Crowe Brandon D. - The Path of Faith

THE ESSENTIAL STUDIES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY is patterned after the highly esteemed series New Studies in Biblical Theology, edited by D. A. Carson. Like the NSBT, this series is devoted to unpacking the various strands of biblical theology. The field of biblical theology has grown exponentially in recent years, showing no sign of abating. At the heart of biblical theology is the unfolding nature of Gods plan of redemption as set forth in the Bible.

With an influx of so many books on biblical theology, why generate yet another series? A few reasons. The ESBT is dedicated to the fundamental or essential broad themes of the grand story line of the Bible. Stated succinctly, the goal of the ESBT series is to explore the central biblical-theological themes of the Bible. Several existing series on biblical theology are generally openended, whereas the ESBT will be limited to ten or so volumes. By restricting the entire series, the scope of the project is established from the beginning. The ESBT project functions as a whole in that each theme is intentional, and each volume does not stand solely on its own merits. The individual volumes interlock with one another and, taken together, form a complete and cohesive unit.

Another unique dimension of the series is a robust emphasis on biblical theology, spanning the entire sweep of the history of redemption. Each volume traces a particular theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis 13 to Revelation 2122, and is organically connected to the person of Christ and the church in the New Testament. To avoid a flat biblical theology, these projects are mindful of how the New Testament develops their topic in fresh or unexpected ways. For example, the New Testament sheds new light on the nature of the kingdom and messiah. Though these twin themes are rooted and explored in the Old Testament, both flow through the person of Christ in unique ways. Biblical theology should include how Old Testament themes are held in continuity and discontinuity with the New Testament.

The audience of the series includes beginning students of theology, church leaders, and laypeople. The ESBT is intended to be an accessible introduction to core biblical-theological themes of the Bible. This series is not designed to overturn every biblical-theological rock and investigate the finer details of biblical passages. Each volume is intentionally brief, serving as a primer of sorts that introduces the reader to a particular theme. These works also attempt to apply their respective biblical-theological themes to Christian living, ministry, and worldview. Good biblical theology warms the heart and motivates us to grow in our knowledge and adoration of the triune God.

The topics covered in this book are some of the most important for understanding the contents of the Bible and how we live on a daily basis. Covenant and law in Scripture are vast topics that have garnered a great deal of discussion. My goal is to show the unity of the biblical witness and the consistent call for Gods people to covenant loyalty, all while recognizing the unique, saving work of Christ on our behalf. Each chapter includes discussion of biblical texts, practical application, and suggestions for further reading. Consistent with the aim of the ESBT series, this book covers Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 in order, providing a sense of the scope and development of the themes of covenant and law. I have tried to keep technical language and footnotes to a minimum, but sometimes footnotes have been necessary, especially where I am indebted to the insights of others.

An important caveat is necessary here at the outset. Addressing covenant and law means addressing the overarching structure of Scripture. This involves a number of interrelated theological commitments and presuppositions that I do not have space to defend heresuch as the nature of Scripture (its inspiration, authority, clarity, unity, and so forth), the doctrine of God, the person and work of Christ, the unity of the human race, and so forth. Though the scope of the project does not allow a full discussion of these commitments, their importance will be necessary for the arguments and conclusions that follow. Pulling the string in one area will affect others as well. Put differently, covenant and law are not isolated issues but relate to a range of other doctrines and fit within ones overall hermeneutical approach to Scripture. I hope that what I write will be beneficial to a wide audience, even though those with different perspectives might frame things differently.

In addition, what follows is in many ways a synthesis written in an accessible, nontechnical manner. Because of this, I have not typically considered alternative interpretations. To do so would be worthwhile but would result in a different sort of book (a much longer one). While I will consider the details of many texts in what follows, this book often represents the fruit of close exegesis one can find explained and defended in more technical ways elsewhere. This is also a work of biblical theology, which means I consider each passage in light of the canon as a whole. This approach explains why I sometimes cite works of systematic theology. Such works often provide some of the most detailed, thorough discussions of exegetical questions. Additionally, systematic theology considers the scope of all Scripture. It is therefore quite helpful when addressing issues of whole-Bible biblical theology. I also find an absolute dichotomization between biblical and systematic theology to be anachronistic and unworkable in practice. For at every turn we must make theological conclusions from Scripture. Why not do so by listening to those who have engaged the exegetical questions at great length?