Short Studies in Biblical Theology

"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. Sidney Greidanus (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam) has taught at Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, and The King's College. Since his retirement from full-time teaching in 2004, he has devoted his time to writing commentaries specifically for preachers. He is the author of many books, including Sola Scriptura; Preaching Christ from the Old Testament; and The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text.

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." ―Genesis 3:15 We've all heard this story: the hero fights a dragon in an epic battle, and just as it appears the dragon is going to prevail, the hero saves the day. Best-selling novels and blockbuster movies are filled with this type of story, but did you know that this is the main theme of the Bible too? Tracing the theme of serpents and dragons through both Testaments, trusted scholar Andrew David Naselli demonstrates that these stories reflect our desire to know the ultimate story―the struggle between God's offspring and the offspring of the serpent. As we come to experience this captivating, unifying narrative, we will rejoice in the ultimate victory of Jesus―the serpent slayer―over the devouring dragon in Revelation. Andrew David Naselli (PhD, Bob Jones University; PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of systematic theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis. He is planting Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.

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. Patrick Schreiner (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross; Matthew, Disciple and Scribe; The Ascension of Christ; and The Visual Word.

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 Nicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament courses. His other books include In All the Scriptures and Matthew's New David at the End of Exile.

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 the Bible 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. • Founded on Scripture: Highlights the interconnectedness of the Bible • For Learners: Ideal for students or anyone looking to grow in their knowledge of God and the Scriptures • Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include The New Creation and the Storyline of Scripture, The Lord's Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant, and The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross

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.

"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.

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.

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. Graeme Goldsworthy (PhD, Union Theological Seminary) previously served as a lecturer in biblical theology, Old Testament, and hermeneutics at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. Graeme lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his wife, Miriam. They have four adult children. Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is the author of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children. Miles V. Van Pelt (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Alan Belcher Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, academic dean, and director of the Summer Institute for Biblical Languages at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Grace Reformed Church in Madison, Mississippi. He and his wife, Laurie, have four children.

Marriage is so much more than a human institution. The Bible teaches that marriage was created by God and reveals an eternal mystery: the mystery of the gospel. In this way, marriage paints a picture of our salvation in and through Jesus Christ. In the second volume in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, pastor Ray Ortlund traces the Bible's teaching on marriage from Genesis to Revelation, revealing how marriage stands at the center of God's redemptive purposes for the world. Helping us grasp a cosmic vision of this oft-misunderstood institution, this volume honors and exalts marriage as a grand display of the gospel, offering guidance, and hope for our own marriages today.

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. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Thomas R. Schreiner (MDiv and ThM, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary; PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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. Justin A. Schell (MAR and MAME, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is the US Director for Union, a ministry that seeks the reformation of Christ's church worldwide. He is also the Director of Executive Projects for the Lausanne Movement and has served cross-culturally in the Muslim world. Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is the author of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children.

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 runs through the biblical story from the garden of Eden through the priesthood of Israel to Jesus Christ―the true and better high priest. It culminates with the creation of God's new 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. David S. Schrock (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is pastor for preaching and theology at Occoquan Bible Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. He is a founding faculty member at Indianapolis Theological Seminary, where he teaches theology. Schrock has contributed to multiple theological journals and specializes in both systematic and biblical theology.

"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things" ―Romans 8:32 As Christians, "blessing" pervades our everyday lives―from testimonies recounting God's provision, to praise songs, to wishing someone well. The term has been so integrated into our everyday vocabulary that it is rarely considered carefully. Many people think that blessing is described as either physical (Genesis 1:22) or spiritual (Ephesians 1:3), but a fuller biblical-theological approach reveals that God's blessing has always been physical, spiritual, and―ultimately―relational. Unpacking this pattern throughout redemptive history, William Osborne shows that divine blessing is not just a good gift here or there, but the fullness of all we were created to be, in relationship with our Creator. William R. Osborne (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as associate professor of biblical and theological studies at College of the Ozarks and is the author of Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God. He lives in southwest Missouri with his wife and four kids. Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is the author of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children. Miles V. Van Pelt (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Alan Belcher Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, academic dean, and director of the Summer Institute for Biblical Languages at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Grace Reformed Church in Madison, Mississippi. He and his wife, Laurie, have four children.

A Biblical Theology of Sanctification from Genesis to Revelation The entire biblical narrative declares the righteousness of God and the consecration of his people. In this book, Marny Köstenberger explores the topic of sanctification―being set apart by God for holiness. Surveying the Bible from beginning to end, Köstenberger shows that sanctification is grounded in the eternal holiness of God, who created humanity in his image. Now, in Christ, the Spirit sets believers apart and restores them to the original image. Sanctification often takes place in the midst of suffering and equips believers for their God-given mission. • Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God's word―other volumes include Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death; The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more • Analyzes the Word "Sanctification" in Both Hebrew and Greek • Helps Readers Understand How the Old and New Testaments Relate to Each Other Marny Köstenberger (ThD, University of South Africa) is a teacher and women's consultant, the author of Jesus and the Feminists, and the coauthor of God's Design for Man and Woman and Parenting Essentials. She previously served as director of women's programs and mentoring, and professor of theology and women's ministry at various churches and seminaries. Marny and her husband, Andreas, live in North Carolina.