Wake Up the Dead?

Yes, I’m being a bit cheeky with the name of my blog. Those well-acquainted with Advent Christian theology will catch that I’m alluding to the Advent Christian belief in the sleep of dead (i.e. that death is a state of unconsciousness until resurrection occurs). The purpose of my blog is neither to obsess nor dispute that belief, but to use the notion and reality of death as sleep as a launching point and framework for my posts. 

Working in reverse, the reality of death as sleep points to the resurrection which will awaken us all at Christ’s return. It’s my conviction that Advent Christians must press into our Adventist identity in the 21st century. As time goes on, it becomes more and more appealing to neglect our resurrection and to opt for gnostic notions of bodily release and cloud-dwelling. This tendency is absolutely corrosive to the fabric of the Gospel message; it impoverishes the riches of redemption and reduces the reach of salvation to the spiritual, abandoning the good Creation God means to restore in Christ. I believe we must push against this and instead spread the good news in all its fullness – a promised “restitution” that will leave nothing unchanged and will redeem all that is not destroyed.

Moreover, this notion of “waking up the dead” sets the stage for provoking sinners and Christians alike to wakefulness when we have been numbed to slumber in the comfort of our sins. We can be found sleeping in the pew and in the public square, content with the conditions of our churches and our society when we should be contrite. With humility, I hope to provide this challenge as needed.

It is my intent to be direct and succinct, hopefully avoiding putting you to sleep. While I am Executive Editor of Advent Christian Voices, the opinions you will read are mine alone. If you disagree with my opinions, you can expect that I will nevertheless welcome with charity pieces expressing such disagreement.

I’m honored by your readership. Let’s wake up the dead!