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Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
The Hope of Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of Resurrection
In a world full of suffering and death, humans long for abundant life. Christians understand that in Christ God saves us from sin. But salvation must also include much being rescued from death, physical resurrection, and new life in the new creation. In this ESBT volume, Jeff Brannon explores how the hope of life after death is woven throughout Scripture―even in unexpected places. In the biblical narrative, the themes of life , death , and resurrection correspond with the biblical-theological categories of creation , fall , and redemption . As we follow these themes, Brannon shows, we gain a fuller understanding of the doctrine of resurrection and what it means for Christian faith and discipleship. Jesus' resurrection and the future resurrection of his followers truly changes everything. Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or "essential" themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
- GenresTheologyBiblical Studies
200 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 28, 2025
Great book and if you read it look for a friends name in the acknowledgments 😇😇😇
September 28, 2025
Wish his hermeneutics were more aggressive in looking at resurrection themes in the OT. The volume on resurrection by Chase in the Short Studies in BT series by Crossway is superior IMO.
June 28, 2023
One crucial aspect of the Christian faith that makes Christianity Christianity, is the resurrection of men, women, girls and boys. Unlike so many other "afterlife" paradigms, Christianity uniquely touts that just as Jesus rose from the dead, body, blood, bones, toenails and hair, so his followers will also rise, body and soul, and permanently shake of mortality and misery. M. Jeff Brannon, professor of biblical studies and chair of the biblical studies and Christian ministries department at Belhaven University in Jackson Mississippi, has compiled a beautifully helpful manual to show how the biblical teaching on the resurrection is an essential and central doctrine in Scripture, and it is closely tied to all other creation and redemption themes of the Bible. His work is compiled in a 200-page paperback, "The Hope of Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of Resurrection". This volume is another installment in IVP Academic's "Essential Studies in Biblical Theology". Perfect for seasoned scholars and pastors, but also Upper School or College readers.
Very simply Brannon's work methodically survey's Scripture, step-by-step, from Genesis to Revelation. Each chapter moves sequentially through the Bible. Chapters 1 and 2 begin in Genesis 1-3. Chapter 4 takes in the rest of the Pentateuch and the historical books. Then comes the next chapter working through the poetical books. And the author keeps it up, one chapter after another, until the end in Revelation. And in each study he shows how the physical resurrection of God's people plays out. "Not only is resurrection life a major theme in Scripture; it is inseparably linked with other major themes and redemptive realities" (164). One will also catch how he uses contemporary musicians to artfully further his stratagem.
There's much to commend the work. But beyond showing how all of Scripture leans in the direction of the resurrection, are these two concepts that resonated with me. The first is that our Lord's resurrection is intently connected to his ascension. "By appealing to Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 for Jesus' resurrection and enthronement, Peter and Paul demonstrate just how closely the New Testament community associated these events" (121). If this point had been vociferously proclaimed in our theology and gospel presentations as loudly is Christ's death, there never would have been room for any debates over "Lordship Salvation". Further, the author makes very clear that just as our Lord Jesus arose with the self-same body that was crucified, we too will be raised with our present bodies (continuity) that will be gloriously transformed (discontinuity) and no longer be subject to misery or mortality.
"The Hope of Life After Death" is a worthy manual for Christians of all stripes. It will raise your appreciation for the unity of Scripture, as well as admiration for the fullness of Christ's redemptive work in restoring and transforming creation. Pastors, professors and parishioners should snag a copy speedily and sit down and devour this volume. You just might find your hearts strangely warmed, your faith inflamed, and your worship filled up until your cup runs over! I happily recommend the book.
My thanks to a friend who represents Belhaven University. At our denomination's General Assembly a few weeks back, he slipped me a copy and said, "Mike, I bet you'll enjoy this read." How right he was. Thanks Frank.
