N.T. Wright: Heaven Isn’t the Endgame — New Creation and God’s Homecoming

2026-02-19

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Is The Greatest Shift in Christian Theology Going From Heaven to Earth? Heaven isn't the point of the gospel—and N.T. Wright challenges the "accept Jesus and escape earth" narrative of Christianity. Curtis Chang talks with Wright, leading theologian and prolific author, about New Creation and his latest book God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal, asking whether the Bible's promise is the Kingdom of God on earth—or simply going to heaven when you die. They examine the "royal priesthood" calling, what this means for life after death and suffering now, and the true purpose of Christian faith. Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter

Is The Greatest Shift in Christian Theology Going From Heaven to Earth?

Heaven isn't the point of the gospel—and N.T. Wright challenges the "accept Jesus and escape earth" narrative of Christianity. Curtis Chang talks with Wright, leading theologian and prolific author, about New Creation and his latest book God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal, asking whether the Bible's promise is the Kingdom of God on earth—or simply going to heaven when you die. They examine the "royal priesthood" calling, what this means for life after death and suffering now, and the true purpose of Christian faith.

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03:43 - The Continuity Between Old and New Testaments

05:05 - Reject Platonism and Embracing New Creation?

08:04 - A Vision More Demanding Than The "Ticket To Heaven" Gospel

13:48 - What Does This Mean For Grace, Works, and Human Vocation?

19:53 - Divergence on the Meaning of The Kingdom of God

27:24 - The Problem of Evil and the "Now and Not Yet"

34:59 - A Pastoral Response to Heaven-Focused Theology

40:41 - How Are Heaven and Earth Interlocking Realities?

47:59 - The Royal Priesthood: Humanity's Biblical Mandate

51:47 - Tom Wright's Future Projects and Reflections

Scriptures:

Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV) - kingdom + priests reign on the earth
Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) - royal priesthood
Genesis 1-2 (ESV) - creation "very good"; humanity's vocation
Revelation 21–22 (ESV) - new heaven/new earth; God dwelling with humanity
Romans 12:2 (ESV) - renewing of the mind
Romans 8:21–23 (ESV) - creation set free; redemption of bodies
Malachi 3:1 + Isaiah 40:3 (ESV) - prepare the way; the Lord coming to his temple
Psalm 8 (ESV) - humanity crowned with glory/honor; vocation
Ephesians 4 (ESV) - new humanity; community ethics

Mentioned in This Episode:

N.T. Wright's book God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal
N.T. Wright's book Surprised by Hope
What is the Bar Kokhba Revolt?
What is the Mishnah?
"Teach Me, My God and King" (George Herbert / "The Elixir")
Tom Holland's book Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World
C.S. Lewis' book Miracles
Scot McKnight's book Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire