Considering the apostolic witness as a whole, it holds this same focus upon the cross and the day of the Lord. Thus, it can be broadly characterized as both sacrificial and apocalyptic. This twofold emphasis on the first and second comings of the Messiah rests upon (and to some degree developed out of) a creational understanding. God created the heavens and the earth without sin and death, while Adam and his progeny are to blame for its fallen state. Via the cross God has worked for our reconciliation, which he will consummate when he makes the new heavens and new earth (cf. Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 15; 2 Peter 3). - John P. Harrigan