The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation
Many Christians think of the doctrine of creation primarily as relating to the world's origins. In The Beginning and End of All Things, Edward W. Klink III presents a more holistic understanding of creation—a story that is unfolded throughout all of Scripture and is at the core of the gospel itself. From beginning to end, the theme of creation and new creation not only directs the movement of the entire biblical story but also unifies its message. Klink explores the goodness of the physical world and how it will be perfected in the new creation of heaven and earth. Along with offering rich insights about God and his purposes for the world, a biblical theology of creation guides how we engage nature, culture, and life as embodied beings. Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780830855223
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Edward W. Klink III (PhD, St. Andrews) is senior pastor of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe, Illinois. His books include Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice, John in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series, and The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian.
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"'Christian doctrine serves Christian discipleship.' I now have the perfect illustration to show how this is so. Edward Klink's book rescues the doctrine of creation from its captivity to debates over six-day creationism/evolution, convincingly demonstrating that without a robust understanding of creation, the church risks over spiritualizing both salvation and the Christian life. Klink gives a biblical theological answer to the philosophical conundrum, Why is there something rather than nothing? He shows how creation brings into focus the big picture of the Bible, which is all about heaven coming to earth—God's creation project achieved in Jesus Christ." Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School