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Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
From Adam and Israel to the Church: A Biblical Theology of the People of God
What does it mean to be created in God's image? How has this image been affected by the fall? Who are the people of God?
Addressing these core questions about spiritual identity, From Adam and Israel to the Church examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of being created and formed in God's image. Benjamin Gladd argues that living out God's image means serving as prophets, priests, and kings, and he explains how God's people function in these roles throughout Scripture--from Adam and Eve to the nation of Israel, from Jesus to the church. The consistent call of the people of God is to serve as God's image-bearers in the world.
This first volume in Essential Studies in Biblical Theology lays a foundation for subsequent volumes, introducing key biblical-theological themes such as temple, king, priest, prophet, creation, and redemption.
Addressing these core questions about spiritual identity, From Adam and Israel to the Church examines the nature of the people of God from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of being created and formed in God's image. Benjamin Gladd argues that living out God's image means serving as prophets, priests, and kings, and he explains how God's people function in these roles throughout Scripture--from Adam and Eve to the nation of Israel, from Jesus to the church. The consistent call of the people of God is to serve as God's image-bearers in the world.
This first volume in Essential Studies in Biblical Theology lays a foundation for subsequent volumes, introducing key biblical-theological themes such as temple, king, priest, prophet, creation, and redemption.
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2019
68 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin L. Gladd
19 books31 followersBenjamin L. Gladd (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2021
I've been searching for good books to recommend people as introductions to Biblical Theology. This is definitely going to be one of them. Benjamin Gladd writes in such a clear, concise way that brings out the depths of reformed covenant theology and it's implications on the Church as the true people of God. There is hardly a page where the Church is not exhorted to root herself in the story of redemption. Very clear explanations of various texts helped me centre my theology on the Gospel of Christ and to understand what God has been doing throughout history.
August 19, 2021
Benjamin Gladd has produced an accessible, well-written book that fleshes out many of the theological motifs that are introduced in Genesis 1-3 and recur through the rest of Scripture.
A major theme, one that he helpfully explains in great detail, is that God does not have two different plans for Israel and the church. Rather, the promises given to Israel, and fulfilled in Christ, are realized in the church, which is Israel perpetuated and expanded. The eschatology is therefore decidedly not Dispensational (for which I am very grateful).
Using as his paradigm the three offices of prophet, priest, and king, Gladd relates each of these to Christ, as well as his bride, the church. In connection with this, he elaborates on the way in which the OT documents the ongoing will of God for the Edenizing of the world in the expanding kingdom of God.
A very helpful book!
A major theme, one that he helpfully explains in great detail, is that God does not have two different plans for Israel and the church. Rather, the promises given to Israel, and fulfilled in Christ, are realized in the church, which is Israel perpetuated and expanded. The eschatology is therefore decidedly not Dispensational (for which I am very grateful).
Using as his paradigm the three offices of prophet, priest, and king, Gladd relates each of these to Christ, as well as his bride, the church. In connection with this, he elaborates on the way in which the OT documents the ongoing will of God for the Edenizing of the world in the expanding kingdom of God.
A very helpful book!
April 13, 2023
3.5 stars.
I struggled with what to rate this because a lot of the content was good, especially at the beginning, but as the book went on it grew repetitive and was written in a dry, academic style. I had to force myself to finish it.
The chapters on Adam & Eve are GREAT (did you know the Garden of Eden was on a mountain?!) the rest I would skip.
I struggled with what to rate this because a lot of the content was good, especially at the beginning, but as the book went on it grew repetitive and was written in a dry, academic style. I had to force myself to finish it.
The chapters on Adam & Eve are GREAT (did you know the Garden of Eden was on a mountain?!) the rest I would skip.
May 11, 2022
Amazing read! Concise yet deep biblical theology of the one united people of God using the trifold offices of King, Prophet, and Priest as revealed in Adam, Israel, Jesus, and the Church.
If you’re curious about what the Bible says about the people of God in the image of God, then check this out
If you’re curious about what the Bible says about the people of God in the image of God, then check this out
August 18, 2020
My overall feelings about this book are that it is an excellent idea that could have been better executed.
The good:
• Tracing the biblical conception of the people of God according to the theme of the imago dei is a fascinating idea. Gladd defines the people of God as essentially those who corporately image God by imitating the three offices of Christ: King, Priest, and Prophet. This method led to many valuable insights.
• Though Gladd stands firmly and unashamedly in the Reformed tradition, he makes good use of a broad range of evangelical scholarship. Among those he cites positively are Ben Witherington III, NT Wright, and DA Carson. I think the result is a pleasantly balanced theology, even as he presents very Reformed doctrine.
• There were many discussions of particular passages which led them to click in my mind, especially in terms of how they contribute to the whole message of Scripture.
• Although the book isn't intended as a rebuttal of Dispensationalism, Gladd makes a few very good arguments against it when it's relevant.
The bad:
• There are not a few assertions that were insufficiently backed up. Unfortunately, most of these occur in the first chapter. The book would have benefitted from better explanation of these points. Others of these points might have been left out entirely, as they didn't contribute much to the larger argument anyway.
• Gladd's prose is redundant at times. Not so much that he becomes irritating to read, but it was noticeable.
• The presentation might have been better organized. The overall structure of the book is excellent, but there are times when some detail he discusses seems like it belonged under a different heading.
• The tone feels at times like it's flip-flopping between a more scholarly monograph, and a popular-level book.
Overall, none of the problems ruin the book. It seems to me like a great book that suffered from trying to be too accessible, leading to an unfortunate brevity and an inconsistent tone. The central concept, though, makes the book entirely worth reading.
