According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Written from the conviction that "learning to grasp the unity of the Bible . . . is necessary for a right understanding of the meaning of any individual text" (p. 7), this introductory-level biblical theology is an excellent survey of the history of God's mighty redemptive acts as recorded in the unfolding narrative of Scripture.

Goldsworthy's stated aim is to (1) introduce his readers to an integrated theology of the Bible (2) written with a full acceptance of the full inspiration and authority of Scripture as God's Word, (3) for ordinary Christians. His work is a success.

The book is divided into four parts, answering the questions "why?", "how?", "what?" and "where?" about biblical theology. Part one is a single chapter which answers the "why?" question by raising several questions (about interpretation of problem passages, the relevance of the Old Testament to today, and whether there is a unifying theme to the Bible)which make biblical theology so necessary for believers.

Part two, the most academic part of the book (and the part most likely to intimidate Goldsworthy's intended audience of lay-people), answers the "what?" question in six chapters which introduce the foundational presuppositions which form the basis for the author's biblical-theological method. Biblical theology is compared to other forms of theology (systematic, historical, exegetical, pastoral) (chapter two), Christian theism is contrasted with secular humanism and theistic humanism (chapter three), and the nature of Scripture as God's divine-human word of revelation to man, which is focused on Christ as redeemer, is thoroughly addressed (chapters four - seven). Chapter five is especially helpful in fleshing out a distinctively Christian (Christ-centered) approach to Scripture, understanding that the Bible contains "progressive, redemptive revelation." "It is revelation because in it God makes himself known. It is redemptive because God reveals himself in the act of redeeming us. It is progressive because God makes himself and his purposes known by stages until the full light is revealed in Jesus Christ" (p. 57). This portion of the book should be read at some point, although some readers may prefer to skip ahead to part three and revisit part two later.

Part three is much more accessible as the author now answers the "what?" question in eighteen short chapters. These chapters cover the entire sweep of Scripture by highlighting the key epochs and events in the biblical story-line (e.g. creation, the fall, first promises of redemption (with Noah), the call of Abraham, the exodus of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the law, the wilderness temptation, the conquest of Canaan, the beginning of the monarcy, the exile of Israel into Babylon, the prophetic promises, the coming of Christ, the out-pouring of the Spirit, and the future consummation), all the while connecting the dots with biblical-theological themes of creation/new-creation, covenant/promise, kingdom, and regeneration. This portion of the book is invaluable and will forever change the way you read Scripture (if you have not already been exposed to biblical theology). These chapters make this book well-worth reading!

Part four addresses the application question of "where?" - that is, where do we apply biblical theology? Only two topics are covered (guidance and life after death), and those only briefly, but the aim is to show us how to apply the methodology of biblical-theological study to other areas. Both subject and Scripture indices are included and there are numerous helpful charts and diagrams scattered throughout the book, along with study questions, and suggestions for further reading. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it!