The new testament doctrine of the future life

Abstract

Chapter one. Old Testament conception of the after-life vitiated by Sheol conception; transformed by theological developments during and after the Exile; the way of faith-realism; the eschatological resurrection-hope; Chapter two. Modification of resurrection belief; moralisation of Sheol; variety of views concerning mode of resurrection; individual and corporate aspects fused. Chapter three. The quest of the historical Jesus; the Kingdom of God as synonymous with eternal life; fellowship with God as central to Jesus' teaching; realised eschatology; repentance, faith, obedience and renunciation; futurist eschatology; scope of resurrection; judgement; heaven and hell; other aspects of his teaching; Jesus’ attitude to own death. Chapter four. Centrality of resurrection in Acts; place of eschatology in Lukan theology; value of Luke’s exposition; the Ascension; hieratical interpretation of Resurrection in Hebrews; eschatology and ethics in James; salvation in I Peter; descent into Hades. Chapter five. Paradoxical nature of Pauline eschatology; theories of development; the 'formal eschatological' and the 'empirical experimental' lines of thought; Paul's conversion and influence on his eschatology; his Christ-mysticism; his futurist eschatology: She Parousia; the resurrection of the body; judgement; the consummation; his contribution to the New Testament eschatology. Chapter six. Eternal life as a fundamental theme of John; emphasis on realised aspect of eschatology; retention of futurist aspect; meaning of ‘eternal life'; judgement; universalism; distinctive features of Revelation’s eschatology including millenarianism. Chapter seven. Faith and history in the Resurrection traditions; the empty' tomb and the appearances; the Resurrection as the basis of all major aspects of Christian theology.