Biblical Theology

Abstract

Biblical Theology Christopher T. Begg, Fred W. Guyette, and J. Edward Owens Christopher T. Begg Catholic University of America Fred W. Guyette Erskine College and Seminary J. Edward Owens OSST, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio TX 2620. [Messiah in the OT] Andrew T. Abernethy and Gregory Goswell, God's Messiah in the Old Testament: Expectations of a Coming King (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020). Pp. xiii + 292. Paper $29.99. ISBN 978-0-8010-9975-5. At the start of the introduction to their joint volume, A. and G. offer the following statement about what the book is about (p. 1): "The subject of this book is fundamental to a proper understanding of the faith we profess, for the name of our faith (Christianity) and the name given to its followers (Christians) derive from a core belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the 'Christ' (Messiah). In terms of a definition of 'messiah' and 'messianism' in this book these terms are understood to refer to the hope of the coming of a royal agent who will serve God's kingdom purposes, an expectation that Christians believe finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Put simply, a messianic passage or book in the Old Testament is one in which this royal figure is prefigured, anticipated, predicted, or described." Against this background, A. and G. trace the canonical unfolding of the messiah concept in the Hebrew Bible from its opening in the Pentateuch through its conclusion in Chronicles in a sequence of 15 chapters as follows: (1) The Seed, the Star, and the Template in the Pentateuch; (2) The Need for a King in Judges; (3) The Book of Ruth and the House of David; (4) The Heart of Kingship in 1–2 Samuel; (5) Failure and the Royal Ideal in 1–2 Kings; (6) Royal Messianic Expectations in Isaiah; (7) The Death and Rebirth of Kingship in Jeremiah; (8) The Prince Forecast in Ezekiel; (9) Kingship for a United Nation in Hosea; (10) David's Booth in Amos; (11) Davidic Rule in Micah; (12) The Sprout, the Divine Shepherd, and Messenger of Zechariah and Malachi; (13) The Portrait of David in the Psalter; (14) Where Is David in the Book of Daniel?; and (15) Kingship and the Temple in 1 Chronicles. A 16th chapter ("Looking Forward to the New Testament") enlarges the perspective beyond the OT and is itself followed by a conclusion, a bibliography, and indexes of Scripture and ancient writings, names of modern authors, and subjects.—C.T.B. Google Scholar 2621. [The Doctrine of Creation; Abraham Kuyper] Bruce Riley Ashford and Craig G. Bartholomew, The Doctrine of Creation: A Constructive Kuyperian Approach (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2020). Pp. xi + 430. $50. ISBN 978-0-8308-5490-5. Apart from the doctrine of God, no doctrine is as comprehensive as that of creation. It is woven throughout the entire fabric of Christian theology. It goes to the deepest roots of reality and leaves no area of life untouched. Across the centuries, however, the doctrine of creation has often been eclipsed or threatened by various forms of Gnosticism. Yet, if Christians are to rise to current challenges related to public theology and ethics, we must regain a robust, biblical doctrine of creation. According to A. and B., one of the best sources for outfitting this recovery is Dutch Neo-Calvinism. Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, and their successors set forth a substantial doctrine of creation's goodness, but recent advances in this tradition have been limited. Now in their volume, A. and B. develop the Kuyperian tradition's rich resources on creation for systematic theology and the life of the church today. In addition to tracing historical treatments of the doctrine, the authors explore intertwined theological themes, such as divine omnipotence, human vocation, and providence. They draw on diverse streams of Christian thought while remaining rooted in the Kuyperian tradition, with a sustained focus on doing theology in deep engagement with Scripture. [End Page 978] Approaching the world as God's creation changes everything. Thus, this volume concludes with a consideration of its implications for current issues, including those related to philosophy...