The good:
• Tracing the biblical conception of the people of God according to the theme of the imago dei is a fascinating idea. Gladd defines the people of God as essentially those who corporately image God by imitating the three offices of Christ: King, Priest, and Prophet. This method led to many valuable insights.
• Though Gladd stands firmly and unashamedly in the Reformed tradition, he makes good use of a broad range of evangelical scholarship. Among those he cites positively are Ben Witherington III, NT Wright, and DA Carson. I think the result is a pleasantly balanced theology, even as he presents very Reformed doctrine.
• There were many discussions of particular passages which led them to click in my mind, especially in terms of how they contribute to the whole message of Scripture.
• Although the book isn't intended as a rebuttal of Dispensationalism, Gladd makes a few very good arguments against it when it's relevant.
The bad:
• There are not a few assertions that were insufficiently backed up. Unfortunately, most of these occur in the first chapter. The book would have benefitted from better explanation of these points. Others of these points might have been left out entirely, as they didn't contribute much to the larger argument anyway.
• Gladd's prose is redundant at times. Not so much that he becomes irritating to read, but it was noticeable.
• The presentation might have been better organized. The overall structure of the book is excellent, but there are times when some detail he discusses seems like it belonged under a different heading.
• The tone feels at times like it's flip-flopping between a more scholarly monograph, and a popular-level book.
Overall, none of the problems ruin the book. It seems to me like a great book that suffered from trying to be too accessible, leading to an unfortunate brevity and an inconsistent tone. The central concept, though, makes the book entirely worth reading.
December 13, 2020
What is the meaning of Life?
This short book walks you through a cohesive, Genesis-Revelation response.
The premise: humankind is made in the image of God.
The framework: we are each meant to embody the roles of king, priest, and prophet.
While I thought the beginning and end was excellent, clarifying, thought provoking, and just did an excellent job of articulating nuanced perspectives; the middle half felt long, or maybe just obvious.
In the opening paragraph, the author admits to once giving a poor answer to a very important question (how do I read the old testament?), and his answer has haunted him ever since. The rest of the book moves through to the compelling, practical implications of answering that question better.
I think there are a few chapters everyone should read. If nothing else, the last chapter is an excellent three page summary of the whole work.
This short book walks you through a cohesive, Genesis-Revelation response.
The premise: humankind is made in the image of God.
The framework: we are each meant to embody the roles of king, priest, and prophet.
While I thought the beginning and end was excellent, clarifying, thought provoking, and just did an excellent job of articulating nuanced perspectives; the middle half felt long, or maybe just obvious.
In the opening paragraph, the author admits to once giving a poor answer to a very important question (how do I read the old testament?), and his answer has haunted him ever since. The rest of the book moves through to the compelling, practical implications of answering that question better.
I think there are a few chapters everyone should read. If nothing else, the last chapter is an excellent three page summary of the whole work.
December 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The author begins with Adam, then, Israel, then Jesus, then the Church, then eternity and shows us how it all revolves around the historical redemptive narrative centered in the work of Christ and the will of God as proclaimed in His Word. This is the first in a new series and I will do what I can to read any other contributions that come out in the future. This would make a great home study or Sunday school study.
May 14, 2020
Summary: A study of the theme of the people of God, tracing this theme throughout scripture in Eden, in Israel, in Christ, and in the church.
This is the inaugural volume of a new series looking at essential themes in the story line of scripture. This work is written by series editor Benjamin L. Gladd and traces the idea of the people of God through scripture. For many, particularly in the dispensationalist stream, this is defined by covenant with a sharp demarcation between Israel and the church.
Gladd uses a different lens, focusing on the people of God as created in the image of God, expressed in terms of the functions of king, priest, and prophet. Kings control the environment, keeping it holy. Priests both worship holy God and discern between holy and unclean. Prophets speak truth on behalf of God. Gladd also develops a three level understanding of the world that mirrors the heavenly temple with the Holy of Holies (Eden), the Holy Place (the Garden) and the outer courts (the outer world).
Gladd traces this from Eden, where Adam and Eve allow the unholy serpent into the Holy of Holies, yielding control of the environment, and shade and then disobey rather than speak the truth. He then shows how this image of God as king, priest, and prophet was reflected in the creation and fall of Israel, at Sinai, in the Tabernacle and Temple, and the nation's decline into idolatry with unfaithful kings, apostasy with unfaithful priests, and prophets bringing the word of God competing with those who were false. Ultimately, in Nebuchadnezzar they experience what they've embraced in the anti-king, anti-priest, and anti-prophet. The prophets point to Israel's restoration, centered in a person who would embody king, priest and prophet.
Jesus embodies restored Israel in his person as the ideal king who succeeds where Adam and Israel fail, and gives himself for his people as great high priest, who is also the temple, the Holy of Holies, and speaks with authority the word of God that constitutes the people of God. These people, the church are the Israel of God, displaying the image of God who rule by standing and suffering with the king, to be vindicated by God, who are priests built as a temple for God to dwell on earth and who bear prophetic witness to the world and the cosmos and stand guard against the evil one's wiles.
Perhaps most bracing is the author's thoughts about how kingship, priesthood, and prophets works out in the new creation:
Perhaps another dimension of imaging God in the new creation will be the development of technology and science. Will we invent the wheel again? Will we learn how to start a fire once more? What about basic human knowledge such as math, language, music, and so on? I suspect that we will not start from scratch. One could possibly argue that we, being perfected in God's image, will develop what we have learned in the past. The knowledge that humanity has acquired and is acquiring through observing the world around us may not only inform us about God's creative power, but it may also prepare us for life in the new creation.
