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Short Studies in Biblical Theology
The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross
The kingdom of God is more than just the rule and reign of God over all things. It undergirds the entire framework of Scripture, serving as the backdrop against which all other themes play out. Surveying the entirety of both the Old and New Testaments, scholar and professor Patrick Schreiner presents a definition and framework for a biblical theology of the kingdom. Defining the kingdom of God as the interplay of three concepts--the king's power over the king's people in the king's place--this new volume in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series shows how a proper understanding of the kingdom of God has tremendous implications for life here and now.
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2018
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February 11, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down. I practically highlighted the whole thing too.
This is the best introduction I’ve read on the kingdom. A wonderful combination of both brevity and clarity.
Schreiner traces the concept of the 'kingdom' from Genesis to Revelation. What is particularly good is his tying the more obscure sections (i.e. Wisdom Literature/Epistles) with the more obvious sections (Gospels). What I also really enjoyed was an secondary theme related to the kingdom: a biblical theology of 'the tree'.
Schreiner's approach is incredibly readable providing a well balanced proposal; he neither falls into abstract pietism or radical theocratic paradigms in explaining the 'kingdom'.
Excerpt:
“The kingdom is not simply social ethics, or heaven, or the church, or God’s sovereignty; the kingdom is much larger. Only when we connect the dots from the first page of the Bible to the last do we begin to see that on every page the kingdom concerns the King, his people, and their place. And at the center of this kingdom plan stands a wooden cross covered in blood." (p. 162)
This is the best introduction I’ve read on the kingdom. A wonderful combination of both brevity and clarity.
Schreiner traces the concept of the 'kingdom' from Genesis to Revelation. What is particularly good is his tying the more obscure sections (i.e. Wisdom Literature/Epistles) with the more obvious sections (Gospels). What I also really enjoyed was an secondary theme related to the kingdom: a biblical theology of 'the tree'.
Schreiner's approach is incredibly readable providing a well balanced proposal; he neither falls into abstract pietism or radical theocratic paradigms in explaining the 'kingdom'.
Excerpt:
“The kingdom is not simply social ethics, or heaven, or the church, or God’s sovereignty; the kingdom is much larger. Only when we connect the dots from the first page of the Bible to the last do we begin to see that on every page the kingdom concerns the King, his people, and their place. And at the center of this kingdom plan stands a wooden cross covered in blood." (p. 162)
October 22, 2025
Probably one of the most solid four stars I've ever given a book. Solid in literally everything. This is the only one that I have read from the series of these books, but based off this one, I would highly recommend any of the books in this series.
It helpfully drew the theme of the Kingdom of God through every part of the Bible and while not a major change in any theological thinking, it will always be a theme I see, recognize, and love because of this book.
It helpfully drew the theme of the Kingdom of God through every part of the Bible and while not a major change in any theological thinking, it will always be a theme I see, recognize, and love because of this book.
December 18, 2021
Let me say from the outset that my review is coloured by the fact that I simply do not “get” the modern biblical theology movement. I have yet to read a biblical theology study that made sense to me – it just isn’t the way that I approach Bible study. Systematic theology makes sense to me, contemporary biblical theology does not.
With that said, my rating stems partly from that fact, but also from the fact that the author makes some pretty incredible logical and Scriptural leaps that I find hard to swallow. He latched onto the imagery of a tree and rivers as being the key to understanding the kingdom of God based on the following facts:
1. The Bible begins and ends with the figure of a tree in Genesis and Revelation
2. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision about a tree in Daniel
3. Psalm 1 uses tree imagery to describe the blessed man
4. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah being a branch out of the “stump of Jesse” (p. 15)
5. Jesus compares the kingdom to a tree in parables
6. Jesus was lifted up on a tree on the cross of Calvary
This is what the entire study is built upon and the premise that “the kingdom is the basic edifice for entering the story of the Scriptures.” However, out of all of these, only Jesus’s parables and Nebuchadnezzar’s vision have any connection with a kingdom (and one is clearly the kingdom of Babylon).
The author’s handling of the book of Revelation was also a major area of concern. While not saying so directly, he seems to embrace an idealist interpretation of the book of Revelation in which he sees each section symbolizing the eternal battle of good versus evil. If this is not the author’s position, he definitely infers it many times.
A glaring oversight (either intentional or not) was the absence of any discussion on Revelation 20 and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. I know that not everyone holds to a literal, future, earthly millennial reign as I do, but in a study dealing specifically with the kingdom of God, this passage should be dealt with, regardless of one’s position.
In summary, I would not recommend the book. It was required reading for a course, otherwise I would have laid it aside after the introduction. The one positive that I took away from it was a desire to study out the kingdom of God for myself, so in that regard the book did provide a slight benefit and that’s what earned it the second star.
With that said, my rating stems partly from that fact, but also from the fact that the author makes some pretty incredible logical and Scriptural leaps that I find hard to swallow. He latched onto the imagery of a tree and rivers as being the key to understanding the kingdom of God based on the following facts:
1. The Bible begins and ends with the figure of a tree in Genesis and Revelation
2. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision about a tree in Daniel
3. Psalm 1 uses tree imagery to describe the blessed man
4. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah being a branch out of the “stump of Jesse” (p. 15)
5. Jesus compares the kingdom to a tree in parables
6. Jesus was lifted up on a tree on the cross of Calvary
This is what the entire study is built upon and the premise that “the kingdom is the basic edifice for entering the story of the Scriptures.” However, out of all of these, only Jesus’s parables and Nebuchadnezzar’s vision have any connection with a kingdom (and one is clearly the kingdom of Babylon).
The author’s handling of the book of Revelation was also a major area of concern. While not saying so directly, he seems to embrace an idealist interpretation of the book of Revelation in which he sees each section symbolizing the eternal battle of good versus evil. If this is not the author’s position, he definitely infers it many times.
A glaring oversight (either intentional or not) was the absence of any discussion on Revelation 20 and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. I know that not everyone holds to a literal, future, earthly millennial reign as I do, but in a study dealing specifically with the kingdom of God, this passage should be dealt with, regardless of one’s position.
In summary, I would not recommend the book. It was required reading for a course, otherwise I would have laid it aside after the introduction. The one positive that I took away from it was a desire to study out the kingdom of God for myself, so in that regard the book did provide a slight benefit and that’s what earned it the second star.
April 20, 2018
Not long ago, I was teaching a Bible class in our church on the parables, and I asked the class, “What was Jesus’ favorite subject to teach on?”
The answers came back hesitantly:
“The love of God?”
“The gospel?”
“The cross?”
All good but partial answers, and yet nobody offered the one I was looking for–the kingdom of God.
Patrick Schreiner opens his little book with a similar question that stumped him in his early days of serving in a campus ministry. A student simply asked him, “What is the kingdom of God?”
“I paused, fumbled around, then tossed out some words, but I ended my little incoherent bluster by saying that we would find out as we continued to study Matthew...Although my life up to this moment had been filled with good Bible teaching, I felt misplaced in a foreign land when I came to the language of kingdom. I knew the basics of the gospel message, but I could not figure out how the kingdom of God related to it or why Jesus spoke so often of it. My view of the good news had been abstracted, and I had overlooked the narrative that stood beside and underneath the glorious doctrines of Christianity” (pg. 13).
