Short Studies in Biblical Theology

A Biblical Theology of Resurrection Hope from Genesis to Revelation Death is a powerful and sobering reality. While everyone must face death, it is not the end for those united with Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ have resurrection hope, the proclamation that Christ has defeated death and the promise that believers shall share in his victory. The resurrection is essential to the Christian faith and is rooted in the faithfulness of God. With scholarly insight, Mitchell L. Chase traces the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture, walking through each section of Scripture from the Law to Revelation. Having a proper understanding of death and resurrection will not only stir up our soberness for the reality of sin and death, but it will also motivate our praise to God.

The concept of blessing pervades the everyday life of Christians-from testimonies recounting God's provision, to praise songs, to wishing someone well. In fact, the term has been so integrated into Christian language that it is rarely considered thoughtfully. In the pages of Scripture, blessing seems to be either physical or spiritual, but a fuller biblical-theological approach reveals that God's blessing has always been both spiritual and physical. In Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God, William Osborne traces the theme of blessing throughout Scripture as he guides readers into a deeper understanding of how God's gracious benevolence impacts the everyday lives of Christians.

"I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things." Isaiah 45:7 When God created the world, he brought perfect order out of what was "without form and void." But with human rebellion against God leading to God's curse, disorder was introduced into creation-disorder that we still see all around us today. Tracing the chaos to cosmos theme from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, pastor-scholar Sidney Greidanus reveals how God is restoring his creation through Jesus Christ, who has already begun to shine light into the darkness and will one day return to bring peace, order, and restoration once and for all. With discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a fourteen-session reading plan, this book is ideal for small groups as well as individual study.

"Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:54 The theme of divine sonship stretches across the pages of the Bible: from Adam in the garden of Eden, through the nation of Israel and King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem-the Son of God par excellence. In this volume, renowned biblical scholar Graeme Goldsworthy shows what Christ's fulfillment of the divine sonship motif means for all who are sons and daughters of God. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

A Biblical Theology of Sanctification from Genesis to Revelation God's holiness and the sanctification of his people are key themes throughout the biblical narrative. In this addition to the “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series, Marny Köstenberger explores the topic of sanctification, being set apart by God for holiness, which is the impetus for a believer's God-given mission. Surveying the Bible from beginning to end, Köstenberger teaches that sanctification is a trinitarian enterprise: God creates humanity in his holy image, Christ delivers them from sin, and the Spirit applies the benefits of Christ's saving work, restoring the original image in Christ. At the core, a believer's union with Christ, and their experience of abiding in him, powerfully propels their growth in holiness.

A Canonical Journey to Explore the Mission of the Eternal God "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). This declarative phrase introduces fundamental questions circling the minds of skeptics and believers of Christianity alike. What was God's mission when he chose to create? And why, through the Savior's death on the cross and the witness of his church, does he continue to redeem the very creation that rebels against him? To answer these imperative questions, author Justin Schell takes readers on a canonical journey exploring the mission of the eternal God-Father, Son, and Spirit. Drawing insights from creation, the exodus of God's people, the suffering servant, the Great Commission, and consummation, this book examines the purpose and beauty of God's great story. It is out of an abundance of love that God brings us into union with him, calling his church to bear witness to all that has been done in Christ, until the day that he returns. - Explores the Mission of God: Takes readers on a canonical journey to examine the purpose and beauty of God's story - Academic yet Accessible: Perfect for pastors, college and seminary students, missionaries, and lay leaders - Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God's word. Other volumes include Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." –Hebrews 13:14 At the very heart of God's plan for the world stands an extraordinary city. Beginning with the garden of Eden in Genesis and ending with the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the biblical story reveals how God has been working throughout history to establish a city filled with his glorious presence. Tracing the development of the theme of city in both testaments, T. Desmond Alexander draws on his experience as a biblical scholar to show us God's purpose throughout Scripture to dwell with his redeemed people in a future extraordinary city on a transformed earth. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

The “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story-culminating in Jesus. Insightful, accessible, and practical, these books are perfect for readers looking for bite-sized introductions to major subjects in biblical theology. The third volume in the series, Work and Our Labor in the Lord explores how work fits into the framework of the whole Bible-looking at the original creation purpose for work, how it was affected by the fall, and the hope for lasting good offered to all who toil and labor in the Lord today.

