A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology
Nine Themes That Unite the Old and New Testaments
About
Serious students of the Bible quickly discover the diversity that stems from the human origins of Scripture, such as different authors writing in different times, places, genres, and languages. Written by an expert in biblical theology, this short, accessible book helps readers understand the unity that springs from the divine authorship of Scripture and how the whole Bible fits together.
Alan Thompson enables readers to see the big picture of the Bible by unpacking nine key themes that unite the Testaments and hold the Bible together: creation, covenant, the exodus, law and wisdom, sacrifice, kingship, the prophetic hope, the kingdom of God, and the final holy city. A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology helps readers read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament and the New Testament in light of the Old Testament.
This book provides an introductory framework for the big themes of biblical theology, preparing readers for a lifetime of Bible study. It will appeal to anyone who wants to understand how the Bible fits together, including students, pastors, church leaders, and laypeople.
1. How to Put Your Bible Together
2. Creation and Rebellion
3. Covenant
4. The Exodus and the Tabernacle
5. Law (and Wisdom)
6. Sacrifice
7. Kingship
8. The Prophetic Hope
9. The Kingdom of God: "Now" and "Not Yet"
10. The Holy City: Complete Transformation at Last
11. Putting Your Bible Together: Patterns and Principles
Indexes
Endorsements
"Understanding the Bible may seem daunting since it was composed over many centuries with an astonishing literary variety. Alan Thompson has provided an accessible, wise, clear, and faithful summary of some of the key themes in the biblical story. The length of the Bible and the diversity of historical situations addressed may hinder us from grasping where the story is going. Reading Thompson will help students, laypeople, and pastors see the larger framework and discern the overall structure and content of the Scriptures. It is a wonderful resource for a book club or for a small-group study or for a discipling relationship with another believer."
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, associate dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"What a wonderful book on biblical theology! This volume is one of the most accessible, well-balanced, and engaging books on the subject. This project not only introduces readers to the major themes and structure of the Bible but also contains a splendid chapter on how to read Scripture responsibly. For anyone looking to dip their toes in the waters of biblical theology or to wade into the deep end, I heartily recommend Alan Thompson's A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology."
Benjamin L. Gladd, executive director, The Carson Center for Theological Renewal
"Whenever a person hears someone do biblical theology--connecting the storyline of the Bible through its various parts according to themes written by the divine author--there's usually a deep resonance that generates a desire to be able to see these connections. Alan Thompson's A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology works through nine of the most important themes that span the Bible and presents them in a way that not only grounds the reader in these foundational themes but also trains the Bible student in how to search out additional themes with biblical integrity leading to joyful discovery."
Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher and author of Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything About Your Story
"I highly recommend this accessible, insightful introduction to biblical theology. Alan Thompson provides sound guidance for readers seeking patterns and principles for how the whole Bible fits together."
Brian J. Tabb, president, Bethlehem College and Seminary
"Knowing how the Bible fits together is foundational to the right interpretation and application of Scripture and to all theological formulation. Although the subject is vast, Alan Thompson has provided a wonderful, faithful, and helpful overview of the basic story and message of Scripture. This book is a must-read for those who want to know how to think God's thoughts after him and want to understand well the whole counsel of God. I cannot recommend this book enough; it will help both beginners and seasoned Christians learn how to understand and marvel at the glory of our triune God's redemptive plan centered in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Steve Wellum, professor of Christian theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Too often readers of the Bible don't see the forest for the trees. This engaging book will change that. It will open your eyes to a beautiful landscape in which all the paths lead to Jesus."
Sigurd Grindheim, missionary, Norwegian Mission Society; professor of New Testament, Mekane Yesus Seminary, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The Author
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Alan J. Thompson
Alan J. Thompson (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is head of the New Testament department and senior lecturer in New Testament at Sydney Missionary and Bible College of the Australian University of Theology. He is the author of One Lord, One...
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