So the purpose of this new book in Crossway’s “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series is to fix that common problem–to highlight, focus, and clarify the kingdom narrative that stands beside and underneath the glorious doctrines of Christianity.
In the first chapter, Schreiner offers a clear definition with three intertwined and irreducible threads, “The kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place” (pg. 18). Schreiner insists that these three elements can be distinguished but should never separated and there are unhealthy consequences for theology, ministry, and the Christian life if we ignore any of the three parts, especially place. And then in the rest of the book, he traces out these three elements as the underlying thematic framework of the whole Bible successively through the major sections of Scripture in an unfolding fashion, using the order of the Hebrew Scriptures for the Old Testament (Law, Prophet, Writings). It’s very persuasive, and I agree with him that “Once you see it, it is hard to unsee” (pg. 24).
One of the things I appreciated the most was that Schreiner gave equal time to parts of the Bible that often get overlooked when talking about the kingdom. For example, the wisdom literature in the Old Testament gives what he calls, “a poetic picture of life in the kingdom” (pg. 67), and the epistles in the New Testament are “kingdom dispatches...working out the implications of the kingship of Christ” (pg. 108). I have already started using his helpful categories and rich terminology in my own mind and teaching when thinking about the underlying structure of the Bible storyline. I knew most of the data points already, but he connects the dots in a coordinated and compelling way–especially drawing upon the imagery of trees in the Bible.
I really appreciated how he emphasized the concept of place. For Schreiner, the kingdom is earthy, physical, concrete, shaped, tangible, substantial. He recognizes that this aspect of the kingdom teaching often gets overlooked (when it’s not being over-emphasized!), and I was pleased to see him tease it out of the various nooks and crannies of each section and genre of Scripture.
I was surprised and disappointed, therefore, when Schreiner skipped Revelation 20 altogether. He has an entire chapter on the kingdom in Revelation, highlighting its teaching on the power of God and the Lamb, the people of God, and even the place of God–“People regularly overlook the location of the kingdom in the biblical text, but is always present–Revelation included’ (pg. 128). But in his summaries, he jumps from chapters 17-19 to chapters 21-22.
This may be a strength, not a weakness, because the interpretation of Revelation 20 is so hotly debated among Bible students. Schreiner could prove his main points without referencing such a contested piece of the puzzle. But I was interested in knowing how he thought Revelation 20 fit into the framework he was developing. From my perspective as a convinced premillennialist, Revelation 20 is a instance in human history where the King is physically present ruling and reigning in power with His people in His earthly place. The millennium is not the final, full, and ultimate instance of these three coming together but a penultimate one that invites some theological reflection.
But this is a minor quibble over a lacuna in a book that is intentionally brief. Schreiner had to pick and choose his texts carefully, and I think the rest of his selections are wise and judicious.
But I haven’t said anything yet about the cross.
At first I thought that Schreiner had forgotten his subtitle. The cross is hardly mentioned in the introduction and isn’t mentioned by name in the first chapter. But it’s always there, just being progressively revealed. I think Schreiner was intentionally building towards the cross to mirror the way the Bible itself reveals it. So in the first chapter, he shows in the Law how “sacrifice is at the center of the kingdom plan,” in the second chapter in the Prophets he talks about the suffering servant, in the third chapter on the Writings, he talks about righteous suffering. And then in the New Testament section, the cross comes more clearly into focus.
The book concludes with a reflective chapter bringing the twin foci of kingdom and cross together. “The kingdom is not a higher or more important theme than the cross. These two realities are forever joined; separating them is an act of violence. If the kingdom is the goal, then the cross is the means. But this does not mean that the cross simply falls between the ages. Rather, it is the wheel that shifts one age into another; it is the great transition place, the turn of the ages for the people of God seeking their place” (pg.136-137).
Amen. I highly recommend this introduction to the oft unnoticed doctrine of the kingdom of God. I am currently preaching through the Gospel of Matthew, and Schreiner’s little volume is helping me to see and articulate more clearly what is going on as the King arrives on the scene, announces and demonstrates that His kingdom is near, embodies and teaches the new values and surprising norms and nature of His kingdom, and secures His kingdom of power, people, and place with His own blood.
The answers came back hesitantly:
“The love of God?”
“The gospel?”
“The cross?”
All good but partial answers, and yet nobody offered the one I was looking for–the kingdom of God.
Patrick Schreiner opens his little book with a similar question that stumped him in his early days of serving in a campus ministry. A student simply asked him, “What is the kingdom of God?”
“I paused, fumbled around, then tossed out some words, but I ended my little incoherent bluster by saying that we would find out as we continued to study Matthew...Although my life up to this moment had been filled with good Bible teaching, I felt misplaced in a foreign land when I came to the language of kingdom. I knew the basics of the gospel message, but I could not figure out how the kingdom of God related to it or why Jesus spoke so often of it. My view of the good news had been abstracted, and I had overlooked the narrative that stood beside and underneath the glorious doctrines of Christianity” (pg. 13).
So the purpose of this new book in Crossway’s “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series is to fix that common problem–to highlight, focus, and clarify the kingdom narrative that stands beside and underneath the glorious doctrines of Christianity.
In the first chapter, Schreiner offers a clear definition with three intertwined and irreducible threads, “The kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place” (pg. 18). Schreiner insists that these three elements can be distinguished but should never separated and there are unhealthy consequences for theology, ministry, and the Christian life if we ignore any of the three parts, especially place. And then in the rest of the book, he traces out these three elements as the underlying thematic framework of the whole Bible successively through the major sections of Scripture in an unfolding fashion, using the order of the Hebrew Scriptures for the Old Testament (Law, Prophet, Writings). It’s very persuasive, and I agree with him that “Once you see it, it is hard to unsee” (pg. 24).
One of the things I appreciated the most was that Schreiner gave equal time to parts of the Bible that often get overlooked when talking about the kingdom. For example, the wisdom literature in the Old Testament gives what he calls, “a poetic picture of life in the kingdom” (pg. 67), and the epistles in the New Testament are “kingdom dispatches...working out the implications of the kingship of Christ” (pg. 108). I have already started using his helpful categories and rich terminology in my own mind and teaching when thinking about the underlying structure of the Bible storyline. I knew most of the data points already, but he connects the dots in a coordinated and compelling way–especially drawing upon the imagery of trees in the Bible.
I really appreciated how he emphasized the concept of place. For Schreiner, the kingdom is earthy, physical, concrete, shaped, tangible, substantial. He recognizes that this aspect of the kingdom teaching often gets overlooked (when it’s not being over-emphasized!), and I was pleased to see him tease it out of the various nooks and crannies of each section and genre of Scripture.
I was surprised and disappointed, therefore, when Schreiner skipped Revelation 20 altogether. He has an entire chapter on the kingdom in Revelation, highlighting its teaching on the power of God and the Lamb, the people of God, and even the place of God–“People regularly overlook the location of the kingdom in the biblical text, but is always present–Revelation included’ (pg. 128). But in his summaries, he jumps from chapters 17-19 to chapters 21-22.
This may be a strength, not a weakness, because the interpretation of Revelation 20 is so hotly debated among Bible students. Schreiner could prove his main points without referencing such a contested piece of the puzzle. But I was interested in knowing how he thought Revelation 20 fit into the framework he was developing. From my perspective as a convinced premillennialist, Revelation 20 is a instance in human history where the King is physically present ruling and reigning in power with His people in His earthly place. The millennium is not the final, full, and ultimate instance of these three coming together but a penultimate one that invites some theological reflection.
