The progession of hope

“It is in the midst of Israel’s struggle with sin that the way forward is revealed. Expanding the insight first voiced in Deut 30:6, the prophets ultimately look beyond Israel’s ability to a new day in which Yahweh will enable them to remain faithful and avoid sin. What was only a passing comment in the Torah expands and dominates hope, especially in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Initial signs of fulfillment of this promise can be discerned in Hag 1:12–15 as God stirs up the spirits of the faithful remnant. Only through a divine transformation such as this will Israel be able to fully realize its destiny as the conduit of divine presence and blessing to the nations.”—A Severe Mercy, pages 515

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What was true for Israel is even more true for the church. No divine transformation means no power, no witness, no good news. Christianity is more than a mental assent to a set of doctrines...
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