The author speaks of the wedge between Israel and the church and the church as the true Israel, the people of God who image God, in continuity with ethnic Israel. I wish the author might have said more specifically about the Jews, and about how Romans 11 might be fulfilled in this people of God. The author allows for a "remnant of Christian Jews" saved through history (p. 128-129), which seems far from explaining how "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26). He contends that the church does not replace Israel, yet he calls the church the true Israel of God. Granted that how these things shall be is unclear for any of us, this presentation seems to be murky at best.
That said, Gladd paints a picture of the people of God throughout history, a people who images God in the world, and in our own day is called to be kings who rule without exploiting, who worship God alone and commend his excellence over all worldly idols, and who prize the truth in our lives and words. We pursue these in faithfulness to the great high king, high priest and ultimate prophet, Jesus. This is not insipid pablum but strong and substantive food for the follower of Jesus. I look forward to seeing what successive volumes in this series do to enlarge on the biblical story line.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is the inaugural volume of a new series looking at essential themes in the story line of scripture. This work is written by series editor Benjamin L. Gladd and traces the idea of the people of God through scripture. For many, particularly in the dispensationalist stream, this is defined by covenant with a sharp demarcation between Israel and the church.
Gladd uses a different lens, focusing on the people of God as created in the image of God, expressed in terms of the functions of king, priest, and prophet. Kings control the environment, keeping it holy. Priests both worship holy God and discern between holy and unclean. Prophets speak truth on behalf of God. Gladd also develops a three level understanding of the world that mirrors the heavenly temple with the Holy of Holies (Eden), the Holy Place (the Garden) and the outer courts (the outer world).
Gladd traces this from Eden, where Adam and Eve allow the unholy serpent into the Holy of Holies, yielding control of the environment, and shade and then disobey rather than speak the truth. He then shows how this image of God as king, priest, and prophet was reflected in the creation and fall of Israel, at Sinai, in the Tabernacle and Temple, and the nation's decline into idolatry with unfaithful kings, apostasy with unfaithful priests, and prophets bringing the word of God competing with those who were false. Ultimately, in Nebuchadnezzar they experience what they've embraced in the anti-king, anti-priest, and anti-prophet. The prophets point to Israel's restoration, centered in a person who would embody king, priest and prophet.
Jesus embodies restored Israel in his person as the ideal king who succeeds where Adam and Israel fail, and gives himself for his people as great high priest, who is also the temple, the Holy of Holies, and speaks with authority the word of God that constitutes the people of God. These people, the church are the Israel of God, displaying the image of God who rule by standing and suffering with the king, to be vindicated by God, who are priests built as a temple for God to dwell on earth and who bear prophetic witness to the world and the cosmos and stand guard against the evil one's wiles.
Perhaps most bracing is the author's thoughts about how kingship, priesthood, and prophets works out in the new creation:
Perhaps another dimension of imaging God in the new creation will be the development of technology and science. Will we invent the wheel again? Will we learn how to start a fire once more? What about basic human knowledge such as math, language, music, and so on? I suspect that we will not start from scratch. One could possibly argue that we, being perfected in God's image, will develop what we have learned in the past. The knowledge that humanity has acquired and is acquiring through observing the world around us may not only inform us about God's creative power, but it may also prepare us for life in the new creation.
The author speaks of the wedge between Israel and the church and the church as the true Israel, the people of God who image God, in continuity with ethnic Israel. I wish the author might have said more specifically about the Jews, and about how Romans 11 might be fulfilled in this people of God. The author allows for a "remnant of Christian Jews" saved through history (p. 128-129), which seems far from explaining how "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26). He contends that the church does not replace Israel, yet he calls the church the true Israel of God. Granted that how these things shall be is unclear for any of us, this presentation seems to be murky at best.
That said, Gladd paints a picture of the people of God throughout history, a people who images God in the world, and in our own day is called to be kings who rule without exploiting, who worship God alone and commend his excellence over all worldly idols, and who prize the truth in our lives and words. We pursue these in faithfulness to the great high king, high priest and ultimate prophet, Jesus. This is not insipid pablum but strong and substantive food for the follower of Jesus. I look forward to seeing what successive volumes in this series do to enlarge on the biblical story line.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 25, 2020
I’d consider this essential reading on the image of God and the people of God for those in the church who don’t have time or ability to dive into the guys Gladd cites in the footnotes (Beale, Wright, Kline, Kim, etc.).
June 27, 2020
"People of God", an expression that has given rise to many books and speculations, but who are they and what do the Scriptures say about it? Dr. Benjamin L. Gladd provides us in this book a good answer, from a biblical theology. As the author writes in the preface to this series: "Good biblical theology warms the heart and motivate us to grow in our knowledge and worship of the triune God." The series "The Essential Studies in Biblical Theology" responds to the need that exists to know Biblical theology.
In this first volume, the author introduces us the nature of God's people from the imago Dei perspective and how this influences our interpretation of many prophetic and theological issues. The book consists of 12 chapters, which could be presented in the following scheme: Creation, Israel, Jesus and the Church, as kings, priests and prophets. At the end of each chapter, the reader will be able to find recommended readings of high biblical and academic value.