When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'-1 Corinthians 11:24 The Lord's Supper is more than a church tradition or a complex doctrinal controversy, it has practical importance to our daily lives. When Jesus instituted the Supper, it was meant to strengthen the faith of his followers by reminding them of his promises. God has always made promises to his people through covenants, and along with them given signs and meals to point to and confirm his blessings. Looking at the unity of the covenants throughout the Bible, this book will help Christians recover the practical importance of the Lord's Supper as both a sign and a meal of the new covenant blessings God has bestowed on believers in Christ.

"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." –Matthew 19:30 The Bible is full of ironic situations in which God overturns the world's wisdom by doing the opposite of what is expected-people are punished by their own sin, the persecution of the church is the catalyst for its growth, Paul claims to have strength through weakness, and more. In this book, biblical scholar G. K. Beale explores God's pattern of divine irony in both judgment and salvation, finding its greatest expression in Jesus's triumph over death through death on a cross. Unpacking this pattern throughout redemptive history, Beale shows us how God often uses what is seemingly weak and foolish to underscore his own strength and power in the lives of his people today.

Although a story with a serpent, a damsel in distress, and a serpent slayer may sound like just another fairy tale, it is, in fact, part of the greatest true account ever told-the Bible. Epic tales resonate with readers because they echo the greatest story. In this new addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Andrew David Naselli traces the theme of snakes and dragons from the serpent in the garden to the devouring dragon in Revelation, culminating with the return of the King. New and seasoned Christians alike will experience afresh the captivating unifying narrative behind all stories as they embark on a journey through the Bible with a trusted biblical scholar.

A Biblical Theology of the Royal Priesthood from Genesis to Revelation "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." -1 Peter 2:9 From Genesis to Revelation, the theme of the royal priesthood is a silver thread running through the biblical story from the garden of Eden through the priesthood of Israel to Jesus Christ-the true and better priest. It culminates with the creation of God's covenant people, called out of the nations to be his priests to the nations. In this concise treatment, David Schrock traces this theme of priesthood throughout the Bible and displays to readers how Jesus, the great high priest, informs the worship, discipleship, and evangelism of the church. - Short and Accessible: Traces the theme of priesthood from Genesis to Revelation and gives practical application for the church today - Written for Laypeople and Church Leaders: Excellent for students, Bible studies, small groups, and leaders of all levels - Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series

Accessible Guide Explores Humanity's Exile and the Hope of Atonement God's people, once resting in his divine presence, now toil in exile. The theme of humanity's expulsion and wandering begins with Adam and Eve, but echoes in events throughout the Bible. Emphasizing the pain of separation from God, exile stories also highlight the hope of resurrection and creation's imminent restoration back to the Edenic state. In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Nicholas G. Piotrowski traces the theme of exile throughout Scripture, giving readers a renewed appreciation for redemptive history and atonement in Christ. Sharing from his 15 years of study, Piotrowski connects the journeys of Abraham, Joseph, and Jesus with tabernacle imagery and other types to illustrate recurring themes of exile from Genesis until the new creation. This accessible volume helps believers understand their own exile and rejoice with the hope that they will one day worship in God's holy presence. - Brief and Easy to Understand: Piotrowski's clear style makes this theologically rich guide accessible for students and teachers as well as new Christians - Comprehensive: Asserting that the return from exile is the Bible's principle drama, Piotrowski examines stories from the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, the Land of Canaan, and the new creation - Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ

A Biblical Theology of the New Creation from Genesis to Revelation "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."-Revelation 21:3 The Bible begins with the story of one perfectly good God creating a perfectly good universe. Forming two perfectly good human beings in his own image, Adam and Eve, was the crown jewel of his creative expression. Through humanity's sin, however, God's creation fell into a fallen state, yet he promised to bring restoration. In this book, Frank Thielman traces the theme of the new creation through the Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation. He shows us that at every turn, God invites his people to be a "kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:6), exemplifying the new creation to a needy and watching world until the return of Jesus.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." -Matthew 13:31–32 When Jesus began his ministry, he announced that the kingdom of God was at hand. But many modern-day Christians don't really understand what the kingdom of God is or how it relates to the message of the gospel. Defining kingdom as the King's power over the King's people in the King's place, Patrick Schreiner investigates the key events, prophecies, and passages of Scripture that highlight the important theme of kingdom across the storyline of the Bible-helping readers see how the mission of Jesus and the coming of the kingdom fit together. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.-Genesis 17:4 Throughout the Bible, God has related to his people through covenants. It is through these covenant relationships, which collectively serve as the foundation for God's promise to bring redemption to his people, that we can understand the advancement of his kingdom. This book walks through six covenants from Genesis to Revelation, helping us grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture and see the salvation God has planned for us since the beginning of time-bolstering our faith in God and giving us hope for the future.

A Short Study of the Sabbath from Creation to Consummation When it comes to the Sabbath, Christians have different ideas on what it means and how to observe it. For many people, it is a day to go to church and have fellowship with other believers. What they often miss, though, is that the Sabbath is intricately tied to rest and worship, both of which ultimately point to the Lord as our creator and redeemer. In this addition to the “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series, Guy Prentiss Waters offers an introductory study of the Sabbath from the creation of the world to the consummation of all things when Jesus returns. He shows how the Sabbath is observed through the major themes and genres of the Bible-creation, law, prophets, Jesus, and the apostles-and how that applies to our lives today. Waters teaches us about the Sabbath's full restoration in the new heavens and the new earth and its continual reminder of the covenant that God has made with his people. -Written for New Believers and Seasoned Saints Alike: Perfect for laypersons, pastors, college and seminary students, and academics -Practical: Examines how the Sabbath is relevant to the church now as well as how it will be restored in the new heavens and the new earth -Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God's word

"This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." -Ephesians 5:32 Marriage reveals something of eternal significance. From the beginning, God designed marriage to convey a greater reality-the passionate, unfailing, redeeming love of God for sinners, the eternal romance between Christ and his bride. In this volume, Ray Ortlund traces marriage throughout Scripture-from the first marriage in the garden of Eden to the ultimate marriage in the book of Revelation-laying out a transcendent vision of marriage that dignifies our own imperfect unions as a display of the gospel. This book offers insight and hope to every married person today. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

Accessible Guide Explores Humanity's Exile and the Hope of Atonement God's people, once resting in his divine presence, now toil in exile. The theme of humanity's expulsion and wandering begins with Adam and Eve, but echoes in events throughout the Bible. Emphasizing the pain of separation from God, exile stories also highlight the hope of resurrection and creation's imminent restoration back to the Edenic state. In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Nicholas G. Piotrowski traces the theme of exile throughout Scripture, giving readers a renewed appreciation for redemptive history and atonement in Christ. Sharing from his 15 years of study, Piotrowski connects the journeys of Abraham, Joseph, and Jesus with tabernacle imagery and other types to illustrate recurring themes of exile from Genesis until the new creation. This accessible volume helps believers understand their own exile and rejoice with the hope that they will one day worship in God's holy presence. - Brief and Easy to Understand: Piotrowski's clear style makes this theologically rich guide accessible for students and teachers as well as new Christians - Comprehensive: Asserting that the return from exile is the Bible's principle drama, Piotrowski examines stories from the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, the Land of Canaan, and the new creation - Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ

Tracing God's Wisdom Throughout Scripture In an age saturated with breaking news and endless search results, we are overwhelmed with information but starved for wisdom. Where can we turn for guidance that lasts? In this volume from the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, biblical scholar Matthew S. Harmon traces the theme of wisdom throughout Scripture, revealing its presence in Eden, its role in Israel, its embodiment in Christ, and its significance in the life of the church. Harmon reveals a recurring pattern in the Bible's redemptive narrative: God reveals his wisdom, humanity rejects it, and God ultimately vindicates it. This pattern not only shapes the biblical story but also helps readers live faithfully in a fallen world by pointing them to Christ, the one who perfectly embodies the wisdom we so desperately need. - Explores the Wisdom of God: Traces the theme of wisdom throughout Eden, Israel, Christ, the church, and in the new creation - Academic yet Accessible: Perfect for pastors, college and seminary students, missionaries, and lay leaders - Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God's word. Other volumes include The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more