But this is a minor quibble over a lacuna in a book that is intentionally brief. Schreiner had to pick and choose his texts carefully, and I think the rest of his selections are wise and judicious.
But I haven’t said anything yet about the cross.
At first I thought that Schreiner had forgotten his subtitle. The cross is hardly mentioned in the introduction and isn’t mentioned by name in the first chapter. But it’s always there, just being progressively revealed. I think Schreiner was intentionally building towards the cross to mirror the way the Bible itself reveals it. So in the first chapter, he shows in the Law how “sacrifice is at the center of the kingdom plan,” in the second chapter in the Prophets he talks about the suffering servant, in the third chapter on the Writings, he talks about righteous suffering. And then in the New Testament section, the cross comes more clearly into focus.
The book concludes with a reflective chapter bringing the twin foci of kingdom and cross together. “The kingdom is not a higher or more important theme than the cross. These two realities are forever joined; separating them is an act of violence. If the kingdom is the goal, then the cross is the means. But this does not mean that the cross simply falls between the ages. Rather, it is the wheel that shifts one age into another; it is the great transition place, the turn of the ages for the people of God seeking their place” (pg.136-137).
Amen. I highly recommend this introduction to the oft unnoticed doctrine of the kingdom of God. I am currently preaching through the Gospel of Matthew, and Schreiner’s little volume is helping me to see and articulate more clearly what is going on as the King arrives on the scene, announces and demonstrates that His kingdom is near, embodies and teaches the new values and surprising norms and nature of His kingdom, and secures His kingdom of power, people, and place with His own blood.
August 3, 2019
Good intro on the theme of Kingdom of God. His short definition is “the Kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” And traces this phrase from Gen to Rev. Particulary helpful pointing out this theme in the Writings as what life in the kingdom ought to look like when applied. Short. Concise. Read it.
May 20, 2025
“The Bible begins with the account of creation and ends with a description of a more glorious creation. Between these accounts lies the story of redemption.”!!!❤️🔥
June 21, 2018
This is the fourth book I read from the “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series published by Crossway. I have immensely enjoyed the other three volumes that I read from this series and since they were so good I want to eventually read all the works in this series. This present work explores the theme of “the kingdom of God” in the Bible and is authored by Patrick Schriener. If the last name jumps out at you that’s because he’s the son of New Testament scholar Thomas R. Schreiner.
The book is made up into six chapters besides the introduction and the conclusion. The main body of the book is a survey of the Kingdom of God from Genesis through Revelation. The book is divided into two parts with the first part surveying the Old Testament and the second part surveys the New Testament. Each part has three chapters with the first chapter covering the law, the second chapter is on the prophets and the third chapter is on the Writings. These are the three division the Jews have for their Scripture which I appreciated the author considered in the structure of the book. In part two chapter four is on the Gospels, chapter five is on Acts and the Epistles with chapter six on Revelation.
I thought the best part of the book was the introduction which the authored titled “The Importance of the Kingdom.” Not only did he argued why the kingdom of God is important but he also made a persuasive case that a wrong definition of the kingdom or one that is reductionistic poses real challenges in biblical interpretation and biblical theology. After noting the danger the author points out that the kingdom of God must encompass three components: There must be the power of God with a people of God and located at a place. While not all of these three aspects are always mentioned simultaneously in Scripture nevertheless these are the three “Ps” that are the characteristics of the kingdom of God. I thought that was very helpful. With this in place Schreiner defined the kingdom of God as the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.
Like other books in this series this book might be short in length with 160 pages but it is packed with insights, and amazing truths concerning biblical theology, structures of books in the Bible, etc. Personally there were so many things that I learned from the book that I won’t be able to share them all in this review. Here are some of the things I learned:
The Bible begins and ends with a tree; see Genesis 2:9 and Revelation 22:2. But throughout Scripture the kingdom of God is often portrayed as a tress such as in Daniel 4:10-12 and Jesus comparison of the kingdom to a tree in Matthew 13:31 and Mark 4:31-32.
Jesus hung on a tree to be cursed to undo the curse of the first tree and ultimately to provide God’s people access to the second tree: the tree of life.
Genesis lays the foundation for so much of what appears later in the New Testament. Schreiner did a good job pointing out of how the Gospel of Matthew opens up with a “book of genealogy” that echoes Genesis 2:4, 5:1 of origin of Adam and Eve and thus in Matthew the theme of New Creation and people is seen, with God’ New Creation about to begin!
In the middle of Wisdom literature in the Hebrew order of the canon of Scripture is the book of Ruth and Ester. Chronologically this might seem odd since Ruth is before David and the split of the kingdom. But Ruth in the order of the canon serves to function to remind the people that God will bring a Rescuer King even as the people are in “Exile” like Ruth in Moab.
If the Kingdom of God is the goal, then the cross is the means according to the New Testament.
Again there are more things one will learn than what is summarized above. Overall the book was wonderful and helpful but there are a few criticism I have of the book. In talking about the Old Testament Patrick Schreiner mentioned that punishment accompanied every mention of Seraphim. But I think that is not totally accurate since Seraphim is mentioned twice but is mentioned only in Isaiah chapter 6. There the Seraphim is not there for judgment per se for they are even involved with cleansing Isaiah for the forgiveness of his sins (see verse 6-7). I felt Schreiner’s comment about Seraphim didn’t tell the whole story. Also in the chapter talking about the book of Acts there was an error in which Schreiner referred to Acts 20:31 when he meant Acts 28:31 concerning Paul mentioning the Kingdom of God. With the two criticism I have of the book it should not take away any reason why one should read this book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Crossway and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
The book is made up into six chapters besides the introduction and the conclusion. The main body of the book is a survey of the Kingdom of God from Genesis through Revelation. The book is divided into two parts with the first part surveying the Old Testament and the second part surveys the New Testament. Each part has three chapters with the first chapter covering the law, the second chapter is on the prophets and the third chapter is on the Writings. These are the three division the Jews have for their Scripture which I appreciated the author considered in the structure of the book. In part two chapter four is on the Gospels, chapter five is on Acts and the Epistles with chapter six on Revelation.
I thought the best part of the book was the introduction which the authored titled “The Importance of the Kingdom.” Not only did he argued why the kingdom of God is important but he also made a persuasive case that a wrong definition of the kingdom or one that is reductionistic poses real challenges in biblical interpretation and biblical theology. After noting the danger the author points out that the kingdom of God must encompass three components: There must be the power of God with a people of God and located at a place. While not all of these three aspects are always mentioned simultaneously in Scripture nevertheless these are the three “Ps” that are the characteristics of the kingdom of God. I thought that was very helpful. With this in place Schreiner defined the kingdom of God as the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.
Like other books in this series this book might be short in length with 160 pages but it is packed with insights, and amazing truths concerning biblical theology, structures of books in the Bible, etc. Personally there were so many things that I learned from the book that I won’t be able to share them all in this review. Here are some of the things I learned:
The Bible begins and ends with a tree; see Genesis 2:9 and Revelation 22:2. But throughout Scripture the kingdom of God is often portrayed as a tress such as in Daniel 4:10-12 and Jesus comparison of the kingdom to a tree in Matthew 13:31 and Mark 4:31-32.
