Relating the Hope of Creation Restoration to the Mission of God

Eschatology, the study of the “last things,” explores Christian beliefs about the ultimate destiny of humanity and the world. It encompasses themes of judgment, resurrection, and the renewal of creation. Far from being merely speculative, eschatology provides a hopeful framework for understanding God’s redemptive plan and our role within it.

Eschatological hope—the belief in God’s ultimate restoration of creation—is a cornerstone of Christian theology. This hope is not merely about individual salvation or an escape from the physical world; it encompasses the renewal of all things, including the environment. In a time of escalating ecological crises, the Christian vision of creation’s redemption provides both a framework and motivation for environmental stewardship. Far from promoting passivity, this hope calls believers to actively participate in the restoration of creation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in the here and now. This blog explores how eschatological hope shapes a theology of creation care, emphasizing its role as a central aspect of Christian mission.

 

The Biblical Basis for Creation’s Restoration

God’s Good Creation

The Bible begins with a declaration of creation’s inherent goodness: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humanity’s role as stewards of creation is rooted in this original design, where Adam and Eve are entrusted to “work and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15). This mandate underscores humanity’s responsibility to care for and sustain the natural world as co-regents under God.

However, this original harmony was disrupted by the Fall. Sin introduced brokenness into human relationships, society, and creation itself. As Paul writes, “The creation was subjected to futility…in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:20-21). This passage points to a future restoration, anchoring creation care in a biblical narrative of redemption.

Eschatological Hope in Scripture

The Bible’s eschatological vision culminates in the renewal of heaven and earth. Revelation 21:1-5 describes a new creation where God’s dwelling is with humanity, and every aspect of life is restored. Importantly, this vision does not depict the annihilation of the earth but its transformation. The “new heaven and new earth” signify a redeemed creation, where the effects of sin are undone.

Isaiah 65:17-25 further illustrates this hope, portraying a world of abundance, peace, and harmony. This prophetic vision aligns with Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God, which anticipates the restoration of relationships—between God, humanity, and creation. These eschatological promises affirm the enduring value of the physical world and provide a theological basis for environmental stewardship.

 

Eschatological Hope as a Call to Action

Active Anticipation vs. Passive Waiting

A common misconception about eschatological hope is that it promotes passivity, with believers waiting for God to intervene. However, biblical hope is active and participatory. Peter’s exhortation in 2 Peter 3:11-13 calls Christians to live holy and godly lives “as you look forward to the day of God.” This anticipation includes engaging in actions that reflect God’s redemptive purposes.

The Apostle Paul similarly describes believers as “co-workers” with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), emphasizing our role in advancing His Kingdom. When applied to environmental stewardship, this perspective transforms creation care from a peripheral concern into a central aspect of Christian mission. By tending to the earth, Christians embody the hope of restoration and witness to the Gospel’s holistic message.

Stewardship as Kingdom Participation

Jesus’ parables about stewardship (e.g., Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13) highlight the importance of faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us. Creation care aligns with this principle, recognizing the earth as a gift from God that requires responsible oversight. Theologian N.T. Wright explains, “What you do in the present… will last into God’s future. These activities are not simply ways of making the present life a little less beastly, a little more bearable, until the day when we leave it behind altogether. They are part of what we may call building for God’s Kingdom.”

Stewardship, therefore, is an expression of Kingdom living. It reflects God’s reign and anticipates the day when creation will be fully restored. This perspective challenges believers to engage in sustainable practices, advocate for environmental justice, and address ecological crises as acts of faith and obedience.

 

Practical Implications of Eschatological Hope for Creation Care

 

Individual Lifestyle Changes

Eschatological hope also calls individual Christians to integrate creation care into their daily lives. Simple yet impactful actions include:

• • Reducing Waste: Practicing recycling, composting, and minimizing single-use plastics.
  • Sustainable Consumption: Supporting eco-friendly products, fair-trade goods, and local agriculture.
  • Energy Conservation: Reducing energy consumption through mindful habits and renewable energy options.
  • Advocacy: Speaking out for policies that protect the environment and support vulnerable communities affected by ecological degradation.
  • Praying: When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray, He added: “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven”. This sentence should be our daily petition as well until God’s Kingdom is evident in creation again as it was in Eden.