The subject addressed in this book is somewhat profound, but Dr. Gladd has written it in a very pleasant way, with practical applications and illustrations that allow us to have an even clearer picture of what is said. Any teacher or pastor will be strengthened in their knowledge of the great narrative of the Scriptures. Those readers with dispensational backgrounds may feel a bit challenged by what Dr. Gladd writes, but even so, it is a book that will be stimulating for research and theological enrichment.
Personally I enjoyed the chapters on Jesus, it is a great joy to know that Jesus perfectly fulfilled all that was expected of Israel and not only of them but also of us, in Jesus we find fulfillment. He is the perfect King, Priest and Prophet.
I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review for the book.
In this first volume, the author introduces us the nature of God's people from the imago Dei perspective and how this influences our interpretation of many prophetic and theological issues. The book consists of 12 chapters, which could be presented in the following scheme: Creation, Israel, Jesus and the Church, as kings, priests and prophets. At the end of each chapter, the reader will be able to find recommended readings of high biblical and academic value.
The subject addressed in this book is somewhat profound, but Dr. Gladd has written it in a very pleasant way, with practical applications and illustrations that allow us to have an even clearer picture of what is said. Any teacher or pastor will be strengthened in their knowledge of the great narrative of the Scriptures. Those readers with dispensational backgrounds may feel a bit challenged by what Dr. Gladd writes, but even so, it is a book that will be stimulating for research and theological enrichment.
Personally I enjoyed the chapters on Jesus, it is a great joy to know that Jesus perfectly fulfilled all that was expected of Israel and not only of them but also of us, in Jesus we find fulfillment. He is the perfect King, Priest and Prophet.
I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review for the book.
August 15, 2020
Probably one of the best explanations of the connection between Israel and the Church. Gladd deftly shows how in and through Christ the people of God are seamlessly woven together. Excellent treatment of one critical aspect of covenant theology.
January 10, 2021
This is an excellent little book of theology. One that reclaims allegorical interpretation of the bible, in a grounded and applicable fashion.
The main complaint I've seen in other reviews is that Gladd makes interpretive assertions without adequate evidence to back his view. I don't think this is a fair critique; one, because the intention of this book is not to provide an intensive analysis of the text, rather the book is intended to provide good theological interpretation in plain language; and two, Benjamin Gladd provides extensive footnotes and recommended readings for all the topics discussed. If you don't believe a proposition to be adequately backed, go into the recommended readings, or tackle the section of text for yourself. I do not believe Gladd is coming up with his assertions by himself or in a vacuum.
The main complaint I've seen in other reviews is that Gladd makes interpretive assertions without adequate evidence to back his view. I don't think this is a fair critique; one, because the intention of this book is not to provide an intensive analysis of the text, rather the book is intended to provide good theological interpretation in plain language; and two, Benjamin Gladd provides extensive footnotes and recommended readings for all the topics discussed. If you don't believe a proposition to be adequately backed, go into the recommended readings, or tackle the section of text for yourself. I do not believe Gladd is coming up with his assertions by himself or in a vacuum.
January 1, 2021
We live in a postmodern culture where the existence of God, and adherence to an absolute truth is considered obsolete and irrelevant. The culture that we live in redefines identity, distorts and devalues all truth claims and encourages self-glorification. What then does it mean to be called the people of God in an age that is hostile towards God and His people? Dr. Benjamin Gladd takes his readers on a redemptive historical tour stressing on what it means for Christians to be created in the ‘image of God.’ Dr. Gladd accomplishes his goal by showcasing the threefold office of king, priest, and prophet, using covenant as a framework, with Jesus Christ as the theological center of Scripture.
Dr. Gladd structures the book focusing on Adam, Israel, Jesus and the church. The first two chapters are dedicated to the creation, fall and restoration with a specific focus on Adam and Eve as kings, priests and prophets. “God fashions Adam and Eve in His image to rule as kings on His behalf, to serve and mediate his glory as priests, and to embody and teach God’s law to one another as prophets” (page 20). However, Adam and Eve utterly fail in fulfilling their role. By their sin, Adam and Eve, who were to reflect and refract God as image bearers instead begin to be transform into serpent’s image. The fall perverts the divine image; however, the fall does not “efface the divine image” (page 33). Does the fall thwart God’s original plan? How does God respond? The second chapter ends with God responds by restoring the image graciously and sovereignly.
The next two chapters focuses on creation, fall, and the “latter days” restoration of Israel. This section is pivotal with respect to the framework of covenant. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness towards His image bearers is depicted in the covenant He makes with Noah, Abraham, and the corporate community image bearers-Israel. Dr. Gladd focuses on highlighting the common connection between Adam and Israel as image bearers. Like Adam, Israel was created to be kings, priests and prophets and to extend the kingdom of God by being fruitful and multiplying. In a tragic repetition of history, we read about Israel failing to believe God and trust His word. Instead they wanted to be Gods. The consequences of Israel’s fall, and idolatry were catastrophic. But God remains true to His promise to Abraham. Despite Israel’s fall and rampant idolatry, we see the promise of redemption in the coming of a redeemer, and Israel’s temple. (page 49). The anticipated arrival of the faithful king, priest and prophet marks the restoration of Israel as conquering kings, ministering priests and Spirit filled prophets. Dr. Gladd does a good job explaining how Israel is restored by careful exegesis of Daniel 7, Isaiah 42, and Joel 2.
