2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb Description of the Progressive Revelation of the N.T., November 2, 2009
This review is from: Biblical Theology of the New Testament (Paperback)
This book is a sound summary of the theological perspective of each N.T. writer. It is especially insightful in the manner in which it compares and contrasts the theological emphases of the various authors of the N.T. Its unique contribution is its delineation of ecclesiology (the church) and eschatoloy (future events). It is written from a classical dispensational viewpoint and, as such, considers the church to be a mystery that was not revealed in any way in the O.T. As a result, Ryrie concludes that the church began at the day of Pentecost, is unique to this present age and will be raptured by Christ at any given moment. He also claims that there will be a literal seven year period of tribulation immediately following the rapture of the church in which God's wrath is poured out on the unbelieving world. At the end of the tribulation, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth to destroy the remaining unbelievers and to visibly rule over the the entire earth as the King of Israel. The coming of Christ will also result in the salvation of all Jews who are living at that time. The millennial reign will be characterized by peace, righteousness and the exaltation of Jesus Christ as the sovereign Ruler of the world. The book is a theological gem that should be thoroughly studied by every follower of Christ!
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7 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Skip this one. . ., October 22, 2003
I was very disappointed in Ryries book. Although Biblical theology is not exegesis, it is built directly upon it. Too bad that Ryrie makes little use of exegesis and the exegesis he does is rather superficial and shallow.
The heart of any worthwhile theology of the New Testament should be Christology. The development of a sound Christology based on scholarly exegesis is the keystone to the development of Christian doctrine. The best adjective to describe Ryries Christology is mediocre. He deals with such subjects as the geology, birth, youth and baptism of Jesus, ignoring the best of modern exegesis. For instance, during his discussion concerning the temptations of Jesus he states that this is proof that Jesus could not sin. If Jesus could not sin, how can we find fellowship with Jesus as a man? The very point that the Gospels and the writer of Hebrews make is that although Jesus was able to sin, he did not.
Also disappointing were Ryries treatment of the Christological titles of Jesus. For instance, he gives only superficial exegetical and historical support to show that the title LORD may refer to Jesus as God. The same analysis can be applied to his treatment of the title SON OF GOD. Merely stating that at his trial those who witnessed understood that he was clearly claiming to be divine is not sufficient proof to convince the well-equipped Arian of the deity of Christ.
The role of women in the church, according to Ryrie, is nil. He has completely missed the point. He states that women are to be silent, not to talk nor function in any meaning capacity within the church. He then proceeds to explain I Cor. 11:53 (prohibiting women from praying or prophesying without a veil) as Paul referring to public speaking and not praying or prophesizing within with the church- ho hum. He ignores Acts 11:15, Philip and his four daughters who prophesied. In the same way, he fails to grasp the significance of Phoebe being called deacon in Rms. 16:11. He translates the word deacon as an office and not a service, except where it violates his presuppositions; therefore, if the word deacon is applied to a male he must be an official in the church, and if it is applied to a felmale, she is merely a servant. Perhaps he should look up Galatians 3:28.
If you are looking for a good conservative theology of the New Testament, skip this one and read Ladds, A Theology of The New Testament.
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