A Trinitarian Theology of Cross and Resurrection

Abstract

Abstract The previous chapters have shown us in general terms that God is revealed in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit as the triune God. To stop there, however, could leave us open to the valid criticism that all we have in revelation is an epiphany, an appearance of God in our space and time. This, while true, would fail to plumb the depth of the reality of God’s nature, his coming and appearing in the form of man. For he comes in Jesus Christ right into the midst of our human opposition and alienation, our sin and the opposing forces of the universe, frees us from their bondage, and reconciles us with himself. Revelation in our actual situation can take place only as reconciliation or atonement. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and has given us this knowledge by the Holy Spirit. What we are therefore discussing in this chapter is the Trinity and reconciliation—the mystery of salvation in Jesus Christ. For it is not in word only but also in act that God is and comes to us. Put succinctly, I have argued that the center of our knowledge of the triune God is in Jesus Christ the Word incarnate. Further, the whole being, life, and activity ofJesus Christ is consummated and crowned on the cross and confirmed by the resurrection and the Holy Spirit. What I now propose to expound is a trinitarian theology of cross and resurrection. This in no way queries the importance of the incarnation. Modern perspectives, however, see the focal points of Christ’s life and work more in the cross and resurrection and interpret the incarnation in that light.