Dr. Gladd dedicates the next three chapters to show Jesus as the true and faithful king, priest and prophet. Dr. Gladd writes how Jesus’ life, trails, and particularly his death and resurrection inaugurate the latter days (page 76). How is Jesus the true and faithful Israel? Dr. Gladd writes,
“Jesus is the continuation and ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in that he is a legitimate offspring of Abraham...the true Israelite” (page 82). Jesus is the true and faithful king, priest and prophet that the righteous, yet flawed Old Testament patriarchs longed to see. In chapter six, Dr. Gladd enumerates how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel’s temple- “With the coming of Christ, God’s full presence came down” (page 101). As true temple of God, Christ was poised to fill the cosmos/earth with God’s glory by getting rid of sin through His life, death and resurrection thus fulfilling His role as the true priest. Finally, Christ demonstrates His role as a prophet in faithfully embodying the law of God, by being the mouthpiece of God (page 115). Dr. Gladd concludes the chapter by synthesizing how Christ is the perfected, last Adam who will pass along His glorified, perfected image to believers at the end of history.
The rest of the book highlights the church as kings, priests and prophets with the final chapter focusing on the church in the new creation. Dr. Gladd surveys the gospels and acts to enumerate the kingship of believers. Dr. Gladd emphasizes the priesthood of believers with help of Paul and Peter and the book of Hebrews. The church as prophets tackles how believers contribute to the ministry as prophets. The image (10.1, page 154) used in the end of the chapter highlighting the levels was particularly helpful for me.
In conclusion, I found Dr. Benjamin Gladd’s book not only informative, but also heartwarmingly pastoral. We live in an era where an increasing number of Biblically illiterate pastors appeal to ‘unhitch’ the Old Testament on one side, and on the other side an increasing number of Biblically illiterate parishioners who read the Old Testament as mere observers. Dr. Gladd does a fairly good job in expanding the Biblical theological horizon for his readers. Albeit the fact that Dr. Gladd’s covenantal, and Presbyterian convictions are clearly seen in his writing, I would still recommend it to believers across the denominations. I would do so for at least two reasons:
1. Reading Dr. Gladd’s book would enrich us in our understanding of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in redemptive history.
2. Personally speaking, Dr. Gladd’s book provided an unexpected pastoral warmth to me in reading about the development of the covenant community through redemptive history. As a believer from India, I don’t merely observe the Old Testament giants of faith as an outsider, but I get to call them fathers and mothers of faith as a member of the same covenant community--- It is thoroughly comforting, and for that reason I would highly recommend ‘From Adam And Israel to The Church.’
Dr. Gladd structures the book focusing on Adam, Israel, Jesus and the church. The first two chapters are dedicated to the creation, fall and restoration with a specific focus on Adam and Eve as kings, priests and prophets. “God fashions Adam and Eve in His image to rule as kings on His behalf, to serve and mediate his glory as priests, and to embody and teach God’s law to one another as prophets” (page 20). However, Adam and Eve utterly fail in fulfilling their role. By their sin, Adam and Eve, who were to reflect and refract God as image bearers instead begin to be transform into serpent’s image. The fall perverts the divine image; however, the fall does not “efface the divine image” (page 33). Does the fall thwart God’s original plan? How does God respond? The second chapter ends with God responds by restoring the image graciously and sovereignly.
The next two chapters focuses on creation, fall, and the “latter days” restoration of Israel. This section is pivotal with respect to the framework of covenant. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness towards His image bearers is depicted in the covenant He makes with Noah, Abraham, and the corporate community image bearers-Israel. Dr. Gladd focuses on highlighting the common connection between Adam and Israel as image bearers. Like Adam, Israel was created to be kings, priests and prophets and to extend the kingdom of God by being fruitful and multiplying. In a tragic repetition of history, we read about Israel failing to believe God and trust His word. Instead they wanted to be Gods. The consequences of Israel’s fall, and idolatry were catastrophic. But God remains true to His promise to Abraham. Despite Israel’s fall and rampant idolatry, we see the promise of redemption in the coming of a redeemer, and Israel’s temple. (page 49). The anticipated arrival of the faithful king, priest and prophet marks the restoration of Israel as conquering kings, ministering priests and Spirit filled prophets. Dr. Gladd does a good job explaining how Israel is restored by careful exegesis of Daniel 7, Isaiah 42, and Joel 2.
Dr. Gladd dedicates the next three chapters to show Jesus as the true and faithful king, priest and prophet. Dr. Gladd writes how Jesus’ life, trails, and particularly his death and resurrection inaugurate the latter days (page 76). How is Jesus the true and faithful Israel? Dr. Gladd writes,
“Jesus is the continuation and ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in that he is a legitimate offspring of Abraham...the true Israelite” (page 82). Jesus is the true and faithful king, priest and prophet that the righteous, yet flawed Old Testament patriarchs longed to see. In chapter six, Dr. Gladd enumerates how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel’s temple- “With the coming of Christ, God’s full presence came down” (page 101). As true temple of God, Christ was poised to fill the cosmos/earth with God’s glory by getting rid of sin through His life, death and resurrection thus fulfilling His role as the true priest. Finally, Christ demonstrates His role as a prophet in faithfully embodying the law of God, by being the mouthpiece of God (page 115). Dr. Gladd concludes the chapter by synthesizing how Christ is the perfected, last Adam who will pass along His glorified, perfected image to believers at the end of history.
The rest of the book highlights the church as kings, priests and prophets with the final chapter focusing on the church in the new creation. Dr. Gladd surveys the gospels and acts to enumerate the kingship of believers. Dr. Gladd emphasizes the priesthood of believers with help of Paul and Peter and the book of Hebrews. The church as prophets tackles how believers contribute to the ministry as prophets. The image (10.1, page 154) used in the end of the chapter highlighting the levels was particularly helpful for me.
