Puzzled by Dispensationalism | The rapture, new creation & becoming “Divine” | Tom Wright Answers

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three profound theological questions that sit right at the heart of Christian hope.

Is our suffering somehow “redemptive”? What does Paul mean when he says he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”? Tom explains how our suffering participates in Christ’s mission — without adding to the finished work of the cross.

Next, they explore the rapture. Is 1 Thessalonians 4 really about believers escaping earth? Or is it about welcoming the returning King as heaven and earth come together?

Finally, what does it mean to become “partakers of the divine nature”? Do Christians somehow become divine? Tom unpacks the ancient idea of theosis and shows how the New Testament speaks of transformation without collapsing the distinction between Creator and creature.

Suffering. Resurrection. New creation.

Tom unpacks Paul, Daniel 7, 1 Thessalonians 4, and the early church — offering a vision of Christian hope rooted not in escape, but resurrection and new creation.

Q1 01:15 What is the significance of the "Drink Offering" in Philippians, 2 Timothy and Colossians? Is there something redemptive about our suffering?

Q2 12:16 Is the rapture about leaving earth — or welcoming the returning King?

Q3 26:14 Do believers become “partakers of the divine nature”?

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