Unfortunately, such an approach (Inaugurationalism) inherently negates a theology of the cross as the standard of this age. Akin to its dominionistic ancestor, inaugurationalism promises the resurrection and the abundant life now. 

If Jesus truly inaugurated the new creation, wherein the curse is overturned, then we foremost ought to campaign for the deposing of wicked kings, for environmental restoration, for gender equality, etc. If the resurrection has already begun, then where is the impetus to take up our cross in this life (see Luke 9:23 and parallels)? Why should we be those who “endure pain while suffering unjustly” (1 Peter 2:19)? Why should we rejoice in persecution (Matt. 5:12; Acts 5:41)? Why should we lay down our lives as Jesus did (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16)? What is the purpose of being the scum of the earth in this age, paraded around like those condemned to die in the arena (1 Cor. 4:9–13)? Why should we love our lives not unto death (Rev. 12:11)? Why should we “always carry around in our body the death of Jesus” (2 Cor. 4:10, NIV)? And why are we “always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake” (v. 11, NIV)? Why should we “share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings” (2 Cor. 1:5), being “united with him in a death like his” (Rom. 6:5), rejoicing “insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13), “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (Col. 1:24), “becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10)? Why should we sell our possessions and give to the needy (Luke 12:33; Acts 2:45), joyfully accepting the confiscation of our property (Heb. 10:34)? Why should we soberly prepare our minds for grievous trials, setting our hope fully on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6– 13)? 

If our inheritance has already begun, why then should we heed Paul’s radical exhortation to forsake living for this age in every way? -"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away."(1 Cor. 7:29–31, NIV)

-John Harrigan