In the preface, Goldsworthy states that his goal is three-fold: introduce the reader to an integrated theology of the whole Bible, 2) accept the full authority and of the Bible as the Word of God, and 3) write for ordinary Christians without using "unnecessary technicalities."
The book is structured for easy reading. The chapters are short and divided into "bite-sized" sections of one or two pages. Each chapter starts with a related Bible verse and an introductory statement about the topic of the chapter. Most chapter sections end with a summary statement. Each chapter ends with study guide questions and suggestions for further reading. He appears to be writing for the adult education market. The book is well presented for this purpose. Each chapter is perfect for a 30-45 minute adult Bible study session.
The book is arranged in four parts covering the why, how, what, and where of Biblical theology. In part 1 Goldsworthy establishes why Biblical theology is necessary. Biblical theology provides the means and authority to interpret the meaning of the Bible.
In part 2 Goldsworthy explains the presuppositions of Biblical theology. Among these are: God can be known. God is the source of true knowledge. The saving work of Jesus redeems the world. It also redeems the mind of the Christian, opening him up to the truth of scripture in a way that the "God-denying" logic of humanism can never do. The gospel of Jesus illuminates scripture like a spotlight. Goldsworthy maintains that the Old Testament "is a book about Jesus Christ." He says that since Jesus fulfills the Old Testament, the Old Testament is about Jesus.
In part 3 Goldsworthy explores the historical progression of God's revelation through the covenant relationship and it relates to the Kingdom of God. Chapter by chapter Goldsworthy shows how the theme of covenant and kingdom run throughout scripture, from the earliest chapters of Genesis to Revelation. Each chapter concludes with a rather confusing chart with headings for Kingdom, God, Mankind, and World. There are some problematic chapters here. For example, he explains that Adam was a real historical person because "the gospel only makes sense only if there was a real temptation and fall which radically altered the course of human nature and the history of mankind thereafter."
In part 4 Goldsworthy shows how Biblical theology can be used to answer the general questions of Christians. He provides sample outlines for two subjects: guidance and resurrection. His approach is pretty straightforward and could be easily followed by a study group. First, make general contact with the subject in the gospel. Second, investigate key words in the Bible related to the topic. Finally, investigate the nine "strata" of Biblical theology (Adam & Eve, the patriarchs, the exodus, Canaan monarchy, prophecy, personal piety, gospels, acts, and epistles.) Using this method, we can obtain answers using a Biblical theology that emerges from the Bible.
The overriding assumption of this book is that the Bible (all parts of it) can only be interpreted in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He presents his case for Biblical theology in Part 2. Biblical truth can only be revealed using the Bible itself. While Goldsworthy acknowledges the value of other exegetical tools to illuminate scripture, but he is skeptical of the work of scholars that question the divine authority of the Bible as God's inerrant and infallible Word. He states his primary presupposition in Chapter 3: "The Christian position, to be consistent, accepts that the is Bible as God's Word, and that it says what God wants it to say in exactly the way God wants to say it." The interpretation of scripture based on "humanistic" methods will not produce good results because it stands apart from the source of true knowledge - God. This believes that humanistic reasoning is incompatible with faith. In other words, a proper understanding of the theology can only be achieved if you accept the premise that the Bible is the inerrant infallible Word. Only the Bible can interpret the Bible because only God knows what he is talking about. If you are willing to accept Goldsworthy's assumptions, then this book provides a useful approach to learning how to use Biblical theology to study scripture. However, if you do not share Goldsworthy's assumptions about the Bible and knowledge, this book is an interesting curiosity.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the brand
Scroll to the right to see more
-
Who Are We?
Since 1947, InterVarsity Press (IVP) has been publishing thoughtful Christian books that shape both the lives of readers and the cultures they inhabit. Throughout these seventy-five years, our books and authors have established a legacy of speaking boldly into important cultural moments, providing timeless tools for spiritual growth, and equipping Christians for a vibrant life of faith.
-
-
-
-
-
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Chainsaw Charlie
One of the most helpful theological books...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 2, 2017