Very simply Brannon's work methodically survey's Scripture, step-by-step, from Genesis to Revelation. Each chapter moves sequentially through the Bible. Chapters 1 and 2 begin in Genesis 1-3. Chapter 4 takes in the rest of the Pentateuch and the historical books. Then comes the next chapter working through the poetical books. And the author keeps it up, one chapter after another, until the end in Revelation. And in each study he shows how the physical resurrection of God's people plays out. "Not only is resurrection life a major theme in Scripture; it is inseparably linked with other major themes and redemptive realities" (164). One will also catch how he uses contemporary musicians to artfully further his stratagem.
There's much to commend the work. But beyond showing how all of Scripture leans in the direction of the resurrection, are these two concepts that resonated with me. The first is that our Lord's resurrection is intently connected to his ascension. "By appealing to Psalm 2 and Psalm 110 for Jesus' resurrection and enthronement, Peter and Paul demonstrate just how closely the New Testament community associated these events" (121). If this point had been vociferously proclaimed in our theology and gospel presentations as loudly is Christ's death, there never would have been room for any debates over "Lordship Salvation". Further, the author makes very clear that just as our Lord Jesus arose with the self-same body that was crucified, we too will be raised with our present bodies (continuity) that will be gloriously transformed (discontinuity) and no longer be subject to misery or mortality.
"The Hope of Life After Death" is a worthy manual for Christians of all stripes. It will raise your appreciation for the unity of Scripture, as well as admiration for the fullness of Christ's redemptive work in restoring and transforming creation. Pastors, professors and parishioners should snag a copy speedily and sit down and devour this volume. You just might find your hearts strangely warmed, your faith inflamed, and your worship filled up until your cup runs over! I happily recommend the book.
My thanks to a friend who represents Belhaven University. At our denomination's General Assembly a few weeks back, he slipped me a copy and said, "Mike, I bet you'll enjoy this read." How right he was. Thanks Frank.
March 23, 2026
I had never thought about Christian hope or saw the resurrection throughout Scripture until I read this book. I will never read the Bible the same way again, because I think I was missing out on a beautiful truth that is shown across its pages.
“The Garden of Eden is the paradigm for creation life, the land of promise is a picture and foreshadowing of a greater life to come, and the new creation is the final fulfillment of this promise of eschatological life. This future eschatological life is something akin to a return to Eden, but in light of God’s promises, the experience of resurrection life in the new creation will be greater even than the original Eden”
“The Garden of Eden is the paradigm for creation life, the land of promise is a picture and foreshadowing of a greater life to come, and the new creation is the final fulfillment of this promise of eschatological life. This future eschatological life is something akin to a return to Eden, but in light of God’s promises, the experience of resurrection life in the new creation will be greater even than the original Eden”
January 17, 2023
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE HOPE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH ABOUT?
Unlike most books about the resurrection from the dead—this isn't an apologetic work, nor does it focus on Paul's theology of resurrection, instead Brannon states (fitting with this series) that he wants to take a look at the idea of resurrection from Genesis to Revelation, looking at the shadows, prophecies and promises contained in the Old Testament and the reality demonstrated and guaranteed in the New.
He's primarily thinking of the resurrection of the believer—although that involves (and is grounded upon) the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of the believer is such a vital doctrine, that believers should have a better understanding of it—but the amount of literature (both on the academic and popular levels) about it pales in comparison to other areas of Christian doctrine.
THE OLD TESTAMENT
The best part of this book was the survey of the Old Testament material—over five chapters—Creation, the Fall, the Pentateuch and Historical Books, the Writings, and the Prophets—Brannon spends about half of the book examining the part of the Bible that's less-often considered for our understanding of the doctrine.
I don't know how many times I've read or heard that the Old Testament is silent or vague on the idea of bodily resurrection. Brannon puts that assertion to rest easily.
But more importantly, this survey is a great cause for comfort and reassurance for the believer. This idea, this hope, has been before believers of all ages and we can cling to it as believers have for centuries. We have this hope explained in clearer terms—with the lights on, to continue Brannon's metaphor—so it's easier to cling to that hope.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HOPE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH?
That's the argument of the book in a nutshell, and what a great argument it is—one to really relish and depend on.
Brannon is clear and helpful here, and these are ideas we all need to spend time with and have a better understanding of. This is a solid way to start with that.
I do wonder if he could've gone a little deeper with a few chapters—I thought it was the easiest book in this series to read, and that's not just Brannon's style, I think it was that his approach didn't require as much thought as others in the series did. I'm not certain about that point, however—and I don't mean to complain about it. It was just the sense I had while reading the book
It was a good, helpful, and useful book about important and neglected teachings—maybe I wanted it to be a little better, but it's definitely good. I do recommend it.
---
...the resurrection of Jesus changes every other day, from now and into eternity. For those who are united to Christ, their future is the future of their Savior, and this reality changes everything.
WHAT'S THE HOPE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH ABOUT?
Unlike most books about the resurrection from the dead—this isn't an apologetic work, nor does it focus on Paul's theology of resurrection, instead Brannon states (fitting with this series) that he wants to take a look at the idea of resurrection from Genesis to Revelation, looking at the shadows, prophecies and promises contained in the Old Testament and the reality demonstrated and guaranteed in the New.
He's primarily thinking of the resurrection of the believer—although that involves (and is grounded upon) the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of the believer is such a vital doctrine, that believers should have a better understanding of it—but the amount of literature (both on the academic and popular levels) about it pales in comparison to other areas of Christian doctrine.
One of the hallmarks of biblical theology is the progressive revelation of God’s redemptive plan, which unfolds throughout the Old Testament. In Genesis 3:15 God's promise that the offspring of the woman will crush the head of the serpent represents an implicit promise of resurrection. In Psalm 49:7-15 the psalmist is convinced that God will redeem his people from death and take them to himself. Isaiah prophesies that God will swallow up death forever (Is 25:7-8) and that there will be a bodily resurrection for God’s people (Is 26:19). All of this reaches its Old Testament climax with Daniel’s prophecy of physical resurrection for both the redeemed and the unredeemed, one to everlasting life and the other to shame and everlasting contempt (Dan 12:1-3). The Old Testament teaching on resurrection sets the stage for God’s revelation in the New Testament, when the lights are turned on.
THE OLD TESTAMENT
The best part of this book was the survey of the Old Testament material—over five chapters—Creation, the Fall, the Pentateuch and Historical Books, the Writings, and the Prophets—Brannon spends about half of the book examining the part of the Bible that's less-often considered for our understanding of the doctrine.
I don't know how many times I've read or heard that the Old Testament is silent or vague on the idea of bodily resurrection. Brannon puts that assertion to rest easily.
But more importantly, this survey is a great cause for comfort and reassurance for the believer. This idea, this hope, has been before believers of all ages and we can cling to it as believers have for centuries. We have this hope explained in clearer terms—with the lights on, to continue Brannon's metaphor—so it's easier to cling to that hope.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE HOPE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH?
My focus in this book has been on the themes of creation life, death as the result of the fall, and the hope of resurrection life in redemption. The resurrection of Jesus means that the new age, the age of resurrection, has been inaugurated. While life had been promised, prophesied, and pictured in the old covenant, the resurrection of Jesus marks the beginning of the fulfillment of the curse of death being undone through resurrection life.
That's the argument of the book in a nutshell, and what a great argument it is—one to really relish and depend on.
Brannon is clear and helpful here, and these are ideas we all need to spend time with and have a better understanding of. This is a solid way to start with that.
I do wonder if he could've gone a little deeper with a few chapters—I thought it was the easiest book in this series to read, and that's not just Brannon's style, I think it was that his approach didn't require as much thought as others in the series did. I'm not certain about that point, however—and I don't mean to complain about it. It was just the sense I had while reading the book
It was a good, helpful, and useful book about important and neglected teachings—maybe I wanted it to be a little better, but it's definitely good. I do recommend it.
April 6, 2023
Summary: A study of the hope for life after death throughout scripture and the significance of the resurrection for the believer.
M. Jeff Brannon had a professor who observed “that many Christians can articulate the importance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross but have an impoverished understanding of the importance of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.” That observation eventually led Brannon to study this theme throughout scripture and its relevance to the Christian, one fruit of which is this contribution to the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series. He argues that this is vital because the assertion “Jesus is risen” is central to the Christian faith, it distinguishes Christianity from other religious and philosophical systems, and is vital to the fearless witness of the Christian disciple.
Our hope of life everlasting is rooted in the reality that we were created for life in relationship with God, the source of life, and we were meant to be God’s vice regents in creation. Sin and death, which followed from our rebellion against, and estrangement from the source of life ought not overshadow this awareness that we were made for life with God and that God begins his redemptive work in the garden with the promise of one who would defeat the serpent. Even in the provision of sacrificed animal skins for clothing reflects the beginning of this redemptive story.
Amid the downward spiral of humanity leading to the flood, Enoch walked with God and was not–relationship with God leads to life the overcomes death. God saves Noah and the creatures of the earth out of the flood. And God calls Abraham to become a blessing to the nations and to become a great nation enjoying life with God in the land, continuing the theme of relationship with God leading to life for a people. In the rest of the Pentateuch and the historical books we see God rescue the people out of the Passover death in Egypt and bring them into life with God at the center, first in the wilderness, and then in the land of promise. The Psalms attest to God’s deliverance from death and include references to hope of life with God beyond the grave (e.g. Psalm 22). The prophets also attest not only to judgment but the hope of restoration to life in the land and to resurrection (Isaiah 26:19; 53:10-11; Ezekiel 37, and Daniel 12:1-3).
We come to the life of Jesus, who restores relationship with God as the temple, as the mediator, as the one who raises the dead, and dies for sin and rises again himself. What was anticipated in shadowy Old Testament references has dawned in full light in Christ. The resurrection vindicates him as God’s anointed savior and king. It vindicates him as the righteous one able to take on the sins of his people. He is the second Adam bringing about new creation and resurrection life, ushering in the new age. The resurrection and ascension accomplish his enthronement as the Lord of this new creation of life.
What then does this mean for us who believe? We have restored relationship with God and enjoy life in his presence. We reign with Christ, enjoying the first fruits of new creation reality. We have been spiritually raised to life. Yet there are also the “not yets” of full vindication and freedom from the presence of sin, life in the immediate presence of God with Christ, ruling in the new heaven and earth to come, and a glorious bodily resurrection.
I write this review during Holy Week. Brannon offers a wonderful rehearsal of the implications of the day that changed everything–Easter Day–the central celebration of Christians. He reminds us that our hope of life after death means we do not grieve as those with no hope, nor do we fear death. This enables fearless witness and the endurance of suffering. When we say and sing “He is risen!” this Sunday, we utter the most momentous words of our faith and attest to a hope running throughout scripture, that God has purposed that we have life in Christ that we may enjoy relationship with him forever. That’s something to sing about!
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
M. Jeff Brannon had a professor who observed “that many Christians can articulate the importance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross but have an impoverished understanding of the importance of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.” That observation eventually led Brannon to study this theme throughout scripture and its relevance to the Christian, one fruit of which is this contribution to the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series. He argues that this is vital because the assertion “Jesus is risen” is central to the Christian faith, it distinguishes Christianity from other religious and philosophical systems, and is vital to the fearless witness of the Christian disciple.
Our hope of life everlasting is rooted in the reality that we were created for life in relationship with God, the source of life, and we were meant to be God’s vice regents in creation. Sin and death, which followed from our rebellion against, and estrangement from the source of life ought not overshadow this awareness that we were made for life with God and that God begins his redemptive work in the garden with the promise of one who would defeat the serpent. Even in the provision of sacrificed animal skins for clothing reflects the beginning of this redemptive story.
Amid the downward spiral of humanity leading to the flood, Enoch walked with God and was not–relationship with God leads to life the overcomes death. God saves Noah and the creatures of the earth out of the flood. And God calls Abraham to become a blessing to the nations and to become a great nation enjoying life with God in the land, continuing the theme of relationship with God leading to life for a people. In the rest of the Pentateuch and the historical books we see God rescue the people out of the Passover death in Egypt and bring them into life with God at the center, first in the wilderness, and then in the land of promise. The Psalms attest to God’s deliverance from death and include references to hope of life with God beyond the grave (e.g. Psalm 22). The prophets also attest not only to judgment but the hope of restoration to life in the land and to resurrection (Isaiah 26:19; 53:10-11; Ezekiel 37, and Daniel 12:1-3).
