IVP Academic Biblical & Theological Studies Collection (3 vols.)

by Bruce Riley Ashford; Craig G. Bartholomew; Duane A. Garrett

and

1 more

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2020

Overview

This collection of resources from IVP examines important biblical topics including the sin and restoration, creation, and Old Testament theology. Combining elements of biblical, hermeneutical, thematic, and systematic studies, this collection connects individual elements to the big picture of Scripture.

Key Features

• Examines the connection between sin, exile, and restoration
• Addresses the implications of the doctrine of creation for current issues, including those related to philosophy, science, the self, and human dignity
• Explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works

Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration

• Author: Matthew S. Harmon
• Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT)
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2020
• Pages: 216

Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile—of longing for our true home.

In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God’s judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.

Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or “essential” themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors explore the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemption history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.

Exile-restoration is one of the central themes in the Scriptures, and Matt Harmon gives us a remarkably clear tour of the theme in the Bible. Readers will not only be introduced to the theme of exile-restoration but will also be treated to an instructive survey of the storyline found in the Scriptures. Here is biblical theology at its best as a major theme is traced throughout the Bible, the intertextual relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament is illuminated, and the practical application of the theme is set forth.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, author of Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ

Matthew S. Harmon is professor of New Testament Studies at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana.

The Doctrine of Creation: A Constructive Kuyperian Approach

• Authors: Bruce Riley Ashford and Craig G. Bartholomew
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2020
• Pages: 430

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 Bruce Ashford and Craig Bartholomew, 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 theological advances in this tradition have been limited. Now in The Doctrine of Creation Ashford and Bartholomew 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 the omnipotence of God, human vocation, and providence. They draw from diverse streams of Christian thought while remaining rooted in the Kuyperian tradition, with a sustained focus on doing theology in deep engagement with Scripture.

Approaching the world as God’s creation changes everything. Thus The Doctrine of Creation concludes with implications for current issues, including those related to philosophy, science, the self, and human dignity. This exegetically grounded constructive theology contributes to renewed appreciation for and application of the doctrine of creation—which is ultimately a doctrine of profound hope.

If theology is the study of God and all other things in relation to God, then the focus of a doctrine of creation is ‘all other things.’ This is a tall order and one reason why it is difficult to come up with a list of masterpieces on the subject. This book ranges widely, covering topics from food to philosophy, but always in relation to the goodness of God, the created order, and its implications for humanity. The authors show convincingly that there is nothing in the world to which God the Creator cannot rightly declare, ‘Mine, and for my glory!’

—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Craig G. Bartholomew is director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Christian Ethics at Tyndale House, Cambridge, England. He has written and edited numerous books, including Contours of the Kuyperian Tradition, Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics, Beyond the Modern Age (with Bob Goudzwaard), The Drama of Scripture (with Michael Goheen), and a commentary on Ecclesiastes.

Bruce Riley Ashford is provost and professor of theology and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the coauthor of The Gospel of Our King and the author of Letters to an American Christian, Every Square Inch, One Nation Under God, and Theology and Practice of Mission.

The Problem of the Old Testament: Hermeneutical, Schematic, and Theological Approaches

• Author: Duane A. Garrett
• Publisher: IVP
• Publication Date: 2020
• Pages: 421

For Christians, the Old Testament often presents a conundrum. Theologians and laypeople throughout church history have struggled to define it, interpret it, and reconcile it with the New Testament.

Laying a foundation for constructive study of the Old Testament, Duane A. Garrett surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, from the church fathers to today: hermeneutical, schematic, and conceptual. Garrett also explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works, boldy offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith.

This is a book to own. Duane Garrett is an admired scholar and teacher who brings to The Problem of the Old Testament a lifetime of explaining its content in ways that are both enlightening and encouraging. Pastors can use it to orient their preaching and teaching. Students will appreciate its wise guidance to the heart of issues. Laypeople will value its readability and the way it defines the challenges and offers solutions in nonobtuse language. The Old Testament is three-fourths of the Bible. This book keeps its readers from stumbling over the hard parts, the unfamiliar parts, and the confusing parts so that they can more fully grasp what God has caused to be written for their benefit.

—Douglas Stuart, senior professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Duane A. Garrett is the John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also served as general editor for the Archaeological Study Bible.