Jesus hung on a tree to be cursed to undo the curse of the first tree and ultimately to provide God’s people access to the second tree: the tree of life.
Genesis lays the foundation for so much of what appears later in the New Testament. Schreiner did a good job pointing out of how the Gospel of Matthew opens up with a “book of genealogy” that echoes Genesis 2:4, 5:1 of origin of Adam and Eve and thus in Matthew the theme of New Creation and people is seen, with God’ New Creation about to begin!
In the middle of Wisdom literature in the Hebrew order of the canon of Scripture is the book of Ruth and Ester. Chronologically this might seem odd since Ruth is before David and the split of the kingdom. But Ruth in the order of the canon serves to function to remind the people that God will bring a Rescuer King even as the people are in “Exile” like Ruth in Moab.
If the Kingdom of God is the goal, then the cross is the means according to the New Testament.
Again there are more things one will learn than what is summarized above. Overall the book was wonderful and helpful but there are a few criticism I have of the book. In talking about the Old Testament Patrick Schreiner mentioned that punishment accompanied every mention of Seraphim. But I think that is not totally accurate since Seraphim is mentioned twice but is mentioned only in Isaiah chapter 6. There the Seraphim is not there for judgment per se for they are even involved with cleansing Isaiah for the forgiveness of his sins (see verse 6-7). I felt Schreiner’s comment about Seraphim didn’t tell the whole story. Also in the chapter talking about the book of Acts there was an error in which Schreiner referred to Acts 20:31 when he meant Acts 28:31 concerning Paul mentioning the Kingdom of God. With the two criticism I have of the book it should not take away any reason why one should read this book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Crossway and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
March 19, 2018
First sentence: “What is the kingdom of God?” The student leaned back and looked at me. I paused, fumbled around, then tossed out some words, but I ended my little incoherent bluster by saying that we would find out as we continued to study Matthew.
The book presents an overview of the entire Bible through the theological/doctrinal lens of 'the kingdom of God.' The book explores what the phrase 'kingdom of God' means throughout Scripture. It would be tempting to define this key concept just based on the gospel readings, for example. But a more accurate assessment must consider all of scripture. He uses the Jewish ordering of Scripture when he discusses the Old Testament. (If you've never read the Old Testament this way, I do recommend it!)
How does Schreiner define the kingdom of God?
In part one, the focus is on the Old Testament. What can we learn about the kingdom of God in the law? in the prophets? in the writings? In part two, the focus is on the New Testament. What can we learn about the kingdom of God in the gospels? in Acts? In Paul's letters? in the general letters? Of course, this is all leading up to what can we learn about the kingdom of God in the book of Revelation?!?!
I would definitely recommend this one. It may be a "short study" in Biblical theology--but it packs in a lot of substance or 'meat.'
The book presents an overview of the entire Bible through the theological/doctrinal lens of 'the kingdom of God.' The book explores what the phrase 'kingdom of God' means throughout Scripture. It would be tempting to define this key concept just based on the gospel readings, for example. But a more accurate assessment must consider all of scripture. He uses the Jewish ordering of Scripture when he discusses the Old Testament. (If you've never read the Old Testament this way, I do recommend it!)
How does Schreiner define the kingdom of God?
The kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.
So what is the kingdom? It is concrete; it is earthy; it is people; it is place; it is about Jesus; it concerns the cross; it is about the new heavens and the new earth; it is about community, politics, order, bodies, and human flourishing. It is about power, family, thrones, walls, gates, rivers, and streams.
Jesus did not invent the concept of kingdom. Rather, it started in the garden and has always concerned people, place, and power.
Only when we connect the dots from the first page of the Bible to the last do we begin to see that on every page the kingdom concerns the King, his people, and their place. And at the center of this kingdom plan stands a wooden cross covered in blood.
In part one, the focus is on the Old Testament. What can we learn about the kingdom of God in the law? in the prophets? in the writings? In part two, the focus is on the New Testament. What can we learn about the kingdom of God in the gospels? in Acts? In Paul's letters? in the general letters? Of course, this is all leading up to what can we learn about the kingdom of God in the book of Revelation?!?!
I would definitely recommend this one. It may be a "short study" in Biblical theology--but it packs in a lot of substance or 'meat.'
March 23, 2018
It might seem that the Bible is disjointed, that the Old and New Testaments are not cohesive in their theological views. But Schreiner claims that the biblical theme of the kingdom is a thread that runs through the entire Bible.
Schreiner argues that Christians must understand the kingdom to truly know Jesus and understand the gospel. He suggests the kingdom is the framework for all of Scripture, that the other themes in Scripture revolve around it.
Schreiner begins by defining the kingdom of God in terms of power, people, and place. He shows how the theme flows through the Old Testament and that it was always God's objective to establish a kingdom on earth. (Loc 338/1618) He goes through the law, the warnings and promises of the prophets, kingdom prospering in the wisdom literature, its embodiment in Jesus and its unexpected nature as revealed in the New Testament.
I appreciate this book, one in a series showing how the Bible is theologically unified. It is written for the layperson and is very understandable on that level. Reading this book helped me to see how the kingdom of God is a theme that runs through the entire Bible. It also helped me see the cross in its relation to the kingdom. “If the kingdom is the goal,” Schreiner writes, “then the cross is the means.” (Loc 1482/1618) Accepting the cross is the entrance to the kingdom. Rejecting the cross is to be thrown out forever. (Loc 1540/1618)
I recommend this book to Christians who desire to understand the kingdom of God as the theme that runs through the entire Bible and the role of the cross in that kingdom reality.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Schreiner argues that Christians must understand the kingdom to truly know Jesus and understand the gospel. He suggests the kingdom is the framework for all of Scripture, that the other themes in Scripture revolve around it.
Schreiner begins by defining the kingdom of God in terms of power, people, and place. He shows how the theme flows through the Old Testament and that it was always God's objective to establish a kingdom on earth. (Loc 338/1618) He goes through the law, the warnings and promises of the prophets, kingdom prospering in the wisdom literature, its embodiment in Jesus and its unexpected nature as revealed in the New Testament.
I appreciate this book, one in a series showing how the Bible is theologically unified. It is written for the layperson and is very understandable on that level. Reading this book helped me to see how the kingdom of God is a theme that runs through the entire Bible. It also helped me see the cross in its relation to the kingdom. “If the kingdom is the goal,” Schreiner writes, “then the cross is the means.” (Loc 1482/1618) Accepting the cross is the entrance to the kingdom. Rejecting the cross is to be thrown out forever. (Loc 1540/1618)
I recommend this book to Christians who desire to understand the kingdom of God as the theme that runs through the entire Bible and the role of the cross in that kingdom reality.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 7, 2024
Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.
What is the Kingdom of God? For whatever reason, this is a difficult questions for many Christians including myself to answer. While most people use the term in connection with good works or God’s redeeming work within individuals, these definitions don’t square with the Scriptures. Thankfully, Patrick Schreiner’s brief work wonderfully clarifies the concept, provides a Biblical theology on the subject, and helps show the importance of it for understanding the whole of the history.
