The Bible For Theology

Learn to identify, evaluate, and refine your approach to forming theological conclusions based on the biblical text. The Bible has long served as the standard for Christian practice, yet believers still disagree on how biblical passages should be interpreted and applied. Only when readers fully understand the constructs that inform their process of moving from Scripture to theology--and those of others--can Christians fully evaluate teachings that claim to be "biblical." In this book--part of the Counterpoints series--scholars who affirm an inspired Bible, relevant and authoritative for every era, present models they consider most faithful to Scripture Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.: Principlizing Model Daniel M. Doriani: Redemptive-Historical Model Kevin J. Vanhoozer: Drama-of-Redemption Model William J. Webb: Redemptive-Movement Model Each position receives critiques from the proponents of the other views. Moreover, due to the far-reaching implications this topic holds for biblical studies, theology, and church teaching, this book includes three additional reflections by Christopher J. H. Wright, Mark L. Strauss, and Al Wolters on the theological and practical interpretation of biblical texts. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

A stimulating dialogue among evangelicals that clarifies how major evangelical theologians currently conceive the practice of theology with regard to the Bible. Contributors: -Robert K. Johnston, editor -Donald Bloesch -Donald Dayton -William A. Dyrness -Gabriel Fackre -James I. Packer -Clark H. Pinnock -Russell P. Spittler -Robert Webber -David F. Wells -John Yoder A summary of the positions: I. Johnston (Free Church): Introduction: Unity and Diversity in Evangelical Theology - introduces the theme, defines evangelicalism and evangelical theology II. Pinnock (Baptist): How I Use the Bible in Doing Theology - hermeneutical theology; only what is revelation (only Scripture) can be made a matter of theological truth III. Packer (Anglican): In Quest of Canonical Interpretation - texts must be understood in their human context IV. Spittler (Pentecostal): Scripture and the Theological Enterprise: View from a Big Canoe - exegetical theology V. Bloesch (Reformed): A Christological Hermeneutic: Crisis and Conflict in Hermeneutics - goes beyond the literal sense of the text to its larger significance VI. Yoder (Mennonite): The Use of the Bible in Theology - theology as an activity meant to correct and renew the church VII. Dayton (Wesleyan): The Use of Scripture in the Wesleyan Tradition - theology rooted in a recovery of Wesleyan truth VIII. Webber (Anglican): An Evangelical and Catholic Methodology - theology is an activity from out of the church's tradition; must study the church father's dogmatic development IX. Dyrness (Reformed): How Does the Bible Function in the Christian Life? - Scripture as a two-directional contextual hermeneutic X. Wells (Congregational): The Nature and Function of Theology - decoding/encoding; the significance of the 'sola scriptura' principle XI. Fackre (Congregational): The Use of Scripture in My Work in Systematics - full-orbed approach; world, church, Scripture, and the Gospel core all have their function

In this comprehensive exposition, a leading New Testament scholar explores the unfolding theological unity of the entire Bible from the vantage point of the New Testament. G. K. Beale, coeditor of the award-winning Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, examines how the New Testament storyline relates to and develops the Old Testament storyline. Beale argues that every major concept of the New Testament is a development of a concept from the Old and is to be understood as a facet of the inauguration of the latter-day new creation and kingdom. Offering extensive interaction between the two testaments, this volume helps readers see the unifying conceptual threads of the Old Testament and how those threads are woven together in Christ. This major work will be valued by students of the New Testament and pastors alike.

This is a book which every minister worth his salt theologically ought to have; it will do his preaching more good than many volumes of ready-made sermons.' (A. M. Hunter in The Expository Times) 'A book by scholars for the intelligent layman and the working minister or lay preacher. All these will find here, readily available, help towards the better understanding of the text of the Bible.' (T. W. Manson in The Manchester Guardian) 'It is a rash undertaking to forecast the probable future of books. But this one will probably take its place with Peake's Commentary and the Hasting's Dictionaries as an indispensable tool for preachers.' (Methodist Recorder)

The first-ever study Bible infused through and through with Biblical theology! Built on the NIV and based on the latest in Biblical scholarship, the NIV Zondervan Study Bible is full of robust new study features that work together to unpack God's story in a fresh, powerful, life-changing way.

Capitol Hill Baptist Church associate pastor Michael Lawrence contributes to the IXMarks series as he centers on the practical importance of biblical theology to ministry. He begins with an examination of a pastor's tools of the trade: exegesis and biblical and systematic theology. The book distinguishes between the power of narrative in biblical theology and the power of application in systematic theology, but also emphasizes the importance of their collaboration in ministry. Having laid the foundation for pastoral ministry, Lawrence uses the three tools to build a biblical theology, telling the entire story of the Bible from five different angles. He puts biblical theology to work in four areas: counseling, missions, caring for the poor, and church/state relations. Rich in application and practical insight, this book will equip pastors and church leaders to think, preach, and do ministry through the framework of biblical theology.

This book explores the use of the Bible among Latino/a theologians today. Latino/a Theology emerged in the 1980s, alongside a broad variety of contextual theological movements and discourses following the Latino/a movement and the formation of Latino/a Studies in the 1960s and 1970s. While much work has been done on biblical interpretation in Latino/a biblical criticism, little can be found regarding interpretation in Latino/a theological reflection. To address this gap in the literature, the contributors, from various ecclesial affiliations and religious traditions, examine the status and role of the Bible in Latino/a Theology.

Is the Bible just a random collection of old stories, or is there something more going on within the pages of Scripture? Is it possible that the ancient books of the Old and New Testaments are part of a single, unified story, begun long ago but extending into our world today? In this introduction to biblical theology, professor James Hamilton orients Bible readers afresh to the overarching story line of Scripture, helping Christians read and interpret the Bible as the biblical writers intended and as the early Christians read it. Examining Scripture's key symbols, patterns, and themes, Hamilton helps readers truly grasp—and be transformed by—the theology of redemption contained in God's Word.

Throughout the history of the church, Christians have always had to contend with the influence of unbiblical teachings related to God, humanity, and salvation. One of the most important safeguards against all forms of heresy is a robust appreciation for biblical theology—reading the Bible in a way that takes into account the whole storyline of redemptive history. Exhorting pastors and other church leaders to prioritize biblical theology in their own congregations, this book explains basic principles for reading the Bible that help pastors teach the big story of the Bible from every text. Understanding the Bible in Christ-centered terms shapes the church's teaching and mission, and protects the truth of the gospel around the world.