Book Review: New Creation Eschatology and the Land: A Survey of Contemporary Perspectives
New Creation Eschatology and the Land: A Survey of Contemporary Perspectives by Steven L. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author’s main goal was to demonstrate the hermeneutical inconsistency, though he does offer some counterpoint. His conclusion points out different areas where more work and thought needs done. This book isn’t the explanation and defense of a holistic new creationist view, which views the restoration texts of both testaments to inform a continuity in the eschaton with the present earth being renewed and particular national and territorial promises to Israel being fulfilled as part of the renewed earth. Overall this is a helpful book and I hope it will be widely read.
Book Review: Has the Church Replaced Israel?
Has the Church Replaced Israel by Michael Vlach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review: He Will Reign Forever: A Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God
He Will Reign Forever: A Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God by Michael J Vlach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been studying the kingdom of God closely for the last few years. I recently became aware of this book, which is “A Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God.” This book is excellent and delivers on the expectations from the subtitle. Vlach works through the Bible from beginning to end, identifying the kingdom theme throughout. He ties all those threads together better than in any single work I’m aware of.
I appreciate that Vlach is up front about his premillennialism from the start. So many try to palm their eschatology and we end up with a vague treatment of scriptures. Even when I disagree with a man’s eschatological position, I appreciate knowing where he’s coming from and I want him to make his case so I can consider what he is saying and the prejudices he might have. Too many books and commentaries fail here.
Vlach did not cherry pick a few verses here and there, but rather worked with significant portions of Scripture. He paid attention to context and also presented primary objections or different views. He also answered those objections. I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through.
He makes a good case for plain meaning, but he also applies that hermeneutic to various passages. He gives a very brief treatment of historical views and apologetic applications. I highly recommend this book. Vlach’s writing is clear. So many books dealing with the kingdom are vague or overly spiritual. I will definitely reread and refer to this book in the future. The bibliography is also a great resource. I was unaware of many of those books, but I have found a few to start reading soon and others to read later.
