You’ve probably heard people in church speak about the ‘now and not yet’. We currently live in the here and now, we serve God, the church, people and we share the gospel with the hope of our faith in Jesus Christ that is lived out in the here and now, but there is also a ‘not yet’. Christians await a glorious future of perfect union with Christ in the Lord’s presence for eternity. As Christians part of the now, is that we are in a new realm, we are new creations and we are serving Christ in the Kingdom of God, that is the topic Dane Ortlund tackles in this book ‘Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians‘
But instead of just looking at the theological point out of context, Ortlund roots this study in the book of 2 Corinthians, which I really like. Ortlund’s main point is that through Jesus’ resurrection He brought about the New Realm, which Ortlund describes as inaugurated eschatology. This new realm turns the world upside down, some examples of that in 2 Corinthians are that strength is shown in weakness, joy is found in suffering, blessing through pain and difficulties, etc.
This is not a commentary of 2 Corinthians, it is an overview of some of the key theological points in the book and would serve a study of 2 Corinthians well. Whilst this book is more academic, Ortlund doesn’t use excessively confusing language or concept that will boggle the mind. Very plainly, simply and in a well-written and well-argued way, Ortlund gets you right into the depths of Paul’s letter and helps you wrap your head around the key ideas.
One of the things that I like about this book is how Ortlund has a chapter on Paul’s understanding of friendship and partnership in ministry. Friendship isn’t a topic that many books touch on today in a meaningful way and so I was glad to see Ortlund show the importance that friendships had in Paul’s life and ministry in this new realm.
I’d say that the ideal audience for this book is most likely to be Pastors or seminary students. However, I am sure that laypeople would benefit from it and it would certainly help their study of 2 Corinthians.
Get your own copy here and let me know what you think.
*** I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This does not change the way I rate the book. My views are my own. ***
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