In conclusion, I found Dr. Benjamin Gladd’s book not only informative, but also heartwarmingly pastoral. We live in an era where an increasing number of Biblically illiterate pastors appeal to ‘unhitch’ the Old Testament on one side, and on the other side an increasing number of Biblically illiterate parishioners who read the Old Testament as mere observers. Dr. Gladd does a fairly good job in expanding the Biblical theological horizon for his readers. Albeit the fact that Dr. Gladd’s covenantal, and Presbyterian convictions are clearly seen in his writing, I would still recommend it to believers across the denominations. I would do so for at least two reasons:
1. Reading Dr. Gladd’s book would enrich us in our understanding of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in redemptive history.
2. Personally speaking, Dr. Gladd’s book provided an unexpected pastoral warmth to me in reading about the development of the covenant community through redemptive history. As a believer from India, I don’t merely observe the Old Testament giants of faith as an outsider, but I get to call them fathers and mothers of faith as a member of the same covenant community--- It is thoroughly comforting, and for that reason I would highly recommend ‘From Adam And Israel to The Church.’
March 9, 2020
Excellent biblical theology resource. It gave me a new perspective on the intentionality God has had to dwell closer and closer to his people. From Eden to the new heaven and earth, God's plan for dwelling intimately with his people has been unfolding. In the end, it's a story of great hope and joy.
August 15, 2024
This is the second book in the “Essential Studies in Biblical Theology” (ESBT) series and I have to say, I thought it overall was better than the first one I read. The ESTB book on the Exodus had good parts but had trouble keeping the exodus theme narrow enough to actually trace through scripture. This volume on the people of God had a much clearer and defined scope and did a great job of showing how the roles of prophet priest and king develop through the Bible. Even though there were some sections and points I disagreed with in this volume, overall it was a great overview of both biblical anthropology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. I image recommending this volume with less reservations than I would recommending the exodus ESBT.
Three main issues with the book: first, I thought it would be a biblical theology tracing the theme of Gods covenant community through scripture. While it touched on this, I would say the emphasis of the volume is really focused on “what does it mean to image God?” And how ultimately this manifests itself in Christ and in the Church. Even so, I wished there was a bit more development of how “covenant” plays a role in all this.
Second, the author seems to argue in the section on the mosaic covenant for a “republication of the covenant of works” view. I don’t have a problem with this, but he doesn’t really build out a strong argument for this position over and against the “mosaic covenant as an administration of the covenant of Grace” position. When disagreeing with the accepted confessional position, I would have found it helpful to do a bit more analysis.
Finally, this book is VERY repetitive. Like each chapter begins with a page or two basically recounting everything you’ve already read. I’m all for repeating points for emphasis but it was excessive in this book. I found myself skimming large sections of each chapter to get to the new points being made.
Those critiques aside, this book shines in its latter half. The chapters on Christ fulfilling the threefold offices and then the church fulfilling the offices were very insightful, encouraging, and convicting. I also appreciated how the author sprinkles applications and practical implications throughout. It keeps the book from being a dry intellectual exercise. I came away from the book struck anew at the majesty of Christ and how all history is summed up in him.
This book is well worth a read if you can deal with some repetition and some minor theological disagreements. In a time and culture where our anthropology needs to be biblically based, this book is a great one stop shop to start a discussion on what the Bible actually teaches man was created to be. And then the book leads you right to Christ time and again.
Three main issues with the book: first, I thought it would be a biblical theology tracing the theme of Gods covenant community through scripture. While it touched on this, I would say the emphasis of the volume is really focused on “what does it mean to image God?” And how ultimately this manifests itself in Christ and in the Church. Even so, I wished there was a bit more development of how “covenant” plays a role in all this.
Second, the author seems to argue in the section on the mosaic covenant for a “republication of the covenant of works” view. I don’t have a problem with this, but he doesn’t really build out a strong argument for this position over and against the “mosaic covenant as an administration of the covenant of Grace” position. When disagreeing with the accepted confessional position, I would have found it helpful to do a bit more analysis.
Finally, this book is VERY repetitive. Like each chapter begins with a page or two basically recounting everything you’ve already read. I’m all for repeating points for emphasis but it was excessive in this book. I found myself skimming large sections of each chapter to get to the new points being made.
Those critiques aside, this book shines in its latter half. The chapters on Christ fulfilling the threefold offices and then the church fulfilling the offices were very insightful, encouraging, and convicting. I also appreciated how the author sprinkles applications and practical implications throughout. It keeps the book from being a dry intellectual exercise. I came away from the book struck anew at the majesty of Christ and how all history is summed up in him.
This book is well worth a read if you can deal with some repetition and some minor theological disagreements. In a time and culture where our anthropology needs to be biblically based, this book is a great one stop shop to start a discussion on what the Bible actually teaches man was created to be. And then the book leads you right to Christ time and again.
February 1, 2020
From Adam and Israel to the Church is a moderate level Biblical Theology that's a bit of a mixed bag.
Positives: Gladd fleshes out the themes of King, Priest, and Prophet as originating in Adam, continued in Israel, and perfected in Christ and the Church. It's helpful to see the"big picture" view of these themes and their pervasiveness throughout Scripture. Gladd develops the Temple imagery from Eden to the New Jerusalem and does a good job recognizing and interacting with the intertextuality of the Bible through quotations, allusions, and echos.
Gladd is an ammillennialist and raises some helpful and key objections to dispensationalism. As such, he rightly observes that God's interest is in the redemption of humanity and not ethnic Israel exclusively. He also brings helpful insights from Daniel and Revelation to the table rather than merely taking shots at dispensationalists.