Patrick defines the Kingdom of God as, “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” As the author’s definition and the book demonstrate, the King and His kingdom cannot and should not be separated. Throughout the Scriptures, as the representative kings of the kingdom go so goes the kingdom. As Patrick explains from Adam to the judges to the kings, the hope of God’s kingdom being established over the earth continually experiences hope followed by apparent major setbacks. Yet, God promises to establish His reign over His people throughout the ends of the earth. After millennia of anticipation, finally, God’s kingdom does arrive with the arrival of the King, God Himself. Rather than establishing the kingdom with a sword, Jesus ushers in the kingdom by bearing the penalty of sin for its subjects. This kingdom grows as God saves sinners through faith in this crucified and risen savior. And in this age, the people of the King, namely believers, look forward to King Jesus’ return and the full arrival of the kingdom to the ends of the new creation. If this theme hasn’t always been clear to you as it wasn’t to me, read (or listen) to Patrick’s book.
What is the Kingdom of God? For whatever reason, this is a difficult questions for many Christians including myself to answer. While most people use the term in connection with good works or God’s redeeming work within individuals, these definitions don’t square with the Scriptures. Thankfully, Patrick Schreiner’s brief work wonderfully clarifies the concept, provides a Biblical theology on the subject, and helps show the importance of it for understanding the whole of the history.
Patrick defines the Kingdom of God as, “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” As the author’s definition and the book demonstrate, the King and His kingdom cannot and should not be separated. Throughout the Scriptures, as the representative kings of the kingdom go so goes the kingdom. As Patrick explains from Adam to the judges to the kings, the hope of God’s kingdom being established over the earth continually experiences hope followed by apparent major setbacks. Yet, God promises to establish His reign over His people throughout the ends of the earth. After millennia of anticipation, finally, God’s kingdom does arrive with the arrival of the King, God Himself. Rather than establishing the kingdom with a sword, Jesus ushers in the kingdom by bearing the penalty of sin for its subjects. This kingdom grows as God saves sinners through faith in this crucified and risen savior. And in this age, the people of the King, namely believers, look forward to King Jesus’ return and the full arrival of the kingdom to the ends of the new creation. If this theme hasn’t always been clear to you as it wasn’t to me, read (or listen) to Patrick’s book.
June 14, 2024
I had not read any books from this series but had been eyeing it for a while. I have been interested in reading Patrick Schreiner as a young scholar with some interesting works and connections. So, I dove in!
This book was excellent in its mission: defining the Kingdom of God richly and tracing that throughout Scripture for an audience not versed in Biblical Theology. Schreiner provided great depth and even for someone well-read in these areas brought rich and powerful images/references/pictures for understanding this theme. Particularly helpful was his work in the prophets/writings.
Schreiner sees the Kingdom of God as the narrative framework or theme that holds the Bible together. He defines it as God's Power, in God's Place, ruling over God's people. This was not entirely new except that Schreiner repeatedly emphasized place as an important concrete aspect of God's desires to build His Kingdom. He does an excellent job of tracing this theme throughout in a way that is accessible yet quite deep.
The only critique I would bring against the book is that the second part of the title "and the Glory of the Cross" was not brought out in a major way until the conclusion. Some of it was in the gospels and New Testament, but he could have introduced or pointed toward it in other sections. This did not take away from the book only that the title seems to emphasize it in a way that is less so in the book. Again, that is not to say this book is not Christ-centered or gospel-rich.
This book was excellent in its mission: defining the Kingdom of God richly and tracing that throughout Scripture for an audience not versed in Biblical Theology. Schreiner provided great depth and even for someone well-read in these areas brought rich and powerful images/references/pictures for understanding this theme. Particularly helpful was his work in the prophets/writings.
Schreiner sees the Kingdom of God as the narrative framework or theme that holds the Bible together. He defines it as God's Power, in God's Place, ruling over God's people. This was not entirely new except that Schreiner repeatedly emphasized place as an important concrete aspect of God's desires to build His Kingdom. He does an excellent job of tracing this theme throughout in a way that is accessible yet quite deep.
The only critique I would bring against the book is that the second part of the title "and the Glory of the Cross" was not brought out in a major way until the conclusion. Some of it was in the gospels and New Testament, but he could have introduced or pointed toward it in other sections. This did not take away from the book only that the title seems to emphasize it in a way that is less so in the book. Again, that is not to say this book is not Christ-centered or gospel-rich.
February 11, 2019
This excellent primer on a biblical theology of God's Kingdom is discipleship gold! Schreiner takes the best of Goldsworthy and improves upon it in both content and accessibility. Specifically, the section on the major and minor prophets is thrilling. His thematic survey of God's kingdom in the oft-neglected wisdom literature was worth the price of the book. And his organization of the Old Testament under the Hebrew Bible headings of Law/Prophets/Writings persuasively unified the diverse parts of the OT.
Given the scope and goal of the work, there will certainly be subject not taken up that I wish had been taken up, such as more commentary on the relationship between the law/gospel and "kingdom through covenant." But taken for what it is - a "short" study in biblical theology - this volume should be commended for what it does accomplish, not what it doesn't.
I'll happily buy a stack to give away to my church. Buy one for yourself and another to give away. You'll be glad you did!
Given the scope and goal of the work, there will certainly be subject not taken up that I wish had been taken up, such as more commentary on the relationship between the law/gospel and "kingdom through covenant." But taken for what it is - a "short" study in biblical theology - this volume should be commended for what it does accomplish, not what it doesn't.
I'll happily buy a stack to give away to my church. Buy one for yourself and another to give away. You'll be glad you did!
January 27, 2023
Okay so this book is good. “The kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” Schreiner links together the cross and kingdom in a helpful way for the reader.
But…. have you ever written a paper based on like 1-2 strong points but you have to come up with more? And then those other points just aren’t really working for the scope of your paper but you find a way to cram it in the paper still? That feels like what happened here. Schreiner makes some amazing points but then automatically elevates this kingdom idea over everything else. I would say the kingdom of God is present, but not necessarily primary in every area of Scripture.
I think Schreiner wrongfully reduces Jesus down to just king. Jesus is king, rightfully and gloriously so. But you get a very incomplete picture of Jesus when you diminish Jesus as savior, mediator, lord, son, holy, the word of God, etc.
But…. have you ever written a paper based on like 1-2 strong points but you have to come up with more? And then those other points just aren’t really working for the scope of your paper but you find a way to cram it in the paper still? That feels like what happened here. Schreiner makes some amazing points but then automatically elevates this kingdom idea over everything else. I would say the kingdom of God is present, but not necessarily primary in every area of Scripture.
I think Schreiner wrongfully reduces Jesus down to just king. Jesus is king, rightfully and gloriously so. But you get a very incomplete picture of Jesus when you diminish Jesus as savior, mediator, lord, son, holy, the word of God, etc.
March 2, 2018
This book looks at the ongoing references to the of the kingdom of God from Genesis through Revelation. The author started by explaining that the kingdom of God involves God's power, the people of the kingdom, and a place. He explained that there are both spiritual and physical aspects to the kingdom of God as well as present and future aspects.
He pointed out kingdom imagery, like tree references, and what people expected of the promised kingdom. He gave a summary of the books of the Bible with his focus on the kingdom references. Then he discussed how the kingdom connects with the cross. I found this overview of the kingdom narrative to be very interesting, and I gained some insights from this book. Overall, I would recommend this book.
I received this ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
He pointed out kingdom imagery, like tree references, and what people expected of the promised kingdom. He gave a summary of the books of the Bible with his focus on the kingdom references. Then he discussed how the kingdom connects with the cross. I found this overview of the kingdom narrative to be very interesting, and I gained some insights from this book. Overall, I would recommend this book.
