The Gospel of Our King

Ashford (Every Square Inch), professor of theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and Thomas (A Manifesto for Theological Interpretation), professor of Old Testament at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, team up for this introductory yet sweeping Bible study. Starting with the account of creation in Genesis, the authors explain how humans were made for the purpose of communing with God, why the Communion was fractured with the fall, and God’s plan for redemption—which they define as setting “right what is wrong in the world.” The book outlines six divine covenants laid out in the Old Testament that lead to the words and works of Jesus: “Jesus is the full realization of all the major symbols and stories of the Old Testament.” Finally, the authors delve into what it means to live as a Christian today, addressing the social, theological, and global missions of the modern Christian. The authors argue that Christians should fight against a “narcissistic culture” dominated by “individual autonomy,” defend the divinity of Christ, and (“addressing specifically Western Christians”) spread the gospel globally. While Ashford and Thomas’s scope is impressive, covering so much ground so briefly might disorient Christians without a firm biblical training. (Apr.)