Part One: A Summary

*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 one (summary) of a book review required for Biblical Hermeneutics. I’d highly recommend reading the book itself, with reasons to follow in part two (critique).

Alexander, T.D.. From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2009.

Introduction

As an accomplished author and senior lecturer in Biblical studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Dr. T. Desmond Alexander is particularly qualified to write an introduction to Biblical theology. In From Eden to the New Jerusalem, he proposes that the first three chapters of Genesis and the final three chapters of Revelation frame the meta-narrative of Scripture, a story that answers man’s question of why earth and human life subsist (10).  To support his claim, Alexander presents key themes of Scripture using a consistent format: beginning at the end in the New Jerusalem, returning to Eden’s portrayal of the theme in view, and then tracing the theme through Scripture to its perfection in the eternal state. God created the world as a place to dwell with the people he made to bear his image, exercise delegated authority, and enjoy divine fellowship. The ensuing conflict of evil and subsequent provision of atoning sacrifice was no afterthought: God reveals his grace and wisdom by restoring fallen man to the glory of original design. In the new heaven and earth, God will fulfill all his purposes for his people and his world. Alexander’s thoroughly Biblical and scholarly work in this book effectively demonstrates that the grand story of Scripture explains the purpose of earth and man’s existence.

Summary

In the second chapter, Alexander begins fulfilling his promise to answer life’s big questions with the Bible’s big story, framed by the first three and final three chapters of Scripture. Alexander gives priority in order of explanation and length of exposition to his first proof of thesis: the theme of God’s presence on earth. In Genesis 1-3, God creates a perfect world to be his “divine residence” with perfect humans in perfect fellowship (14, 20). The beginning of the story also answers the question of man’s purpose. God’s design for Adam and Eve was to expand Eden’s temple-garden and fill the earth with people (25). While the events of Genesis 1-11 highlight man’s failure to live out God’s design, the provision of tabernacle and temple illustrates God’s continued determination to make the earth his sacred dwelling with man. Presently, he is accomplishing this purpose through the church, as God now dwells within, not simply among His people (69). Revelation 21-22 provides the concluding bookend by describing the New Jerusalem as the city where God forever dwells with His people (73, Rev 21:3). In this future state, God’s purpose for the earth as his residence with humanity will be fully realized.

In chapters three and four, Alexander supports his thesis with the themes of God’s sovereignty on earth and the origin and conclusion of evil. Genesis 1-2 describes the divine design for man to exercise God-given dominion and bear God’s image, as his viceroy (76). However, at the fall, man reversed God’s purpose and submitted to the serpent instead; now, the devil exerts evil authority on earth (78). Scripture’s unfolding drama enacts the establishment of a new, holy kingdom, culminating in the arrival of Jesus as the “divine warrior [who came] to overthrow the evil one” (112). Jesus’ life and death as a man brings men back into God’s purpose of viceregency on earth (94). Presently, divine sovereignty expands and the rule of Satan diminishes gradually, until God’s kingdom is finally consummated on earth (100,118). Pain and brokenness would seem a disruption to God’s purposes for earth and mankind; however, the themes of a restored reign and a defeated devil reveal a greater glory yet to come.

Alexander supports his thesis in chapter five with the theme of atoning redemption. God’s original purpose for man was to live in divine fellowship (14). When that fellowship was broken by sin, a sacrifice was necessary for forgiveness and restoration. In Exodus, the Passover lamb both atoned for the people’s sins and consecrated them as priests, able to again enter God’s presence (129). In a greater way, the sacrifice of Jesus pays for sin, purifies man from the stain of sin, and provides the means of eternal sanctification (132, 134). Through his life and death, men are restored to their purpose of walking with God in his kingdom, beholding his face.

As final support of his thesis in chapters six and seven, Alexander paints a picture of the New Jerusalem that not only answers man’s profound questions but also promises to fulfill man’s deep desires for wholeness, stability, and perfect love. Revelation 21-22 unveils a city filled with holy people from all nations, living in a holy place, wholly healed from sin and its resulting brokenness (139, 153). Citizens of God’s city, drawn in from every nation, eternally experience and anticipate the fullness of “genuine, passionate love…found only in God’s presence” (168, 187). The earth itself, presently afflicted by the curse, will be restored to the perfection of the original creation: suitable to be God’s dwelling place with his people as they expand the expression of his dominion and delight (158, 162).

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As we presently suffer the effects of the fall, I am deeply encouraged to remember the promise of restoration and redemption. A world afflicted by tsunamis and slavery and COVID-19 is not the world for which we were created. This is not the end.

Even so, come, King Jesus!

You can read part two of this book review here: http://carmichaelsdaughter.com/from-eden-to-the-new-jerusalem-part-2