Fullness of Joy: A Biblical Theology of God with Us

by Daniel Ragusa

Contained within the pages of Scripture is the wonderful and often surprising history of God’s special revelation. The heart of this history is God’s covenant promise that he will be our God and we will be his people. Fullness of A Biblical Theology of God with Us follows the organic and progressive unfolding of God’s covenant that is consummated in a bond of friendship and crowned with joy that is full and forever. Inspired by Psalm 16:11, “You make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” this book uncovers the history of God’s revelation with an uplifting and joyful perspective. Those who read this book will see how all the types and shadows of the Old Testament in which God dwelt with his people for his glory and their joy, like the altars of the patriarchs, the tabernacle of Moses, and the temple of Solomon, looked forward to Jesus Christ, our Immanuel, and his body, the church, filled with the glory of his Spirit.

79 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Cami Godsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book helped me to meditate on deep theological truths. Don’t let it fool you. Though it is physically short and thin, the content is deep and rich. Because of that, it took me a lot longer to read than I expected. It’s a very brief introduction to the topic but I could dwell on each page for a great length of time.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer on “the Immanuel principle” as an organizing theme or motif of biblical theology. Tied into the theme of God-with-us by way of covenant unto friendship are the related concepts of temple, dwelling-place, sacrifices, worship, and glory (-cloud). Ragusa draws heavily from Beale, Alexander, Vos, and Kline. Well-written on the whole, and can be read in a sitting. But probably demands some prior familiarity with basic Reformed biblical theology.

[Shofam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short yet punch-packed volume, author Daniel Ragusa helps the reader trace how the presence of God shows up through the covenants, beginning in the garden of Eden and consummating in the new heavens and the new earth. I received this for Christmas from my dear husband, who commented that maybe it was a bit late, given that the subtitle is "A Biblical Theology of God With Us," and therefore seems to be about the incarnation. But it's so much more than that. I did find it to be a little technical at times, and there were a lot of quotes and footnotes, etc., but overall it was an encouraging read, and one I will probably return to each year around this time as a reminder of God's presence with me as part of his body.

[Kim N' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an encouraging book tracing God’s commitment to dwell with His people from Genesis to Revelation. It is a short, and easy read accessible to anyone interested in the topic. I would say that finding a friend to discuss it with as you move through it greatly increases the enjoyment and benefit of this book.

[Destin Givens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was a simple and easily accessible approach to the covenant's of Scripture. I found it to be very devotional and would definitely recommend it be read slowly and prayerfully.

[Jacob London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Has much in common with the IVP New Studies in Biblical Theology Series while being accessible and pastoral. Would recommend! Plus, it's written by a URCNA minister so extra points.

[Peter Stonecipher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ragusa engagingly traces the theme of "God with us" throughout the various redemptive historical stages of Scripture interacting with figures like Beale, Alexander, and Vos.