostals will be justified in calling Christians to a Spirit baptism as a fresh experience of power for witness with charismatic signs following.”