The coming of the kingdom has often been compared to the way the Allies defeated Germany in 1944. For all intents and purposes, World War II was over on D-Day, when British and American troops established a beachhead in France. There were still battles to be fought, of course, and lives to be won and lost. But from that point on, the Germans were fighting a losing battle. All that remained was for the Allies to liberate Europe. As far as the kingdom of God is concerned, D-Day was Good Friday. That was Satan’s last mad attempt to defeat God’s King and have Him betrayed, tried, and nailed to the cross. But Satan was only able to wound Him. By dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus actually struck a death-blow to sin, death, and the devil. Now the outcome of the battle between the two kingdoms is certain. All that remains is for God to liberate the captives of Satan’s kingdom and bring them into the kingdom of His Son.
— Philip Graham Ryken (b. 1966), Theologe, Pastor & Präsident des Wheaton College
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Hope & Confidence, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
Occasions: For Reflection
Philip Graham Ryken
Philip Graham Ryken (* 1966) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Theologe, ehemaliger leitender Pastor der Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia und seit 2010 Präsident des Wheaton College. Er steht für eine evangelikal-reformierte Theologie und verfasste zahlreiche Bibelkommentare sowie theologische Schriften zur Gnadenlehre und Kultur. Bibellesern dient er als systematischer und praxisnaher Schriftausleger, dessen Leitungswirken jedoch auch von Kontroversen um Bekenntnistreue und Kritik am Umgang mit Missbrauchsvorwürfen in seiner früheren Gemeinde begleitet wird.
All quotes by Philip Graham Ryken (37)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller