The New Creation Model: A Paradigm for Discovering God's Restoration Purposes from Creation to New Creation

by Michael J. Vlach

Is our view of God’s purposes too small? What if God’s plans for the world are far grander than we imagined? Throughout church history, Christians have perceived God’s purposes and eternal life from one of two models. The Spiritual Vision Model focuses exclusively on individual and spiritual issues in this age and sees eternal life as an escape from earth to a forever spiritual existence. In contrast, the New Creation Model embraces a comprehensive and multi-dimensional vision of God’s intentions, not only for humanity, but for all creation. And it presents eternal life as vibrant life on a restored earth in God’s presence with social and cultural activities. In his book, The New Creation Model , Michael Vlach offers a compelling case for the New Creation Model as the biblical and holistic paradigm for understanding God’s restoration designs. This fuller understanding empowers the reader to grasp God’s plans with clarity, hope, and vision.

424 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2023

Reviews

[Nate G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the content. Though it was a little repetitive.

[Wesley Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have convinced me, Mr. Vlach.

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.5/10 - Strong ideas, thorough, satisfying coverage. Important topics. The style wasn’t always there, though. Some over-quoting and dryness to name two.

[Joshua Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. A able defense of the New Creation Model from a Dispensational view point.

Pros: Vlach does a excellent job Comparing and contrasting the New Creation Model to the Spiritual Vision Model and how they affect both our over all theology as well as eschatology. He also include several useful charts that sum things up nicely.

Cons: The book started out as class notes and most likely because of that there tends to be a fair amount of repetition, not a problem in a week by week class but if you read the book quickly it does stand out. Vlach's historical section on the reformation is also very lacking dealing only with Luther and Calvin and leaving out men like Joseph Mede and the many Anabaptists who revived the New Creation Model.

[Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. This book sheds new light on the topic of eschatology and gives a helpful paradigm regarding a holistic redemption that Christ provides—not just individual salvation but all of creation. I loved it. Very thorough. Some beliefs I didn't realize I had were exposed in this book which is always fascinating. It may not be the last work on the topic, but it certainly moves the ball forward in discussing how the last things are influenced by God's care and concern for creation. There is so much that can be said about this work, but it is an easy read with lots to chew on. Dispensational and Covenantal presuppositions are definitely challenged by this framework—not creating a middle ground, but exposing both to inconsistencies falling into the Spiritual Vision Model rather than the New Creation Model.

[Brandon Siwula · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student at STS, Dr. Vlach has made a huge impact on my approach to the scriptures. This is probably my favorite work of his so far. He puts together pieces of the Bible so clearly you wonder why you struggled with them before. For those who love the study of hermeneutical systems and historical theology, you will love this book and will have trouble putting it down. This book is also spiritually edifying, as I found myself throughout imagining how great the kingdom of Christ is going to be and our part in it. Highly recommend!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Vlach does a masterful job advocating for the New Creation perspective of last things in contrast to the nearly ubiquitous Spiritual Vision model of history's end. Faithfully Biblical and well written. Vlach states in his conclusion: "Strive to make sure your perspective on reality and the future are thoroughly biblical." This book will help you to do just that. Highest of recommendations.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Vlach does a good job with researching and presenting various views and how they relate to the scale from spiritual vision to new creation.