Gladd's recognition of the significance of the Old Testament background in Acts 2 is helpful and more right than wrong. Seeing the roles of prophet, priest, and king come together on the day of Pentecost was both helpful and reaffirming.
Cons: Gladd writes from a traditional Reformed background and therefore carries Calvinistic and Covenant Theological baggage with him. He sees man having a corrupted image due to Original Sin and thus man's inability to fulfill the creation mandate until Christ succeeds for them and transfers his righteousness to them. He understands Adam as being placed under a Covenant of works prior to sin and a Covenant of Grace afterwards. Coming from a Church of Christ background where we have held to more of a Progressive Covenantal/New Covenant type of background before either camp existed, I found his Covenant Theology particularly burdensome.
Gladd also holds to a refurbished earth view. He largely assumes the position rather than trying to establish it. In the process he engages in pure conjecture believing the heavenly realm where God currently dwells is temporary and that man will rule over animals in the New Heaven and Earth.
Final Assessment: Though there were helpful insights and teachable/preachable moments along the way, there was considerable baggage that hinders me from recommending the book overall. Gladd's book is certainly not the end all on the subject and should only be approached by a mature Christian capable of sifting through significant doctrinal baggage.
Positives: Gladd fleshes out the themes of King, Priest, and Prophet as originating in Adam, continued in Israel, and perfected in Christ and the Church. It's helpful to see the"big picture" view of these themes and their pervasiveness throughout Scripture. Gladd develops the Temple imagery from Eden to the New Jerusalem and does a good job recognizing and interacting with the intertextuality of the Bible through quotations, allusions, and echos.
Gladd is an ammillennialist and raises some helpful and key objections to dispensationalism. As such, he rightly observes that God's interest is in the redemption of humanity and not ethnic Israel exclusively. He also brings helpful insights from Daniel and Revelation to the table rather than merely taking shots at dispensationalists.
Gladd's recognition of the significance of the Old Testament background in Acts 2 is helpful and more right than wrong. Seeing the roles of prophet, priest, and king come together on the day of Pentecost was both helpful and reaffirming.
Cons: Gladd writes from a traditional Reformed background and therefore carries Calvinistic and Covenant Theological baggage with him. He sees man having a corrupted image due to Original Sin and thus man's inability to fulfill the creation mandate until Christ succeeds for them and transfers his righteousness to them. He understands Adam as being placed under a Covenant of works prior to sin and a Covenant of Grace afterwards. Coming from a Church of Christ background where we have held to more of a Progressive Covenantal/New Covenant type of background before either camp existed, I found his Covenant Theology particularly burdensome.
Gladd also holds to a refurbished earth view. He largely assumes the position rather than trying to establish it. In the process he engages in pure conjecture believing the heavenly realm where God currently dwells is temporary and that man will rule over animals in the New Heaven and Earth.
Final Assessment: Though there were helpful insights and teachable/preachable moments along the way, there was considerable baggage that hinders me from recommending the book overall. Gladd's book is certainly not the end all on the subject and should only be approached by a mature Christian capable of sifting through significant doctrinal baggage.
November 25, 2020
As COVID-19 has taken us away from physically gathering together as the church, I am more aware of our need for belonging and our corporate identity as the body of Christ. In From Adam and Israel to the Church, Benjamin L. Gladd presents a Biblical theology of the people of God.
This is the first book in the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) series. Gladd serves as the overall editor, and it is fitting that he would write the first book to focus on Adam as well as the new Adam. The series attempts to explore the essential themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. This entry is rich and rewarding.
Identity and Idolatry
Identity and idolatry are at the heart of this book. Gladd examines what it truly means to be created in the image of God - and what it means to distort that image with idols.
Walking us through the story of redemption, Gladd traces the theme of being made in God’s image from Adam to Israel to Jesus to the Church. He discusses how the roles of King, Priest, and Prophet are embedded in the Biblical story. Interestingly, Gladd shows how there is a corresponding location to each epoch: Adam (Eden), Israel (Sinai), Jesus (Jordan River), and the Church (Jerusalem - Pentecost).
Prophets, Priests, and Kings
The Temple plays a prominent role in Biblical theology, and Gladd pays attention to the corresponding areas: Eden (Holy of Holies), Garden (Holy Place), Outer World (Outer Courts). He shows the same for Mount Sinai and the Tabernacle.
While the book is deeply theological, there are practical applications to consider. Gladd explains what it means to live in the already-not-yet, and believers and the Church can view their roles as functioning prophets, priests, and kings in this world.
The Church is the True Israel
The Church is the true Israel, and believers have the ability and power to live as Spirit-enabled prophets, priests, and kings. We can rule well, worship correctly, and embody God’s law. As God’s people, we are exhorted to continue studying God’s Word. We are preparing for the day when we come face-to-face with the Person whom we are imaged after: our Creator.
I received a media copy of From Adam and Israel to the Church and this is my honest review.
This is the first book in the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT) series. Gladd serves as the overall editor, and it is fitting that he would write the first book to focus on Adam as well as the new Adam. The series attempts to explore the essential themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. This entry is rich and rewarding.
Identity and Idolatry
Identity and idolatry are at the heart of this book. Gladd examines what it truly means to be created in the image of God - and what it means to distort that image with idols.
Walking us through the story of redemption, Gladd traces the theme of being made in God’s image from Adam to Israel to Jesus to the Church. He discusses how the roles of King, Priest, and Prophet are embedded in the Biblical story. Interestingly, Gladd shows how there is a corresponding location to each epoch: Adam (Eden), Israel (Sinai), Jesus (Jordan River), and the Church (Jerusalem - Pentecost).
