Book Recommendations - Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
This will most likely be the first batch of new collections for this year, Lord willing. My greatest extravagance at this point in life is books. Good books. They seem to me like prudent investments that will last a lifetime. I know of retired pastors who gave young ministers their entire library as a gift. The right books are an understatement in this endeavor. My first paper on the Tabernacle and its role in Biblical Theology was written with a lot of assistance from these books. I therefore list them here for guidance and endorsement. Not all of them have I read. However I have cited most of them when writing my paper. The information they yielded was crucial not only in finishing my paper, but also in whetting my appetite and engorging myself more on the study of redemptive history.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology is a set of 8 books dealing with this huge subject. Three of them I have been graciously gifted. Already they contain such precious insight for the church at large. For those who have a thirst for learning. Look into the subject of Biblical Theology.
Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile―of longing for our true home. Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.
In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of a restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story, we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.
Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explores the central or "essential" themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors explore the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemption history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
"While distancing himself from N. T. Wright's view that 'exile' is the center of biblical theology, Matthew Harmon argues that sin-exile-restoration 'is a prominent motif in the biblical storyline that plays an important role in structuring that story.' I wish this book had existed when I began serious Bible reading as a young adult! It skillfully, faithfully, and readably ties Scripture together from Genesis to Revelation and explains the heart of its message. It is exegetical, theological, and doxological in an effective balance. It dramatically depicts God's broad historic purposes since Eden and Abraham without 'obscuring the forgiveness of sins that the individual experiences through the work of Jesus,' an emphasis lacking in Wright, Harmon suggests. This is not the only book summarizing the New Testament's overarching message in concise terms, but it is among the best. An added bonus is comments on application after every chapter and a masterful 'Recommendations for Further Reading' that will benefit those eager for more."
-- Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary
Exodus: Old & New by Louis Michael Morales
- The Gospel Coalition Book Award
- Center for Biblical Studies Book of the Year Award
- Biblical Foundations Book Award Winner
Reveals how Old Testament stories of salvation provide insight into the accomplishments of Jesus and the unity of God's purposes across history. With Israel's exodus out of Egypt, God established a pattern to help us understand the salvation of all his people―Israel and the nations―through Jesus Christ.
In Exodus Old and New, L. Michael Morales examines the key elements of three major redemption movements in Scripture: the exodus out of Egypt, the second exodus foretold by the prophets, and the new exodus accomplished by Jesus Christ. We discover how the blood of a Passover lamb helps us grasp the significance of Jesus' death on the cross, how the Lord's defeat of Pharaoh foreshadowed Jesus' victory over Satan, how Israel’s exodus out of Egypt unfolds the meaning of the resurrection and much more.
The second volume in the ESBT series, Exodus Old and New reveals how Old Testament stories of salvation provide insight into the accomplishments of Jesus and the unity of God's purposes across history.
"With academic expertise, Michael Morales offers an insightful overview of the Bible centered on the themes of exile and exodus. He helpfully demonstrates how the Exodus account of God's dramatic deliverance of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt provides a paradigm for a greater exodus centered on Jesus Christ, the perfect Passover sacrifice. His thought-provoking analysis of the broad sweep of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation is compelling, even when one might differ on minor details. Exodus Old and New highlights admirably how the concept of exodus is highly significant, leading to life with God by reversing the tragic consequences of humanity's exile from God's presence."
-- T. Desmond Alexander, senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College, Belfast
Ed. -Morales is starting to become one of my favorite authors. His book "Who Shall Ascend The Mountain of the Lord?" is a magnificent eye-opener in studying the book of Leviticus. I have always shied away from the book of Leviticus in the past for its mysterious and complicated details that seemed to be irrelevant to me, but now its role as the very center of the Pentateuch is very clear and astounding. I highly recommend it. God is indeed great.
From Adam and Israel to the Church by Benjamin Gladd
- Biblical Foundations Award Finalist
Examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of being created and formed in God's image. What does it mean to be created in God's image? How has the fall affected this image? Who are the people of God?
Addressing these core questions about spiritual identity, From Adam and Israel to the Church examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of being created and formed in God's image. Benjamin Gladd argues that living out God's image means serving as prophets, priests, and kings, and he explains how God's people function in these roles throughout Scripture―from Adam and Eve to the nation of Israel, from Jesus to the church. The consistent call of the people of God is to serve as God's image-bearers in the world.
This first volume in Essential Studies in Biblical Theology lays a foundation for subsequent volumes, introducing key biblical-theological themes such as temple, king, priest, prophet, creation, and redemption.
"From Genesis to Revelation, Benjamin Gladd deftly guides the reader through Scripture and unpacks the rich mosaic of the people of God. Giving attention to various canonical themes such as temple, image, Israel, king, priest, and prophet, Gladd not only shows how Christ fulfills them but also how the church―as the people of God in Christ―lives before him. Even those who disagree with some aspects of Gladd's approach will be encouraged and challenged to 'develop new creational patterns' of living now while waiting for the not yet when Christ comes again to make all things new."
-- Oren R. Martin, assistant professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College
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