Viola, From Eternity to Here

Share this:

Frank Viola, From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God. David C. Cook Publishing, 2009.

Prequels:

Sequels:

Referenced in: Missional Communties – Organic Church

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

From Eternity to Here is the third installment in Viola’s six-part “ReChurch Library.” It is the sequel to the controversial two-volume series Pagan Christianity and Reimagining Church (see links above).

From Eternity to Here is a theology of the mission of God, or as Viola expresses it, the purpose of God. It comes from his interest in “deep ecclesiology,” i.e. the basic underlying reality of the church that is higher and deeper than what typically occurs in many modern church structures.” (291).

To help people discern this deep ecclesiology, he develops “three narratives, which woven together, tell the epic story of God’s ageless purpose.” Making generous use of the images and teachings of Ephesians, he relates the three stories of the bride of Christ, the house of God, and the bride and body of Christ. These form the three-part structure of the book. He says “woven together, these three narratives embody ‘God’s story,’ the sweeping drama of God’s timeless plan in the earth, the great interpretive narrative by which we may better understand the Bible, the Christian life, and our world.” (17-18)

One of the most refreshing pieces of the book is the Afterword, where Viola emphasizes the importance of focusing one’s ecclesiology on Christ. He approaches this by telling his story of disappointing personal experiences in revivalist theology, charismatic churches, eschatology or “end times” preoccupations, worship and praise movements, and apologetics. They all led him to pursuing spiritual “things,” but fell short of the ultimate spiritual reality, which is the person of Christ. He says, “spiritual progress is tied up in knowing Christ as our All,” and that we “will never have an authentic experience of the body of Christ unless your foundation is blindly and singularly Jesus Christ.” “Authentic church life,” he says, “is born when a group of people are intoxicated with a glorious unveiling of their Lord.” (303) He summarizes:

This is the third of Viola’s “ReChurch” series. It can function as a stand-alone volume, although it is best when read alongside another book in the series, The Untold Story of the New Testament, which is a missional guide to the entire New Testament. In both of these books, Viola provides a compelling, popular level description of the mission of God.

From the Publisher

Deep within God’s Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God’s great mission in the earth.

From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning from Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.

Regarded as a masterpiece in narrative theology. A beautifully crafted saga of God’s greatest passion. The sweeping story of God’s eternal purpose and grand mission. A groundbreaking work in biblical narrative and missional ideology. A unique exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His centrality and supremacy.

About the Author

Frank Viola is one of the most influential figures connected to the “New Revolution” of simple church and emerging house churches today. He is the author of six highly acclaimed books on radical church restoration, including Rethinking the Wineskin, Who is Your Covering?, Pagan Christianity, So You Want to Start a House Church?, and The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. Frank lives in Gainesville, Florida.

***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***

Related Ministry Resource Guides:

See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership:

Ministry Resource Guide Index

Missional Church, Missional Communities, Organic Church