Prophets, Priests, and Kings
The Temple plays a prominent role in Biblical theology, and Gladd pays attention to the corresponding areas: Eden (Holy of Holies), Garden (Holy Place), Outer World (Outer Courts). He shows the same for Mount Sinai and the Tabernacle.
While the book is deeply theological, there are practical applications to consider. Gladd explains what it means to live in the already-not-yet, and believers and the Church can view their roles as functioning prophets, priests, and kings in this world.
The Church is the True Israel
The Church is the true Israel, and believers have the ability and power to live as Spirit-enabled prophets, priests, and kings. We can rule well, worship correctly, and embody God’s law. As God’s people, we are exhorted to continue studying God’s Word. We are preparing for the day when we come face-to-face with the Person whom we are imaged after: our Creator.
I received a media copy of From Adam and Israel to the Church and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2022
Nice brief biblical theology tracing the image and people of God from Genesis to Revelation. Gladd traces the image of God through analyzing how Adam, Israel, Jesus, and the Church embody roles of prophet, priest, and king. This aspect was really neat to analyze! There were some ideas this book that are relatively new to me but lined up with Ferguson's "Holy Spirit" book (significance of Pentecost) and other parts that lined up with JV Fesko's hermeneutics lectures (view of Adams role in the garden). It's near to see when you hear different people extract the same ideas from the bible!
This book is meant to be concise and to give the overall theme without going into the details. Because of this, I often wanted a more detailed explanation of the idea or a greater defense from the Biblical text - this is not a fault of the book, but just the con of being concise. There was great new information on each chapter, but there seemed to be too much repetition with other ideas from other chapters. There were often little bits of illustrations (like you would find in a sermon) to help convey his theological ideas. Overall, enjoyed the material and glad I read this book!
This book is meant to be concise and to give the overall theme without going into the details. Because of this, I often wanted a more detailed explanation of the idea or a greater defense from the Biblical text - this is not a fault of the book, but just the con of being concise. There was great new information on each chapter, but there seemed to be too much repetition with other ideas from other chapters. There were often little bits of illustrations (like you would find in a sermon) to help convey his theological ideas. Overall, enjoyed the material and glad I read this book!
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed this one more than I expected to. Looks at what the People of God are to be rather than who they are. The basic premise that the imago dei is our vocation to be Kings, Priests, and Prophets is interesting and Gladd is certainly consistent with himself in this assertion throughout. If he perhaps overplays this a bit (were Adam and Eve really meant to be "prophets"?) it is forgivable again because he makes a consistent BT from Genesis to Revelation. Coming from a reformed position but he is not quite as tied to the "good ole' boy's club" that many SB writers are. A few small things I disagreed with but that is to be expected. One I could definitely recommend as long as the reader understood this is an idea not the end-all truth.
April 28, 2025
As a devoted admirer of G.K. Beale, I was thrilled to dive into Dr. Gladd’s work, and it did not disappoint. His concise yet profound approach to understanding God’s covenant people is both accessible and deeply enriching. Echoing much of Beale’s argument, Gladd presents a compelling framework that illuminates key theological themes with clarity and precision.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their grasp of biblical covenant theology. Whether you’re familiar with Beale’s insights or exploring this topic for the first time, Gladd’s work is a valuable addition to your collection. Highly Recommend!
January 18, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes post to catch up--emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
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Gladd traces the idea of the people of God through successive Redemptive Historical eras, showing how each built on the one before and points to the final form in the New Heavens and Earth, fulfilling the original Creation design. A helpful way to look at this topic, it'll challenge, inform and inspire.
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Gladd traces the idea of the people of God through successive Redemptive Historical eras, showing how each built on the one before and points to the final form in the New Heavens and Earth, fulfilling the original Creation design. A helpful way to look at this topic, it'll challenge, inform and inspire.
July 3, 2022
If I was being super specific, I’d give it a 4.75 since there were areas that I wished would have been developed in greater detail or with more exegetical support; however, the book succeeds in what it attempts to do. It sets out a popular level treatment of a major biblical theological theme with clarity and accessibility.
This book is a gift to people who want to see how the whole story line of scripture begins to fit together as a cohesive story of God creating a people whom he will dwell with forever. I’d highly recommend.
This book is a gift to people who want to see how the whole story line of scripture begins to fit together as a cohesive story of God creating a people whom he will dwell with forever. I’d highly recommend.
November 15, 2023
Highly recommend just about any book in the ESBT series. He has some odd applications in the second half; but overall this is a wonderful big-picture view of Scripture. Helpful for establishing broader categories by which to understand our Bibles.
June 8, 2021
Was brief and would have liked to see more in depth examples but still a good book. It’s a great place to start reading BT and is probably one of a few that I would recommend for first time readers.
October 23, 2021
Great book. Surprisingly, messianic in teaching from a reformer.
November 12, 2021
Really good! Looking forward to reading more in the “Essential Studies in Biblical Theology” series.
March 29, 2022
Dr. Gladd is always a treat to read. He writes in a clear, smooth style that is enjoyable and simple. This book offers a good intro to the Biblical theology of the people of God.
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May 24, 2022This is a very useful book
October 12, 2023
A solid introduction to biblical theology. I think this book would be especially good for those unfamiliar with the scope and goal of biblical theology.
October 3, 2025
Well written and insightful on the subject of the people of God throughout the old and new covenants.
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