Vision & Mission

Soli Deo Gloria 2033 aims to inspire, mobilise, connect, empower and raise awareness of culturally significant celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection in 2033, for the glory of God.

Origin of the initiative

In 2010, Andreas Bartels had the vision to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection globally, but he felt that God was asking him to wait until 10 years before the event with the start. So he planned and thought only secretly and waited until 2023, when he and his wife Elisabeth made their first informal contacts with the WEA. In 2024, Dr Detlef Blöcher from DMGint joined as an advisor, and in 2024, through God’s guidance during the EAD conference, Jochen Bubeck and Frank Bossert joined the steering group as well as Dieter Trefz (Kontaktmission). Initial meetings were held, including OpenDoors staff and meetings with Olivier Fleury from JC2033 took place, who is already working in that area.

Significance of the anniversary

2000 years since the resurrection

In our view, the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in all world history. God conquered death and thereby confirmed the validity of Jesus’ atoning death for eternity. This confirmed centuries-old prophecies and, after Jesus’ ascension, the worldwide church of Jesus was founded through the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which continues to spread throughout the world to this day. This church is the body of Jesus, which honours Him as its head and celebrates in unity.
Over a billion people worldwide believe that Jesus is Lord of all and that He rose from the dead – according to Romans 10:9, they are believers who are saved for eternity. As a result, despite all the differences in the concrete expression of their faith, they are united as the body of Jesus Christ, who is the head of all.

Goals and values of Soli Deo Gloria 2033

Celebrating the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection to God’s glory
Worldwide unity among Christians despite theological differences
Making the believing body of Christ visible as a witness to the world

Spiritual core of the initiative

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

…so that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.

John 17:23b

Soli Deo Gloria

‘Soli Deo Gloria’ means ‘Glory to God alone’

Only God deserves honour and worship – especially on the anniversary of the Resurrection. It is solely about God’s glory, not about organisations or people.

‘Soli Deo Gloria’ is Latin – a language that united the first Christians in the Roman Empire, comparable to English today.
Our initiative is not focused on our language and culture. We express this by the fact that our name does not originate from any of the languages spoken today. Instead, each celebration should be meaningful in its own cultural context – thus creating a beautiful bouquet of flowers for our Lord.

Even the name of the initiative is not important – it may even be changed over time if this seems appropriate.

FAQ

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Why are we celebrating in 2033?

Because most Christians believe, it will be 2000 years since the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the most important event in world history. We don´t want to discuss about the exact date, but invite every believer to celebrate at all and show it to the world to give God all Glory, he deserves.

Global celebration or global celebrations?

We are often asked where the celebration will take place. The answer is: all over the world, because there will be many small and large celebrations.

Since all these celebrations are united in Christ and many are registered on the celebration website, the sum of all these celebrations could also be called a ‘global celebration’.

Can I celebrate in 2030?

Yes, some groups are also choosing 2030 – everyone is welcome.

Only Romans 10:9 is important. Anyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in his resurrection is welcome to register. There is also the option to enter the date of the celebration, to show, when you will celebrate.

In 2030 and 2033, Christians worldwide will commemorate 2000 years since the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some traditions count from the year 30, others from the year 33. These different perspectives should not divide us, but remind us that the focus is not on the date, but on the living Lord himself.

Does Soli Deo Gloria 2033 belong to a particular denomination?

No, it is interdenominational. The focus is on the glory of Jesus Christ.

Will Jesus return in 2033?

That is solely in God’s hands. Our task is to celebrate and bear witness to Jesus.