Hermeneutics & Divine Law
Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God's Unfolding Purpose, by Paul R. Williamson (New Studies in Biblical Theology series, IVP)
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
An excellent treatment of the concept of covenant in Scripture and more rewarding than most. His discussion regarding the question of the covenant of works and of grace are cogent and provide a genuine contribution to the discussion. His defense of two covenants with Abraham will not be convincing to all, but his indepth treatment of the new covenant is particularly helpful. A very helpful contemporary treatment of the covenant theme in the overall purpose of God.
All Things New: The Significance of Newness for Biblical Theology by Carl B. Hoch, Jr. (Baker Books, 1995)
One of the big questions in hermeneutical discussion today concerns the nature of this age. We call it the "new covenant community." How new is it? How new is the new covenant? What new provisions does it entail? How does it differ from the old covenant? Traditional answers from both the Reformed and Dispensational communities are being seriously challenged today, and Hoch has marked for us a clear, solid, exegetical path. This is one of my favorite areas of study, so please excuse my excitement; but in my humble opinion, this book deserves wide attention. It deserves to be read carefully and digested thoroughly. No one before has provided for us what Hoch has here, and he has put us all greatly in his debt. He has managed to crunch volumes of information into this one book, and he advances the discussion significantly – always with a careful and faithful eye on the text. An exegetical and hermeneutical and theological treasure and an absolute pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments (essays in honor of S. Lewis Johnson, Jr., Crossway Books; edited by John S. Feinberg).
This is a favorite area of study for me, but I must confess that when I first saw this book advertized I knew I wanted it if only because of the man in honor of whom it was written. Early in my ministry Dr. S. Lewis Johnson influenced me greatly, and I count it a privilege now to be acquainted with him. But the book proved valuable in its own right, and it is a good contribution to this ongoing hermeneutical debate. Various key issues are taken up and discussed, in turn, by men from either side of this hermeneutical fence. You will find it fascinating to see men from both sides pull toward center at times, but in the main the two sides are left clearly distinct. There are some chapters which in my opinion could have been done better at defining and clarifying the issue and the respective position and at exegeting the related passages, but overall this book provides a helpful overview of the varying approaches to this important issue. You who know me know of my special interest in the subject of Divine Law, and chapter 9, "The Law of Moses or the Law of Christ" by Doug Moo, is very well done – did I mention that I like Moo?
Don Carson's Exegetical Fallacies is alone in its class. This little volume, as the title implies, very painfully yet enjoyably points out the many mistakes we are all too wont to make in our handling of the Scriptures. Chapter titles include "Word-Study Fallacies," Grammatical Fallacies," "Logical Fallacies," and "Presuppositional and Historical Fallacies." This is must reading for all interpreters – I wish it could be required of all preachers and teachers of the Bible everywhere!
How to Understand Your Bible by T. Norton Sterrett (IVP)
Possibly the best book for laymen to show simply the basic procedure and ingredients of profitable Bible study. In print for over 25 years, with over 100,000 sold. A good basic guide.
From Sabbath to Lord's Day: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Investigation by Don Carson (Zondervan).
This is truly the classic, the standard work on the subject – there just is no other book like it. Whether you share Carson's non-Reformed stance or not, this is the book that must be consulted by anyone examining the Sabbath question; you just haven't finished studying the subject until you have. Carson – along with Harold Dressler, C. Rowland, Max Turner, D. R. de Lacey, Andrew Lincoln, and R. J. Bauckham – has put together an examination of virtually every aspect of this question. Their work is comprehensive, thorough, and honest. Absolutely the best on the subject. Must reading. Highly recommended.
The Law & Its Fulfillment by Thomas Schreiner (Baker Books)
Click here for reviewed by Fred G. Zaspel, Published by JETS,Vol.38, No.4
The Law, the Gospel, and the Modern Christian: Five Views is another of these "many views" books that have become so popular. In the main, these are helpful books in gaining a quick and clear grasp of the essentials and the differences of various views of Biblical subjects, and this one is no exception. Spend some time here, and you'll learn well the fundamental differences between the Reformed (Vangemeren), Theonomic (Bahnsen), Dispensational (Strickland), Modified Lutheran (Moo) perspectives – as well as whatever label it is you attach to Kaiser's view. (You will almost wonder why Kaiser was needed as a separate viewpoint – his own "criticism" of Bahsen nearly admits as much!) This book is a valuable contribution to this lively contemporary discussion, and in my humble opinion Doug Moo best handles the exegetical data – but since this is my web site, I may be excused for stating my bias in this objective review! For any of you looking into this issue of Divine Law, this book will quickly place you well on your way to an understanding of the various schools of thought. But again – be sure to give special attention to Moo!
Reformation & Revival Journal Vol. 6, No.3, Summer, 1997.
In this issue of R & R John Armstrong assembled a good number and variety of studies in regard to the New Covenant. Topics include the prophecy of the New Covenant, the inauguration of the New Covenant, the superiority of the New Covenant, the newness of the New Covenant, the ministry of the New Covenant, Divine Law and the New Covenant. Seven or eight authors have contributed to this issue, and it provides a very good and very helpful study of this relevant topic – or should I say, hot issue – in hermeneutical studies today.
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