This year’s faculty conference, our 15th annual, is: In Adam, In Christ. It is next week, on the campus of Westminster Seminary California, in beautiful Escondido. It is sunny today with an expected high temperature of 74F today. The predicted temps for the conference are 63F and 68F. The conference will be considering the grand story of God’s providential care over all of his creation and, how we were not only created in the image of God, but re-created by Jesus Christ, the Last Adam. This conference will explore this theme of God’s love and provision ultimately found in the Last Adam.
The conference will address questions such as:
- Who is the first Adam and how are we connected to him?
- Who is the Last Adam and why does it matter?
- What is the “cultural mandate” that the first Adam received and how does that shape our roles in this world?
- How does Christ’s role as the royal High Priest in Hebrews help me understand my place in the new creation?
- How should I as a sojourner view and relate to fellow sons of Adam and daughters of Eve?
- How does faith in the Last Adam provide hope for today?
Join us in next week, January 17–18, 2020 to find out.
Speakers & Topics
Created in the Image of God | Michael S. Horton
What distinguishes us from chimpanzees? In addition to identifying the obvious physical differences, we usually make the case that this difference lies with something within us, that is, the rational soul. Interestingly, the Bible also identifies it as something between us and God; that is, a covenantal commission. What is unique about this commission that God gives only to us through our father Adam? Through this talk, we’ll explore what it means to be created in the image of God and why this still
Righteousness and Life | David VanDrunen
Many Christians don’t realize that their union with Christ at salvation actually presupposes their union with Adam in sin. We read in Genesis that God required the First Adam to obey him in perfect righteousness, promising him everlasting life if he did so. But he failed, plunging all of humanity into sin and death. But the Last Adam, Jesus Christ, offered that perfect righteousness and has won that everlasting life in the new creation for all who trust in him. This talk will guide us through this glorious story of the righteousness and life we have in Jesus Christ, the Last Adam.
The Creation Mandate through the Bible | Bryan D. Estelle
In Genesis chapter 1, we read of the so-called “creation mandate” that was given as a command to Adam and Eve. Much of the language from that mandate is repeated after the flood in Genesis 9. Furthermore, many have connected it with the Great Commission in Matthew 28. But what about Abraham? Did that command change? And how does it apply to us today? This talk will help us understand better the connection of the “cultural mandate” with the church as the church, rather than with other institutions we may find in our society.
Creation Kingship and the World to Come | S. M. Baugh
It might surprise Christians that the book of Hebrews discusses topics such as creation/new creation and the first Adam/Last Adam. But the author to the Hebrews has much to say about both the kingdom of God and about Christ’s role in it as royal High Priest. This talk will explore an important passage in Hebrews 2 where the author affirms our role and rule in the new creation through the pioneering role of Christ as the Last Adam.
Sojourners East of Eden | A. Craig Troxel
Israel’s redemption from her former slavery never drifted far from her corporate memory. This was due to God’s frequent and gracious reminders that they were once sojourners in the land of Egypt. Likewise, we Christians must never forget who we were before our release from the shackles of sin and death. This talk will focus on our identity as a saved sojourner east of Eden. In addition to this, we will explore how our gratitude for this redemption from sin’s bondage ought to not only evoke compassion and empathy for fellow sons of Adam and daughters of Eve who wander east of Eden—just as we once did—but also inform the ways that we reach out to them.
Finding Hope in the Last Adam | Joel E. Kim
Where can we find hope in the midst of the often hopeless experiences of life? This talk will explore the wonderful passage of 1 Corinthians 15 as it reveals the peace-inducing hope that comes to those who put their trust in the Last Adam, Jesus Christ. In the midst of our trials, temptations, and tribulations, we need to be reminded of the encouraging reality of who this last Last Adam is and how only he can provide the hope and confidence we desperately need.
Schedule
Friday, January 17
6:00PM Registration check-in, Bookstore open
7:00 Welcome
7:10 PLENARY I: “Created in the Image of God” — Michael S. Horton
7:55 Stretch Break (10 minutes)
8:05 PLENARY II: “Righteousness and Life” — David VanDrunen
8:50 Dismissal/Refreshments
Saturday, January 18
8:00AM Registration check-in, Bookstore open
8:30 Welcome
8:40 PLENARY III: “The Creation Mandate through the Bible” — Bryan D. Estelle
9:25 Break/Refreshments (20 minutes)
9:45 PLENARY IV: “Creation Kingship and the World to Come” — S. M. Baugh
10:30 Stretch Break (10 minutes)
10:40 PLENARY V: “Sojourners East of Eden” — A. Craig Troxel
11:25 Lunch
12:50PM PLENARY VI: “Finding Hope in the Last Adam” — Joel E. Kim
1:35 Break (20 minutes)
1:55 Questions & Answers — Speaker Panel
2:45 Dismissal