I received this ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 17, 2020
In this short and accessible book, Patrick Schreiner traces the theme of the kingdom of God through Scripture. He argues that the kingdom of God means God’s power, people, and place. He also explains how the kingdom relates to the cross without diminishing either. If you want to learn more about God’s kingdom, I recommend this book as a great place to start.
April 23, 2021
If you want a short intro to the kingdom of God from an evangelical biblical theological perspective this is great. Cross angle excellent. A couple of false starts (mentions presence then doesn’t) and it’s short length make it imperfect but I think it does what it sets out to do. A good primer before Morphew, Ladd, NTW etc.
September 15, 2021
An excellent study , albeit a brief survey, in kingdom theology traced through the major categories of Holy Writ. That being said, I did wonder if it was a biblical theology of the tree for the first 2 chapters. But it was about what the tree ushered in. Schreiner brings forth a biblical theology of the kingdom that is rooted in Scripture and has real application.
May 11, 2020
The conclusion, “Kingdom Through Cross,” is worth the price of the book. I couldn’t commend it more highly to you. A worthy read in these pandemic days.
May 17, 2022
It is a good summery of the subject of tye kingdom of God if you don't know anything about it. But it doesn't go deep enough in the subject for a real study of it. But I still recommand it.
January 25, 2024
This book helped me understand the kingdom of God better. I previously understood it as abstract and now understand it as more concrete.
March 14, 2025
Packs a bigger punch than its size by explaining the overarching Kingdom of God narrative throughout the Bible. Worth the fast read.
December 11, 2024
becoming a big pat schreiner fan.
he did well,
- representing the kingdom as Gods people in Gods place under Gods power
- noticing the tree imagery throughout old and new
- giving wisdom lit a place in his biblical theology
- showing each of the gospels has its own story to tell (vs focusing on a harmony of the gospels)
- giving acts a place in his biblical theology of the kingdom as demonstrating life in Gods kingdom as shaped by Gods community
- balancing not over-spiritualizing the kingdom and stripping it of any physical/spatial aspects and not representing an over-realized eschatology (the kingdom is already here in full)
main critique is i wanted more but it’s meant to be a short intro and does well whetting the appetite.
audio version has a cough but i forgot to write down the time stamp (last 25%)
he did well,
- representing the kingdom as Gods people in Gods place under Gods power
- noticing the tree imagery throughout old and new
- giving wisdom lit a place in his biblical theology
- showing each of the gospels has its own story to tell (vs focusing on a harmony of the gospels)
- giving acts a place in his biblical theology of the kingdom as demonstrating life in Gods kingdom as shaped by Gods community
- balancing not over-spiritualizing the kingdom and stripping it of any physical/spatial aspects and not representing an over-realized eschatology (the kingdom is already here in full)
main critique is i wanted more but it’s meant to be a short intro and does well whetting the appetite.
audio version has a cough but i forgot to write down the time stamp (last 25%)
May 20, 2019
This is easily my favorite book in this series as well as the best short summary of the Bible's main plotline that I've read to date. Schreiner presents the kingdom of God (which he defines as "God's power over his people in his place") as the main theme of the Bible that connects every major section of Scripture into one coherent whole. And he does touch on EVERY section of Scripture, providing plenty of material on the OT wisdom literature, the book of Acts, and the NT epistles (all of which are often neglected in treatments of the kingdom in other books). This is also the first time, since I began reading this series, that I've not only been impressed with the content of the book but also the quality of the writing itself. Schreiner writes with imagination and skill, and often the book feels like a video from The Bible Project in book form (coincidentally, one of the book's endorsements is from Tim Mackie himself). Given the size of the book (the series, after all, is titled "Short Studies in Biblical Theology"), Schreiner can only lightly touch on a host of texts and topics that beg for further exploration; but he manages to cover an impressive amount of territory in such a short space. This book would be great for small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday School classes, or really for anyone who wants to have a better grasp of how the Word of God fits together into one, grand, glorious story of a righteous King achieving an eternal kingdom through a bloody cross.
April 18, 2022
Patrick Schreiner's Kingdom of God and Glory of the Cross takes the reader on a walk through the Law, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Acts and Epistles, and Revelation and tracts the theme of the Kingdom of God throughout all of Scripture. Schreiner's definition that the Kingdom is the King's power over the King's people in the King's place was an incredibly helpful definition in my understanding of the Kingdom in his work. The number one thing that Jesus talked about was the Kingdom of God and Schreiner argues that understanding Jesus and His message is impossible without a proper understanding of the Kingdom. Schreiner not only does good theology in this work but helps the reader catch a vision for the Kingdom over individual life and the greater world, helping make the Kingdom of God more a focus on orthopraxy instead of just orthodoxy.
August 8, 2018
This is another volume in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series from Crossway.
Like many I am sure I have been exposed to multiple interpretations on what is the Kingdom of God. Is it heaven, is it future? Is it now? Is it a combination of all of these? Schreiner does a great job of presenting the now, not yet aspect of the kingdom. The presence of the king inaugurates the kingdom, but it has not been fully realized.
Schreiner points out that kingdom language in Scripture is more than a physical location with national boundaries. Instead, in order to have a kingdom there are three qualities that define a kingdom. These qualities include power (the authority of the King) a people (the citizens) and a place. For believers this place is not just universal influence but will have a physical location. With these elements in place there is structure for the flourishing of the Kingdom.
After this introduction Schreiner works from Genesis to Revelation to show Scriptures unified message of this kingdom and its importance. Note that Schreiner uses the typical Jewish breakdown of the Old Testament of Law, writings and prophets and not our typical table of contents breakdown in current bibles.
Kingdom is the theme which all scripture revolves around.
The Law. Here the Kingdom hope thrives, is corrupted, and then revived. Adam administrate the kingdom God created to flourish. Mankind tries to build his own kingdom. Schreiner calls the kingdom a tree designed to grow. The Law waters the tree.
Then he moves to the Prophets. God will give land to Abraham descendants but it's not the kingdom they’re waiting for. There is something better God has promised. For now, the tree is withering but there are righteous branches. Sin has led to captivity by another kingdom but there is always hope.
In the writings we are shown how to follow kings' ways and live. Abandon HIs ways and we will die. Here we examine life in the kingdom. While we may be in exile but God is still in charge and will bring restoration. This is not just history but assurance. The Kingdom is still coming someday and will restore the people. God will make a place through a king for his people
After these three divisions of the Old Testament Schreiner moves into the New Testament.
Matthew shows us the place of kingdom. Here we see the uniting of the kingdom of heaven and earth. In Mark we see the power of the king revealed through service and suffering. These are not the typical markers of a king and his kingdom. In Luke we see King Jesus and the people of the kingdom. John shows us the otherworldy aspect of life in this kingdom
In Acts the resurrected King is defining and forming this new community of the king. The early church will continue the kingdom story. In sending the Holy Spirit the Kingdom advances by authority of kingdom empowered by the spirit and proclaimed by people.
The epistles speak of praising the king who rescues, and the justice of the king. The Kingdom is established through justice, for unity and consummated at return.
By the time we get to Revelation we see the revealing of the kingdom promised so long ago. This Kingdom is achieved by the power of God defeating the kingdoms enemies through His sacrificial death. The King shows his power for his people. He is establishing a place by removing the kingdoms opposed to the true king.
