Understand the Bible through the Lens of God's Covenants
This volume helps students of the Bible understand the big picture of God's covenants with humanity as they play out in both the First and the New Testaments.
"This is one of the most nourishing books of biblical theology that I have read. The accumulated fruit of a half century of faithful and scholarly Bible study and teaching is evident on every page. With courageous exposure of the damaging ways by which different Christian tribes--including evangelical ones--have relegated, negated, or simply ignored the First Testament, Block showcases the glorious redemptive coherence and missional hope of the grand covenantal narrative structure of Scripture. Every chapter is enriching, with illuminating exegesis from all over Scripture."
--Christopher J. H. Wright, Langham Partnership; author of The Mission of God
"A creative and exhaustive study of covenant and covenant-making in the Bible that draws attention to the underlying logic and remarkable continuity of the biblical covenants. Block makes a compelling case for adopting new categories to describe this central aspect of God's redemptive project. Consideration of Block's proposal is imperative for anyone attempting to understand the biblical notion of covenant in the years to come."
--Michelle Knight, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"This book, the fruit of a lifetime of careful study of the Bible, expresses Block's understanding of the way the entire Bible fits together. Regretting the tragic division between the First Testament and the New Testament that has come to characterize much of evangelical Protestantism's biblical interpretation and proclamation, he uses the theme of covenant to show how the Bible is telling one story in five acts. In a tour de force of biblical exegesis, he demonstrates that God's goal from creation onward has been for humans, sharing God's righteous character, to live in harmony with God and the cosmos. He then shows how, when that goal seemed out of reach due to human sin, YHWH devised a scheme of covenants that culminated in the Davidic covenant, by which the original goal will be achieved. Anyone who loves the Bible will be richly satisfied by this banquet Block has set before us."
--John N. Oswalt, Asbury Theological Seminary
"A rich, detailed, and accessible exposition of covenant in the First and New Testaments. We receive not only an overview of how covenant factors into every phase of biblical history but also a grand picture of how the entire Bible coheres marvelously under the hand of God. If you struggle to see how seemingly disparate First Testament themes like creation, sin, law, and exile are interwoven with covenantal ideas and have deep relevance for Christians today, this is the book for you!"
--Jerry Hwang, Singapore Bible College
"This fascinating and beautifully written study of biblical covenants from First Testament to New Testament will be valuable to a wide range of readers. Everyone interested in the Bible will benefit from Block's wise reflection on the theological unity of the Bible's diverse texts. Students, pastors, and scholars will find in this book a treasure trove of insight from years of study and meticulous research."
--Frank Thielman, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
"At last, Block has written his magnum opus! With characteristic rigor and boldness, Block sweeps aside false dichotomies and stale debates to invite fresh reflection on the 'one continuous story of divine redemption.' His book does a tremendous service to Christians struggling to see continuity between the Testaments. Students and scholars alike will appreciate his exegetical insight and synthesis of the Bible's teaching on covenant."
--Carmen Joy Imes, Biola University
"In Covenant, Dan Block has done a great service for scholars, pastors, teachers, and everyone interested in the structure and logic of the Bible. This is a comprehensive survey of the Bible's message organized around a concept critical to properly appreciating the meaning and significance of the most-read book in human history. Throughout, the reader will find a treasure trove of information, framed and communicated through Dan's characteristic combination of humility, warmth, clarity, thorough research, openness to critical discussion, and personal devotion to the God who speaks and brings us to himself through covenant."
--Dan Wu, Moore Theological College
"Block's Covenant guides readers through the cosmic story of God's plan of redemption through the framework of covenant. Block charts the covenantal story, which begins in Genesis and comes to its dramatic climax as Jesus Christ appears in the New Testament, fulfilling the divine plan. It's a journey that uncovers the heart of God in profound ways, draws the reader into Scripture's great drama and God's great mission, and culminates with the resounding sound of worship. An inspiring and valuable read!"
--Beth Stovell, Ambrose University
"Block has written a masterful survey of his approach to a coherent structure and framework for understanding the Bible. This book is the fruit of decades of research, and Block is the model of a godly and excellent scholar."
--Josh Moody, senior pastor of College Church, Wheaton, Illinois; president and founder, God Centered Life Ministries
