Book Review: The New Creation and the Storyline of SCripture (Frank Thielman)
There are a few different ways to study and understand the Bible. One of my favorite methods is “biblical theology,” which traces themes or topics throughout the entire Bible to show the development and full picture of what the Bible has to say on a given subject. While biblical theology books can be really long and detailed, several series of more brief biblical theology books have come out in recent years, and Crossway’s series (“Short Studies in Biblical Theology”) is particularly good. Frank Thielman’s treatment of the theme of the new creation is excellent, and well-worth the read.
The New Creation and the Storyline of Scripture is intended to be an introduction to the topic, and even though it is brief, it is helpful and thorough in the areas it addresses. Thielman covers the topic in five chapters, each addressing a section of Scripture, focusing on a key passage. The first chapter begins with Genesis and the idea of creation and fall - the corruption of creation, and the necessity of a new creation. The second chapter provides examples in the Old Testament (focusing mostly in Isaiah) of the anticipation of the new creation, especially in the covenants. Chapter three explores the gospels in the New Testament, showing Jesus as the one who inaugurates the new creation with miracles and his resurrection. The fourth chapter traces the theme through Acts and the rest of the New Testament, describing the Holy Spirit’s role in restoring God’s people and ushering in the new creation. The fifth and final chapter focuses on Revelation and the future we anticipate as we grow into Christlike maturity. It concludes with a picture of the new creation recalling the beauty and majesty of the garden of Eden in the opening chapters of Genesis.
If you are curious about the idea of the new creation, and if you want a whole-Bible understanding in an accessible, quick-read format, this is the book for you. Whether you’re an experienced Bible reader looking for a refresher, or new to studying your Bible and looking for a big-picture overview of how the Bible fits together to tell one story, this book will be helpful to you. Give it a read and be encouraged as you marvel at the beauty, grace, goodness, and creativity of our God who not only creates, but renews his creation.