As true planted by water grows so does kingdom grow. Jesus dis announce the Kingdom is at hand (Mark 1:14-15). “All these pictures are of the kingdom. The kingdom is not simply social ethics, or heaven, or the church, or God’s sovereignty; the kingdom is much larger. Only when we connect the dots from the first page to the last do we begin to see that on every page the kingdom concerns the King, His people, and their place. At the center of this kingdom plan stands a wooden cross covered in blood.” (p142-143)
In the ends this volume is a great introduction to the Bible’s teaching on the Kingdom of God. While not an exhaustive, scholarly volume (it was not designed to be) it is a valuable survey. In the end the reader comes away realizing Christians are citizens of a kingdom, whose King has gone to the greatest of lengths to rescue His people and secure their place for eternity.
The publisher provided a copy at no charge in exchange for an honest review
Like many I am sure I have been exposed to multiple interpretations on what is the Kingdom of God. Is it heaven, is it future? Is it now? Is it a combination of all of these? Schreiner does a great job of presenting the now, not yet aspect of the kingdom. The presence of the king inaugurates the kingdom, but it has not been fully realized.
Schreiner points out that kingdom language in Scripture is more than a physical location with national boundaries. Instead, in order to have a kingdom there are three qualities that define a kingdom. These qualities include power (the authority of the King) a people (the citizens) and a place. For believers this place is not just universal influence but will have a physical location. With these elements in place there is structure for the flourishing of the Kingdom.
After this introduction Schreiner works from Genesis to Revelation to show Scriptures unified message of this kingdom and its importance. Note that Schreiner uses the typical Jewish breakdown of the Old Testament of Law, writings and prophets and not our typical table of contents breakdown in current bibles.
Kingdom is the theme which all scripture revolves around.
The Law. Here the Kingdom hope thrives, is corrupted, and then revived. Adam administrate the kingdom God created to flourish. Mankind tries to build his own kingdom. Schreiner calls the kingdom a tree designed to grow. The Law waters the tree.
Then he moves to the Prophets. God will give land to Abraham descendants but it's not the kingdom they’re waiting for. There is something better God has promised. For now, the tree is withering but there are righteous branches. Sin has led to captivity by another kingdom but there is always hope.
In the writings we are shown how to follow kings' ways and live. Abandon HIs ways and we will die. Here we examine life in the kingdom. While we may be in exile but God is still in charge and will bring restoration. This is not just history but assurance. The Kingdom is still coming someday and will restore the people. God will make a place through a king for his people
After these three divisions of the Old Testament Schreiner moves into the New Testament.
Matthew shows us the place of kingdom. Here we see the uniting of the kingdom of heaven and earth. In Mark we see the power of the king revealed through service and suffering. These are not the typical markers of a king and his kingdom. In Luke we see King Jesus and the people of the kingdom. John shows us the otherworldy aspect of life in this kingdom
In Acts the resurrected King is defining and forming this new community of the king. The early church will continue the kingdom story. In sending the Holy Spirit the Kingdom advances by authority of kingdom empowered by the spirit and proclaimed by people.
The epistles speak of praising the king who rescues, and the justice of the king. The Kingdom is established through justice, for unity and consummated at return.
By the time we get to Revelation we see the revealing of the kingdom promised so long ago. This Kingdom is achieved by the power of God defeating the kingdoms enemies through His sacrificial death. The King shows his power for his people. He is establishing a place by removing the kingdoms opposed to the true king.
As true planted by water grows so does kingdom grow. Jesus dis announce the Kingdom is at hand (Mark 1:14-15). “All these pictures are of the kingdom. The kingdom is not simply social ethics, or heaven, or the church, or God’s sovereignty; the kingdom is much larger. Only when we connect the dots from the first page to the last do we begin to see that on every page the kingdom concerns the King, His people, and their place. At the center of this kingdom plan stands a wooden cross covered in blood.” (p142-143)
In the ends this volume is a great introduction to the Bible’s teaching on the Kingdom of God. While not an exhaustive, scholarly volume (it was not designed to be) it is a valuable survey. In the end the reader comes away realizing Christians are citizens of a kingdom, whose King has gone to the greatest of lengths to rescue His people and secure their place for eternity.
The publisher provided a copy at no charge in exchange for an honest review
April 4, 2018
The resurgence of biblical theology and an emphasis on the kingdom of God has been a deep help to Christians, both in the academy and the local church. Patrick Schreiner’s offering, The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross is the latest publication in Crossway’s excellent series - Short Studies in Biblical Theology.
Dr. Schreiner defines the kingdom as “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” This definition guards against the tendency to relegate the kingdom to the realm of the immaterial. Ultimately, we will learn that Jesus is the Hero of the Bible. He is God-man who will fulfill the kingdom promises.
Part 1: Kingdom in the Old Testament
The major aspects of the Old Testament shine light on the kingdom of God. We learn a crucial redemptive lesson early in the book:“History does not just move on for the covenant God, he pushes it forward through the power of his Word as the saga strains toward its kingdom goal.” According to Schreiner, the Law revives hope in the kingdom. The Prophets foreshadow the kingdom. And the Writings articulate life in the kingdom.
“The kingdom will come through covenant,” writes Schreiner. Additionally, “God’s plan is to make a place, through a future King, so that his people might dwell with him again.” Indeed, this kingdom will come to pass through covenant. These observations crystallize the primary theological realities concerning the kingdom and set the stage for the kingdom in the New Testament.
Part 2: Kingdom in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the Gospels embody the kingdom. Acts and the Epistles emphasize kingdom community. And Revelation shows how the kingdom goal is achieved. But one sentence may summarize the whole book and bring a final answer to questions that may be posed concerning the kingdom. Schreiner writes, “The cross establishes the kingdom; the kingdom comes through the cross.” The awareness of this great reality not only informs and educates; it inspires hope for today and hope for the future!
The great benefit of The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross is found in its devotional qualities. I found myself deep in study, probing the mystery of the kingdom, exercising my mind and recalling my years of training in Bible College, Seminary, and beyond. But throughout this work, I was also drawn into worship as I contemplated the reality of the already, not-yet kingdom. Highly recommended.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Dr. Schreiner defines the kingdom as “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” This definition guards against the tendency to relegate the kingdom to the realm of the immaterial. Ultimately, we will learn that Jesus is the Hero of the Bible. He is God-man who will fulfill the kingdom promises.
Part 1: Kingdom in the Old Testament
The major aspects of the Old Testament shine light on the kingdom of God. We learn a crucial redemptive lesson early in the book:“History does not just move on for the covenant God, he pushes it forward through the power of his Word as the saga strains toward its kingdom goal.” According to Schreiner, the Law revives hope in the kingdom. The Prophets foreshadow the kingdom. And the Writings articulate life in the kingdom.
“The kingdom will come through covenant,” writes Schreiner. Additionally, “God’s plan is to make a place, through a future King, so that his people might dwell with him again.” Indeed, this kingdom will come to pass through covenant. These observations crystallize the primary theological realities concerning the kingdom and set the stage for the kingdom in the New Testament.
Part 2: Kingdom in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the Gospels embody the kingdom. Acts and the Epistles emphasize kingdom community. And Revelation shows how the kingdom goal is achieved. But one sentence may summarize the whole book and bring a final answer to questions that may be posed concerning the kingdom. Schreiner writes, “The cross establishes the kingdom; the kingdom comes through the cross.” The awareness of this great reality not only informs and educates; it inspires hope for today and hope for the future!
