Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments

Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST books on the topic
Review: This book has to hit the top of the list when it comes to the topic of continuity and discontinuity between the OT and NT. The authors come from predominantly two theological backgrounds: Reformed (covenant) or dispensational (though D. Moo and W. Kaiser who side on the discontinuity side are not dispensationalists themselves). There are in total 7 parts to the book. Section 1 deals with introduction of the issues involved from a historical perspective (R. Peterson). Section 2 deals with systems of continuity (W. VanGemeren) and discontinuity (J. Feinberg). Section 3 deals with hermeneutics of continuity (O. Robertson) and discontinuity (P. Feinberg). Section 4 deals with salvation from a continuity perspective (F. Klooster) and discontinuity perspective (A. Ross). Section 5 deals with the Mosaic Law and its relationship to the NT (L. Chamblin and D. Moo). Section 6 deals with peoples of God between the Testaments (M. Woudstra and R. Saucy). Finally, section 7 deals with whether the Kingdom is spiritual (B. Waltke) or spiritual/material (W. Kaiser).
All the essays presented are well written and good. However, Chamblin's essay inadvertantly leads the Gospel of Grace to a Gospel of Law. One can see by some of the statements he makes that (pp. 187-200) the "Gospel" he presents is a type of works-righteousness ethic. This is the problem of attaching the Law to the Gospel. Also, Waltke essay's could use some humility and Christian courtesy on the way he interacts with those who oppose his view. Overall, though, an excellent book contributed by many fine evangelical scholars.

Rating:
Summary: Stimulating Contributions
Review: This book took me a while to get into. But I highly recommend you read it. It makes you think. The authors write valuable articles from a mainly Covenant Theology or Dispensationalist point of view, but often you will find very valuable ideas coming from both sides. For instance, in the articles on The Law of Moses and The Law of Christ, both Chamblin and Moo make excellent points. I find it hard to see how you could align yourself with one side, without admitting that many of the points the other side makes are also important and must be also taken into account.

It also shows that the Dispensationalist camp has much more in it than a quirky take on the Second Coming. No Left Behind nonsense here!
Great book.