Part Two: Critique
*Since seminary’s purpose is to prepare for effective ministry, and writing’s purpose is to think clearly and serve the church, why not share the writing that accompanies a seminary education? The following is part two of a book review required for Biblical Hermeneutics. You can read part one (summary) here: http://carmichaelsdaughter.com/from-eden-to-the-new–jerusalem
Alexander, T.D.. From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2009.
Critical Evaluation
From Eden to the New Jerusalem proves from Scripture and external research that the Bible’s big story, from start to finish, answers life’s big questions. In some religious traditions, the interpretive field of Biblical narrative is littered with the rubble of over-spiritualized connections drawn between descriptive details and Christian living. This book, by contrast, demonstrates a faithful hermeneutic. Alexander undeniably obtains his main points from the words of Scripture: every theme is immediately evident both in Genesis 1-3 and Revelation 20-22. In his selection and ordering of themes, Alexander presents the reader with more than an introduction to Biblical theology. He also provides a helpful example of faithfully handling Scripture on a thematic level. Alexander builds a stage on which to display the emphases of Scripture, rather than spotlighting personal priorities. God’s sovereign presence with his people, the conflict of evil, the Lamb’s redemption, and the final healing of all nations in a perfectly restored earth – the reader sees these realities in Scripture as the major themes that they are.
Additionally, Alexander traces each theme through explicit Scripture references. No connections are left to the reader’s imagination. Alexander compares Eden, the tabernacle, and the temple with a lengthy list of descriptive details spanning the Pentateuch (22-23). He builds his case for “the church as temple” from every corner of the New Testament: Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation (61ff). Further, he proves Christ’s fulfillment of the Passover lamb type by linking specific prophecies to their New Testament completion (125-126). The promise of blessing all nations flows through the Pentateuch, prophets, psalms, and gospels into Revelation (165-169). It may prove impossible to find a single page in this book on which Alexander does not build his thought from Scripture, explicitly or implicitly. The reader is assured that both the themes presented and the lines drawn between them are expressly Biblical.
In conjunction with Scripture, Alexander supports his thesis and illustrates his points with research in ancient Near Eastern culture. His inclusion of such cultural details lends significant credence to his Biblical interpretation, since they prove that he has done careful work both in and around the Word. For example, he suggests that the tabernacle was designed as a mini-cosmos, citing both descriptions from Exodus and the contemporary practice of building temples as microcosms (38). This adds color to the picture of earth as God’s dwelling, since the tabernacle was the visual representation of divine presence at that time. A second example, from the practice of ancient Near Eastern kings, illustrates God’s purpose for man on earth. A king’s authority extended to every place where his image could be found. Therefore, the multiplication mandate of Genesis 1:28 would have implied to the original audience that a world filled with people, God’s image-bearers, is a world completely subject to his authority (78). These and other such details increase the reader’s confidence in Alexander’s hermeneutic, because he clearly has considered both the human authors’ intended meaning and the perspective of the original audience.
Alexander’s writing is as scholarly as it is Biblical. He extensively cites historians, other scholars, and Bible teachers to support his thematic development in each chapter. The reader concludes that this book is not simply one man’s presentation of his own ideas: it is a well-researched synthesis of many academic and devotional labors. Alexander bolsters his credibility as an author by using the work of many great minds to develop his message.
Another strength of this book is the logical ordering and interconnections of themes. The first theme, God’s presence on earth, is the foundation for every other proof Alexander presents. God’s dwelling on earth necessarily includes his sovereignty: he is present, not as a mere observer, but as King (75). Though Satan contests his authority in the present age, the Lamb secures his ultimate defeat and the restoration of all nations to God’s perfect design for them, in his presence on earth. Alexander clearly connects his themes in both main ideas and supporting details (85, 110, 123, 150). This well-crafted book artfully presents the beauty in the unity of Scripture’s grand story.
Conclusion
In From Eden to the New Jerusalem, T. Desmond Alexander proves that Genesis 1-3 and Revelation 20-22 frame the story that satisfies man’s desire for purpose. Alexander has provided a textually faithful, well-researched introduction to Biblical theology that will benefit both the unconverted and the church. The unconverted who search for meaning in life will find here answers and warning: God’s purposes are clear, therefore, repent and enter his kingdom. To believers, this book is commended as fuel for both worship and mission. This book draws the reader to worship the God who has written and guaranteed such a magnificent story. In light of God’s certain purpose for man and the earth, Christians are encouraged to hopefully persevere in the expansion of God’s kingdom among all nations, until the promised consummation is fulfilled.