These actions reflect a commitment to stewardship and align with the biblical vision of restoration, offering a powerful testimony to God’s ongoing work in the world.

 

Churches as Environmental Witnesses

Local churches also have a unique opportunity to model creation care as a tangible expression of their faith. Practical steps include:

• Energy Efficiency: Transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing energy-saving measures in church buildings.
• Green Spaces: Developing community gardens, planting trees, and maintaining natural habitats on church property.
• Educational Programs: Hosting workshops and Bible studies that explore the theological foundations of creation care.
• Community Engagement: Partnering with local organizations to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

By embodying eschatological hope through these initiatives, churches can inspire their communities and bear witness to God’s redemptive purposes.

 

Global Collaboration

Creation care is a global responsibility that transcends cultural and denominational boundaries. Collaborative efforts between churches, organizations, and individuals can amplify the impact of environmental stewardship. For example:

• Interfaith Partnerships: Engaging with other faith communities to address shared ecological concerns.
• Mission Initiatives: Incorporating environmental projects into mission work, such as reforestation, clean water access, and sustainable agriculture.
• Advancing Theology: Promoting theological education and dialogue on creation care within seminaries and Christian institutions.

These partnerships embody the unity of the body of Christ and demonstrate a collective commitment to God’s redemptive mission.

 

The Spiritual Dimension of Creation Care

Worship Through Stewardship

Caring for creation is an act of worship that honors the Creator. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” reminding believers that stewardship is ultimately about acknowledging God’s sovereignty. Acts of creation care—whether planting a garden, conserving water, or advocating for environmental justice—can become forms of worship that reflect gratitude and reverence.

Cultivating Hope and Resilience

Eschatological hope fosters resilience in the face of environmental challenges. While the scale of ecological crises can be overwhelming, the biblical promise of restoration assures believers that their efforts are not in vain. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 resonate: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” This hope empowers Christians to persevere in their stewardship efforts, trusting that God will bring His purposes to fruition.

 

Overcoming Challenges to Creation Care

Theological Misconceptions

Some Christians misunderstand eschatological hope as justification for environmental neglect, believing that the earth’s destruction renders stewardship irrelevant. Addressing these misconceptions requires robust biblical teaching on creation’s value and God’s redemptive plan.

Practical Barriers

Limited resources, knowledge, or support can hinder creation care efforts. We can overcome these barriers by:

• Seeking education and resources from organizations like Missional University.
• Building networks for resource-sharing and collaboration.
• Starting small and gradually expanding sustainable practices.

Cultural Resistance

In some contexts, environmental issues are politicized or dismissed. Christians can navigate this resistance by framing creation care as a theological and moral imperative, grounded in Scripture and aligned with God’s Kingdom purposes.

 

Conclusion

Eschatological hope transforms creation care from a peripheral concern into a central aspect of Christian mission. By grounding environmental stewardship in the biblical narrative of restoration, believers can engage in practices that reflect God’s redemptive purposes and anticipate the renewal of all things. This hope empowers Christians to act with confidence and resilience, knowing that their efforts contribute to God’s eternal plan.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live as agents of His Kingdom, embodying the hope of restoration in our care for creation. Let us embrace this sacred task, bearing witness to the Gospel through our stewardship and joining in God’s mission to renew His beloved world.

 

Sources

1. The Holy Bible, ESV.
2. Wright, N.T. 2008. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. HarperPaperBacks.
3. Lausanne Movement, The Cape Town Commitment. 2010. Read it here
4. Missional University, Creation Care resources.
5. Bauckham, R. 2010. Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation. Baylor University Press.