The Surprising God

Reproduced below is part 11 of an essay written by Dr. Gary Deddo that was published originally in "GCI Weekly Update." To read the full essay, click here . Introduction This essay examines the renewal of Grace Communion International (GCI), including the reformation of its doctrines, theological foundations and ministry, and how that reformation led to GCI contributing to the unity of the whole body of Christ. We begin by remembering that the Triune God of love brought his creation into being for the sake of loving fellowship. Created in the image of God, we humans are able to exist in a fellowship of covenant love ( agape ) with our Creator and each other. However, through Adam and Eve (representing all humanity), the power of evil got a foothold in God's good creation, reaching down into the roots of human nature. Foreseeing this tragedy, God began to implement his plan to rescue humanity and bring final judgment upon evil. These goals would be achie

This post reproduces part 2 of  "Refining our Theological Vision," an essay by Dr. Gary Deddo published originally in "GCI Equipper."  To read the full essay click  here .  "Take My Hand" by Greg Olsen (used with permission) In GCI, our understanding is that the New Testament uses union with Christ  to refer exclusively to the relationship the Triune God has with believers . Wanting to stick with that biblical usage, it is our goal to avoid making statements that imply that union with Christ pertains to non-believers. At times, we made that mistake, referring, for example, to the journey from non-believer, to new believer, to mature believer as progressing from union to communion with God . We also mistakenly said that  all are in union but not all are in communion . Both statements are problematic for several reasons: The New Testament correlates union and communion so closely that they can be used interchangeably to refer to the same relatio

In recent months, GCI has been refining and thus clarifying its theological statements related to the post-ascension ministry of the Holy Spirit and what that means for the Christian life (including distinctions between believers and non-belivers). Below is part 3 of an essay by GCI author and editor Dr. Gary Deddo. It helpfully addresses these topics.  To read the full essay click  here . The Holy Spirit's ministry, the Christian Life, Believers & Non-believers By Dr. Gary Deddo Throughout our journey of theological renewal GCI has, appropriately, emphasized the objective  aspects of our Lord's Incarnation, vicarious humanity and ministry. Though always acknowledged, less emphasis has been placed on the subjective aspects of Christ's ministry and the related ministry of the Holy Spirit. As we've looked further at the relationship of our incarnational Trinitarian faith to the ministry of the church, we've seen the need for greater clarity and some adjus