Heaven or Halakah: Walking with Jesus in John 14

by Andrea L Robinson

Overview

The idea of "going to heaven" is more a matter of tradition than sound biblical interpretation. Often referenced to support the notion of a heavenly afterlife, John 14 is a staple of Christian funerals. The promise of "many rooms" in the "Father's house" is typically interpreted as Jesus' assurance that he will return to usher believers into "heaven." However, John 14 has much more to say about how we live than what happens when we die. A closer look at John 14 in the broader context of the Gospel reveals that "the Father's house" is not a designation for heaven, but a reference to God's household of faith. In his going away and coming again, Jesus doesn't transport his followers to "heaven," but rather prepares the way into the presence of God by going to the cross. As Christ walks in cruciform obedience, he models a new way of walking with God, a new halakah based on intimate, relational faith. By following the halakah of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit-Paraclete, believers are equipped to carry out God's will upon the earth and spread his redemptive mission throughout creation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798385201846
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	10/07/2024
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Andrea L. Robinson lives in Madison, Alabama, and serves on the faculty of Huntsville Bible College. She is the author of the Rooted & Flourishing devotional series as well as Temple of Presence: The Christological Fulfillment of Ezekiel 40–48 in Revelation 21:1—22:5.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Andrea Robinson’s book tries to correct the deeply rooted idea that John 14:2—In my Father’s house are many dwellings—is a reference to some sort of heavenly mansion after death. Robinson argues instead that this text refers to the current life of Jesus’ followers dwelling in God’s household now, through the mutual indwelling of the Trinity. Based on sound scholarship, the writing style is attractive to the ordinary reader, as well as the academic, looking to understand the unique approach of John’s Gospel.”

—Mary L. Coloe, professor emerita, University of Divinity



“Andrea Robinson powerfully articulates the radical nature of John 14:1–3. Instead of an eschatological escape to a heavenly mansion far away, she persuasively argues that this text invites all of humanity into God’s presence through Christ’s own body in the here and now. Living into this presence is only possible through the gift of the Spirit that Christ gives us, enabling us to walk as Jesus walked. This is a clear and compelling book that I hope is widely read.”

—Christa McKirland, lecturer in systematic theology, Carey Baptist College



“I am honored to endorse Andrea Robinson’s publication of Heaven or Halakah. Her thesis was born in a doctoral seminar we shared together. She challenges traditional interpretations of John 14 where she offers exegetical insights in line with rabbinical halakah and walking in obedience to Jesus Christ here and now. Robinson is a capable scholar in both Hebrew and Greek. Her work is worthy of consideration by all Johannine scholars.”

—Craig Price, adjunct instructor, Liberty Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

Andrea Robinson’s book tries to correct the deeply rooted idea that John 14:2—In my Father’s house are many dwellings—is a reference to some sort of heavenly mansion after death. Robinson argues instead that this text refers to the current life of Jesus’ followers dwelling in God’s household now, through the mutual indwelling of the Trinity. Based on sound scholarship, the writing style is attractive to the ordinary reader, as well as the academic, looking to understand the unique approach of John’s Gospel.”

—Mary L. Coloe, professor emerita, University of Divinity



“Andrea Robinson powerfully articulates the radical nature of John 14:1–3. Instead of an eschatological escape to a heavenly mansion far away, she persuasively argues that this text invites all of humanity into God’s presence through Christ’s own body in the here and now. Living into this presence is only possible through the gift of the Spirit that Christ gives us, enabling us to walk as Jesus walked. This is a clear and compelling book that I hope is widely read.”

—Christa McKirland, lecturer in systematic theology, Carey Baptist College



“I am honored to endorse Andrea Robinson’s publication of Heaven or Halakah. Her thesis was born in a doctoral seminar we shared together. She challenges traditional interpretations of John 14 where she offers exegetical insights in line with rabbinical halakah and walking in obedience to Jesus Christ here and now. Robinson is a capable scholar in both Hebrew and Greek. Her work is worthy of consideration by all Johannine scholars.”

—Craig Price, adjunct instructor, Liberty Theological Seminary

From the Publisher