Detailed Summary of "Will the Resurrection be for All, or Just for Believers? NT Wright Answers"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ask NT Wright Anything
• Host: Mike Bird
• Guest: Tom Wright (NT Wright)
• Episode Title: Will the resurrection be for all, or just for believers? NT Wright Answers
• Release Date: June 8, 2025

1. Introduction to the Divine Council ([02:07] - [11:34])

The episode begins with Mike Bird introducing the show and Tom Wright. The primary focus is on understanding the concept of the Divine Council as presented in Scripture.

Cody Cottle's Question: Cody from Rushylania in the United States inquires about NT Wright's perspective on the Divine Council theme in the Old Testament. He questions how this fits within Christian monotheism, especially concerning references to Yahweh’s entourage and other lesser divine beings.

Tom Wright's Response: Tom delves into the Divine Council by referencing several biblical passages, highlighting the complexity of Israelite monotheism. He explains that texts like Job 1:6-12 and 1 Kings 22:19-22 depict Yahweh surrounded by other spiritual beings tasked with various roles, such as the "accuser" Satan in Job.

• Job 1:6-12: Tom discusses the portrayal of Satan as part of God's court, acting as an accuser.

• 1 Kings 22:19-22: He illustrates a scene where Yahweh consults His heavenly hosts about King Ahab's fate, emphasizing the structured heavenly hierarchy.

• Psalm 82: Tom explains how Yahweh holds other "gods" accountable, reinforcing His supreme authority.

• Isaiah 6 & 40: He describes Isaiah's vision of Yahweh with Seraphim and other heavenly beings, illustrating their roles in commissioning prophets.

Tom emphasizes that these beings are not rivals to Yahweh but serve His purposes within a more intricate spiritual cosmos. He argues that understanding the Divine Council enriches the Christian understanding of worship and discipleship by acknowledging the presence of various spiritual forces.

Notable Quote:

"Life is actually much more mysterious than the old sort of vaguely deist systems of the 17th or 18th century might have imagined... there is God, the one true God. But God has at his disposal all sorts of means of getting things done."
— Tom Wright [07:45]

2. Ensuring Monotheism Amid the Divine Council ([11:34] - [13:52])

Mike Bird raises a common concern regarding the Divine Council's compatibility with Christian monotheism. He reassures listeners that beings like angels and archangels do not threaten Yahweh's uniqueness or supremacy.

Key Points:

• Subordinate Powers: Drawing from Philo of Alexandria, Mike explains that these spiritual beings are subordinate and cannot challenge Yahweh.

• Scriptural Assurance: Passages in Isaiah and Ezekiel depict Yahweh's unmatched majesty and power, ensuring that other spiritual beings do not detract from His singular divinity.

Tom Wright Adds: He contrasts first-century Judean monotheism with pagan polytheism and dualistic beliefs, highlighting how Israel's strict monotheism sets it apart. He also differentiates the New Testament portrayal of Jesus from being merely a high-ranking angel, citing the Book of Hebrews to underscore Jesus' unique role.

Notable Quote:

"Recognizing that as we are worshiping the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we are joining in with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven were all praising God together."
— Tom Wright [12:10]

3. The Nature of the Resurrection Body ([13:52] - [19:00])

The conversation shifts to resurrection theology, prompted by a question from Megan Bohun of Dayton, USA. She asks whether 1 Corinthians 15 suggests that only believers receive an immortal, imperishable body or if all humans partake in this resurrection.

Tom Wright's Analysis:

• Paul's Perspective: According to Paul, as seen in Romans 8 and 1 Corinthians 15, resurrection is a gift to those indwelt by the Spirit and part of the Messiah's community. The resurrected body is physical, immortal, and transformed.

• John's Perspective: Tom integrates John 5:28-29, where Jesus speaks of a resurrection where "those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." This aligns with Old Testament passages like Daniel 12:2, suggesting a general resurrection including both the righteous and the wicked, each for their respective purposes.

• Synthesis: While Paul's writings emphasize resurrection for believers, John's account broadens the scope to include all, albeit with differing outcomes. Tom acknowledges the complexity and varying interpretations within early Christian thought and the New Testament.

Notable Quote:

"It's a rather big book on the resurrection, the Resurrection of the Son of God, ... one issue in the New Testament which is not really resolved, and it is precisely this one."
— Tom Wright [15:12]

4. Assurance of Salvation and Self-Discipline ([21:18] - [32:54])

After a brief break, the episode resumes with a poignant question from John B. of Hertfordshire, UK, concerning assurance of salvation and the anxiety over self-discipline as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 9:27.

John B.'s Concern: He expresses fear that disciplining himself as Paul did may indicate his unsuitability for salvation, feeling inadequate compared to saints.

Tom Wright's Response:

• Contextualizing 1 Corinthians 9: Tom situates Paul's exhortation within chapters 8-10, addressing the challenges of living as Christians in a pagan society. He emphasizes that discipline is part of embodying the new creation life Christians are called to live.

• Justification by Faith and Works: Tom clarifies that Paul does not dismiss works but integrates them into a life transformed by faith. He argues that genuine faith produces a disciplined life as evidence of being part of the new humanity.

• Assurance Through Relationship: Assurance stems not from self-discipline but from a relationship with Jesus, His death and resurrection, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Mike Bird's Pastoral Insight: He reassures John B. by highlighting that the very anxiety about sin and discipline indicates a concern for righteousness, suggesting John is indeed on the right path toward assurance.

Notable Quote:

"The fact that you're anxious about it shows that you are on the right track... you are going to repent. You're going to get back on your feet and carry on long to follow Jesus."
— Tom Wright [32:07]

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts ([32:52] - End)

Mike Bird wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to submit their questions and explore previous episodes. He reiterates the key takeaway that disciplined living and the struggle with sin are integral to the Christian journey, reinforcing assurance through continual faith and reliance on God's grace.

Overall Themes:

• Complexity of Monotheism: Understanding the Divine Council enriches the awareness of God's sovereignty without compromising monotheism.

• Resurrection Scope: The New Testament presents a multifaceted view of resurrection, including both believers and non-believers, each with distinct outcomes.

• Assurance Through Faith and Discipline: True assurance arises from a transformational relationship with Christ, manifested in disciplined living rather than mere self-discipline.

Final Notable Quote:

"They are eating and drinking the signs that God is for us."
— Tom Wright [30:45]

This episode provides a profound exploration of theological concepts surrounding the Divine Council and resurrection, offering listeners both scholarly insights and pastoral care in understanding their faith journey.