Inter-Varsity Press

The appeal of biblical theology to Christians is that it provides a 'big picture' that makes sense of the bulk and variety of the biblical literature. It seeks to view the whole scene of God's revelation of his one mighty plan of salvation. The Bible ceases to be a mass of unconnected texts, and begins to look like a unity that connects the narratives of Israel with those of the four Gospels; that shows up the progression from creation to new creation; and that highlights the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the prime focus of the whole Bible. If the Bible is indeed the one word of the one God about the one way of salvation through the one Saviour, Jesus Christ, it is biblical theology that reveals this to us.

Over the last fifty years, Graeme Goldsworthy has refined his understanding of biblical theology that came about as a result of his experiences as a student, a pastor and a teacher in theological education. His approach was first presented in Gospel and Kingdom, and more comprehensively in According to Plan. It has been welcomed in some circles, but has also not been without its critics.

In this valuable complement to his volume Gospel-Centred Hermeneutics, Goldsworthy defends and refines the rationale for his approach, which has drawn particularly on that developed by the Australian biblical scholar Donald Robinson. His conviction is that biblical theology is foundational for evangelical hermeneutics, indispensable in expository preaching, and the heartbeat of effective pastoral ministry.

Commendations

'Graeme Goldworthy’s contribution to the study of biblical theology has been enormous. In this informative study he helpfully compares different evangelical approaches, explaining his own preference for the method advocated by Donald Robinson. Supporting a ‘three-stage structure of revelation’ (biblical history from creation to Solomon; prophetic eschatology; fulfilment in Christ), Goldsworthy gives an interesting insight into those influences which have inspired and shaped his passion for defending and expounding the theological unity of the Bible. For anyone fascinated by biblical theology, and especially Goldsworthy’s contribution to this field of study, the present volume is essential reading.'

- T. Desmond Alexander, Union Theological College, Belfast

'Over the years readers have benefited from Goldsworthy's work in biblical theology. Now we have the mature and wise reflections of a veteran scholar on how to do biblical theology. I found this book to be edifying and stimulating. Even those who disagree with some dimensions of Goldsworthy's approach will find him to be a challenging conversation partner.'

- Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

'For many years I have admired the good things coming out of Moore Theological College ... In an age of increasing specialization and fragmentation where even biblical things come apart, Goldsworthy's approach to the unity of Scripture is an important countercultural blast.'

- Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Wheaton College Graduate School