From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

by T. Desmond Alexander, Al Kessel (Read by)

Overview

The Bible-a complex literary anthology-answers life's most fundamental questions in its remarkably unified story, which centers on a unique deity.

T.Desmond Alexander explores this story by beginning at the end, in the final chapters of the book of Revelation. Anticipating the creation of a new earth and a new heaven, these chapters bring to fulfillment a process that began with the creation of the earth, as described in the opening chapters of Genesis. Ihese passages frame the biblical "meta-slory."

This stimulating study outlines the central themes of the Bible, with broad brushstrokes designed to show the general shape of the meta-story. With the big picture illuminated, we are able to discover each book's contribution to the whole. Appreciating these themes, which were an integral part of the thought-world of the biblical authors, will significantly alter our reading of individual books.

Good theology always has pastoral implications, and this study is no exception.

The truths revealed are extremely important for shaping our lifestyle choices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798228664258
Publisher:	Tantor
Publication date:	09/30/2025
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

T. Desmond Alexander is senior lecturer in Biblical Studies and director of Postgraduate Studies at Union Theological College, Belfast. For ten years, he had been director of Christian Training for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Previous to that position, he lectured for 18 years in Semitic Studies at the Queen’s University of Belfast. He is the author of From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Main Themes of the Pentateuch and coeditor of Heaven on Earth. He is also the coeditor of New Dictionary of Biblical Theology and Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch.

Table of Contents

Preface 7

1 Introduction 9

2 From sacred garden to holy city: experiencing the presence of God 13

Overview 15

The motif of temple 19

The temple-garden of Eden 20

The tabernacle 31

The Jerusalem temple 42

The church as temple 60

3 Thrown from the throne: re-establishing the sovereignty of God 74

The throne of God 75

Adam and Eve as God's viceroys 76

The theocracy of Israel 80

The church and the kingdom of God 89

4 Dealing with the devil: destroying the source of evil 98

The dragon who is the devil and Satan 99

Ruler of this world 100

The ancient serpent 102

The kings of the earth 109

Satan defeated 111

Satan's reign ended 117

Resisting the devil 118

5 The slaughter of the Lamb: accomplishing the redemption of creation 121

The Lamb 121

Christ, our Passover Lamb 125

The Passover in Exodus 127

Atonement 130

Purification 132

Sanctification 134

6 Feasting from the tree of life: reinvigorating the lives of people from every nation 138

Holy people in the New Jerusalem 139

Holiness and wholeness 151

The tree of life 155

Ecological transformation 157

Social transformation 163

7 Strong foundations and solid walls: living securely among the people of God 171

Old and New Testaments united 172

Genuine hope 174

A tale of two cities 175

8 Conclusion 188

Select bibliography 193

202