The great benefit of The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross is found in its devotional qualities. I found myself deep in study, probing the mystery of the kingdom, exercising my mind and recalling my years of training in Bible College, Seminary, and beyond. But throughout this work, I was also drawn into worship as I contemplated the reality of the already, not-yet kingdom. Highly recommended.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
May 8, 2018
You cannot know anything about Jesus, anything, if you miss the kingdom of God... You are zero on Jesus if you don't understand this term. I'm sorry to say it strongly, but this is the great failure of the evangelical Christianity. We have had Jesus without the kingdom of God, and therefore have literally done Jesus in.
Kingdom and gospel are buzz words in Christiandom and being the buzz words, there is a danger of not understanding who God is and what God has done. We can throw words out there that God is in control and that he sent his son to Jesus to die for sinners, but having a clear understanding of the Kingdom and the glory of the cross, can change our desires (changing our desires is a change of heart)to be more after the heart of God then our own self-focus.
The study is overreaching from beginning to end. Reading the bible thru the lens of kingdom/cross opens the heart to discover who God is. The text has two parts.
The Kingdom in the Old Testament
**The Law-Reviving Hope
**The Prophets-Foreshadowing
**The Writings-Life in the Kingdom
The Kingdom in the New Testament
**The Gospels-Embodying the Kingdom
**Acts & the Epistles-Kingdom and Community
**Revelation-Achieving the Kingdom goal
It is important to know that there is always a kingdom. A kingdom consists of power, place and people. We can embody our own Kingdom. Our greed for power in our place with the people we know. The study helps the reader to know which kingdom we are seeking and why it matters. How God directs us thru the cross to seek after his kingdom and righteousness.
Not only is this a great study to know what the Kingdom really means but it gives you a desire to know more and be more focused on the kingdom which you are seeking. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Kingdom and gospel are buzz words in Christiandom and being the buzz words, there is a danger of not understanding who God is and what God has done. We can throw words out there that God is in control and that he sent his son to Jesus to die for sinners, but having a clear understanding of the Kingdom and the glory of the cross, can change our desires (changing our desires is a change of heart)to be more after the heart of God then our own self-focus.
The study is overreaching from beginning to end. Reading the bible thru the lens of kingdom/cross opens the heart to discover who God is. The text has two parts.
The Kingdom in the Old Testament
**The Law-Reviving Hope
**The Prophets-Foreshadowing
**The Writings-Life in the Kingdom
The Kingdom in the New Testament
**The Gospels-Embodying the Kingdom
**Acts & the Epistles-Kingdom and Community
**Revelation-Achieving the Kingdom goal
It is important to know that there is always a kingdom. A kingdom consists of power, place and people. We can embody our own Kingdom. Our greed for power in our place with the people we know. The study helps the reader to know which kingdom we are seeking and why it matters. How God directs us thru the cross to seek after his kingdom and righteousness.
Not only is this a great study to know what the Kingdom really means but it gives you a desire to know more and be more focused on the kingdom which you are seeking. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 14, 2023
An excellent brief book to illustrate one of key themes of the Bible. Given the importance of the theme of kingship in the Bible, especially as it relates to Jesus person and proclamation, and Schreiner's concise and engaging prose, I might recommend this as the beginning book for anyone trying to grasp the sweep of the Bible's story.
My main critique is that sometimes Schreiner's description of kingship seemed more like romanticized fantasy descriptions of kings such as the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. While I love both of the series, it seems that many evangelicals cannot find better analogies or illustrations to describe God, Christ, or the atonement. I wouldn't be so disappointed if we weren't so beholden to it. Narnia and LOTR have become part of our vocabulary.
As it relates to Schreiner's depiction of kings, I wished his descriptions of what kings do and mean were more grounded in historical examples, whether ancient, medieval, or even modern. Aragorn and Aslan can't carry all the weight for us.
That criticism aside, it's a great and enjoyable book. Will benefit many pastors and church members.
My main critique is that sometimes Schreiner's description of kingship seemed more like romanticized fantasy descriptions of kings such as the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings. While I love both of the series, it seems that many evangelicals cannot find better analogies or illustrations to describe God, Christ, or the atonement. I wouldn't be so disappointed if we weren't so beholden to it. Narnia and LOTR have become part of our vocabulary.
As it relates to Schreiner's depiction of kings, I wished his descriptions of what kings do and mean were more grounded in historical examples, whether ancient, medieval, or even modern. Aragorn and Aslan can't carry all the weight for us.
That criticism aside, it's a great and enjoyable book. Will benefit many pastors and church members.
April 14, 2018
Ask a handful of Christians what the Kingdom of God is and you’ll get a handful of varied answers. Patrick Schreiner provides a biblical theological unpacking of the kingdom of God that is concise, accessible, and helpful. Most importantly, it serves to increase the reader’s understanding of and appreciation for the Bible as a “theologically unified, historically rooted, progressively unfolding, and ultimately Christ-centered narrative of God’s covenantal work in our world to redeem sinful humanity”(from the series preface)
His definition of the Kingdom, similar to Goldsworthy’s, is “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” Each chapter considers this theme through each of the major sections of Scripture: Law, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Acts and Epistles, and Revelation.
This is another excellent addition to the “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” that I would recommend for believers looking for a short but thorough introduction to the vital and pervasive theme of the Kingdom of God.
His definition of the Kingdom, similar to Goldsworthy’s, is “the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place.” Each chapter considers this theme through each of the major sections of Scripture: Law, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Acts and Epistles, and Revelation.
This is another excellent addition to the “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” that I would recommend for believers looking for a short but thorough introduction to the vital and pervasive theme of the Kingdom of God.
September 22, 2023
This book works well as an introduction to doing biblical theology in a certain way.
It is meant as an introduction to doing (not how but the doing of) biblical theology as following a theme or thread throughout the Bible.
Split into 6 chapters going through different sections of the Bible.
The law, prophets, and writings, taking the Jewish ordering of the books. Then the gospels, epistles including Acts and finally Revelation.
A main feature the author chooses to look at is the Kingdom displayed through trees and a threefold description of the Kingdom as power, people, and place.
It is a good introduction for people starting off in thinking about the coherence of the Bible as a whole or people wanting something between milk and meat when it comes to Bible study.
At many points, I wanted more depth, but that would be a different book. It still held plenty of insights and was enjoyable to read.
It showed the importance of embodiment and that Jesus truly is king but in a way that transforms us and how we think about power, place, and people.
It is meant as an introduction to doing (not how but the doing of) biblical theology as following a theme or thread throughout the Bible.
Split into 6 chapters going through different sections of the Bible.
The law, prophets, and writings, taking the Jewish ordering of the books. Then the gospels, epistles including Acts and finally Revelation.
A main feature the author chooses to look at is the Kingdom displayed through trees and a threefold description of the Kingdom as power, people, and place.
It is a good introduction for people starting off in thinking about the coherence of the Bible as a whole or people wanting something between milk and meat when it comes to Bible study.
At many points, I wanted more depth, but that would be a different book. It still held plenty of insights and was enjoyable to read.
It showed the importance of embodiment and that Jesus truly is king but in a way that transforms us and how we think about power, place, and people.
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