Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible by Grudem, Collins, and Schreiner

Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible: A Guide to Reading the Bible Well

See a list of and information about the editors and contributors here.

I’ll have to be honest. As I began to read this book, I was initially disappointed. The title of the book, especially the “Big Picture” part, gave me the impression that this book was a introductory Biblical theology of sorts. I was expecting this book to help its readers see how the various parts of scripture (e.g., the Pentateuch, historical books, wisdom literature, etc.) all fit together in the overarching “storyline” of scripture.

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Resurrection | Summary and Theology Integrated

The following belongs to a series entitled “An Introductory Biblical Theology of Resurrection.” Read other posts belonging to this series here.

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Summary

This series has attempted to present a succinct Biblical theology of resurrection by methodically developing its theme throughout the canon. To summarize, the hope of Israel is bound up with the resurrection; Christ predicted His resurrection and rose bodily from the dead; Christ’s resurrection secures salvation for all who believe on Him; by nature of His resurrection Christ is shown to be the Messiah, was appointed King, has inaugurated the “last days,” and has defeated death; and finally, those who are united to Him have already been raised and will be raised bodily at His coming.

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Resurrection | Other New Testament Writings

The following belongs to a series entitled “An Introductory Biblical Theology of Resurrection.” Read other posts belonging to this series here.

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Other New Testament Writings

Hebrews

The book of Hebrews calls “the resurrection of the dead” an “elementary doctrine” (6:1-3; see also 11:19, 35). The author presupposes Christ’s resurrection (i.e., 1:3-4; 12:1-2; etc.) and explicitly mentions it once (13:20). In His resurrection, Christ has destroyed the power of death and the devil (2:14-15). And whereas former priests suffered death (7:23), “by the power of an indestructible life” (7:16), Christ “holds his priesthood permanently” (7:24) because he “always lives to make intercession” (7:25).

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Resurrection | The Pauline Epistles

The following belongs to a series entitled “An Introductory Biblical Theology of Resurrection.” Read other posts belonging to this series here.

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The Pauline Epistles

Of all Biblical authors, the resurrection is most prolific in Paul’s writings.[1] Of first importance, Paul confesses the bodily resurrection and appearance of Christ (1 Cor 15:3-8; Gal 1:1; 1 Thes 1:10; 2 Tim 2:8). Christ is raised for the imputation of His righteousness to all who are united to Him by faith (Rom 4:25),[2] and lives to make intercession for all those for whom He died (Rom 8:34). But even more so, the central motif in Paul’s resurrection-framework is union with Christ.[3]

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Resurrection | The Acts of the Apostles

The following belongs to a series entitled “An Introductory Biblical Theology of Resurrection.” Read other posts belonging to this series here.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Acts begins by acknowledging Jesus’ resurrection and His appearance to many for forty days (1:3; 2:32; 3:15; 10:40-41; 13:31; cf. 1 Cor 15:5-8) and to Paul later on in the narrative (9:1-16; see also 10:13-15; 18:9-10; 22:6-11, 17:21; 23:11; 26:12-18). In fact, witnessing the resurrected Christ appears to be a requirement for apostleship (1:21-22), exposing a primary function of the apostles—to bear witness to the resurrection (1:21-22; 4:33; 10:41). With no surprise then, the heart of the apostolic message quickly becomes the resurrected Messiah.[1]

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