Essential Studies in Biblical Theology | ESBT (4 vols.)

by L. Michael Morales; Brandon D. Crowe; Benjamin L. Gladd; Matthew S. Harmon

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2019–2021

Overview

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) explores the central or “essential” themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. Whereas existing series on biblical theology are generally open-ended, 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.

Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, each author teases out a unique theme throughout the entire sweep of the history of redemption. 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.

Written for students, church leaders and laypeople, the ESBT is intended to be an introduction to core biblical-theological themes of the Bible—accessible, yet rich in content.

Key Features

• Examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation
• Explores how the blood of a Passover lamb helps us grasp the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross
• Traces the theme of sin and exile throughout Scripture

From Adam and Israel to the Church: A Biblical Theology of the People of God

• Author: Benjamin L. Gladd
• Series Editor: Benjamin L. Gladd
• Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT)
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication Date: 2019
• Pages: 200

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What does it mean to be created in God’s image? How has this image been affected by the fall? Who are the people of God?

Addressing these core questions about spiritual identity, From Adam and Israel to the Church examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of being created and formed in God’s image. Benjamin Gladd argues that living out God’s image means serving as prophets, priests, and kings, and he explains how God’s people function in these roles throughout Scripture—from Adam and Eve to the nation of Israel, from Jesus to the church. The consistent call of the people of God is to serve as God’s image-bearers in the world.

This first volume in Essential Studies in Biblical Theology lays a foundation for subsequent volumes, introducing key biblical-theological themes such as temple, king, priest, prophet, creation, and redemption.

The main storyline and big message of the Bible can be told from many different angles. Benjamin Gladd’s book takes a surprising approach, insisting that not only is Jesus God’s prophet, priest, and king—we too, as those created in God’s image and being conformed to the image of Christ, are to live as prophets, priests, and kings. The book is a remarkably comprehensive and compelling description of God’s work in the world.

—Brian S. Rosner, principal, Ridley College, Australia

Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption

• Author: L. Michael Morales
• Series Editor: Benjamin L. Gladd
• Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT)
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication Date: 2020
• Pages: 224

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

With Israel’s exodus out of Egypt, God established a pattern to help us understand the salvation of all his people—Israel and the nations—through Jesus Christ. In Exodus Old and New, L. Michael Morales examines the key elements of three major redemption movements in Scripture: the exodus out of Egypt, the second exodus foretold by the prophets, and the new exodus accomplished by Jesus Christ. We discover how the blood of a Passover lamb helps us grasp the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross, how the Lord’s defeat of Pharaoh foreshadowed Jesus’ victory over Satan, how Israel’s exodus out of Egypt unfolds the meaning of the resurrection, and much more. The second volume in the ESBT series, Exodus Old and New reveals how Old Testament stories of salvation provide insight into the accomplishments of Jesus and the unity of God’s purposes across history.

Exodus Old and New is a fascinating, well-written, and convincing book. Morales does a masterful job of demonstrating that the exodus theme is both extensive and pervasive throughout both the Old and New Testaments—indeed, it lies at the very heart of biblical theology. This is a fresh and insightful study of a very important theme. This book makes a very important contribution to the field of biblical theology and is a must-read for all who preach, teach, or write in this field.

—J. Daniel Hays, professor of biblical studies, Ouachita Baptist University

Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration

• Author: Matthew S. Harmon
• Series Editor: Benjamin L. Gladd
• Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT)
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication Date: 2019
• Pages: 164

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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.

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

The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law

• Author: Brandon D. Crowe
• Series Editor: Benjamin L. Gladd
• Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT)
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication Date: 2021
• Pages: 208

The closely related biblical themes of covenant and law have often been debated. Yet they are among the most important topics in Scripture—theologically and practically. They address how God graciously relates to us and how we ought to live on a daily basis.

In this ESBT volume, Brandon Crowe builds on previous books in the series as he considers covenant and law throughout both Old and New Testaments. The Path of Faith lays out key principles such as the obligation of people to obey their Creator, how Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s law opens the way to eternal life, and what the law means for us today as we continue walking by faith.

The Path of Faith reveals the unity of the biblical witness and the consistent call for God’s people to show him covenant loyalty, all while recognizing the unique saving work of Christ on our behalf.

Looking for a primer on covenant theology that is grounded in biblical theology? This is your book. Crowe faithfully guides you from creation to the new creation through the nexus of God’s covenant and human obedience.

—Andrew T. Abernethy, associate professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College