We come to the life of Jesus, who restores relationship with God as the temple, as the mediator, as the one who raises the dead, and dies for sin and rises again himself. What was anticipated in shadowy Old Testament references has dawned in full light in Christ. The resurrection vindicates him as God’s anointed savior and king. It vindicates him as the righteous one able to take on the sins of his people. He is the second Adam bringing about new creation and resurrection life, ushering in the new age. The resurrection and ascension accomplish his enthronement as the Lord of this new creation of life.
What then does this mean for us who believe? We have restored relationship with God and enjoy life in his presence. We reign with Christ, enjoying the first fruits of new creation reality. We have been spiritually raised to life. Yet there are also the “not yets” of full vindication and freedom from the presence of sin, life in the immediate presence of God with Christ, ruling in the new heaven and earth to come, and a glorious bodily resurrection.
I write this review during Holy Week. Brannon offers a wonderful rehearsal of the implications of the day that changed everything–Easter Day–the central celebration of Christians. He reminds us that our hope of life after death means we do not grieve as those with no hope, nor do we fear death. This enables fearless witness and the endurance of suffering. When we say and sing “He is risen!” this Sunday, we utter the most momentous words of our faith and attest to a hope running throughout scripture, that God has purposed that we have life in Christ that we may enjoy relationship with him forever. That’s something to sing about!
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
July 22, 2024
This series is exciting! Had I been planning this series I might have overlooked resurrection getting one of the slots in it, but after seeing this title it makes perfect sense. Brannon makes his case for Resurrection being one of the “essential” themes of biblical theology. His fleshing out the link to Creation and Redemption only strengthen his case.
The book is clear and clear-headed. He is quite convincing in driving home his premise. Besides his love of quoting obscure lyrics of (popular?…I guess) music, he succeeds across the board.
To grasp resurrection he grapples with life and death. Relating that to Creation and the Fall was the proper foundation while building with redemption (New Creation) and Resurrection (Eternal Life) was the right edifice to build upon it. A lot has been written on these themes but his niche is a clarity that comes from a careful presentation.
He also traces his theme to good effect in biblical order. Watching a doctrine develop progressively is one of the best ways to take it in.
As you can imagine, he address Christ’s resurrection and does so by building into his rich tapestry. From there he weaves in the church before reaching our final resurrection.
What’s amazing in a book like this is taking one doctrine to examine them all. Biblical theology is really rocking when that really happens. It happens here.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book is clear and clear-headed. He is quite convincing in driving home his premise. Besides his love of quoting obscure lyrics of (popular?…I guess) music, he succeeds across the board.
To grasp resurrection he grapples with life and death. Relating that to Creation and the Fall was the proper foundation while building with redemption (New Creation) and Resurrection (Eternal Life) was the right edifice to build upon it. A lot has been written on these themes but his niche is a clarity that comes from a careful presentation.
He also traces his theme to good effect in biblical order. Watching a doctrine develop progressively is one of the best ways to take it in.
As you can imagine, he address Christ’s resurrection and does so by building into his rich tapestry. From there he weaves in the church before reaching our final resurrection.
What’s amazing in a book like this is taking one doctrine to examine them all. Biblical theology is really rocking when that really happens. It happens here.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 30, 2023
Is the resurrection really an important part of Scripture? In The Hope of Life After Death, M. Jeff Brannon embarks on a biblical theology of the resurrection. This is an academic yet accessible work, rich with implications and applications for the Christian.
The book begins with a look at creation, and how humanity was made for life. Brannon explains how the fall brought death, but God would bring a deliverer. Walking through the Pentateuch and Historical books, we see the promise of life woven throughout. I was most pleased to see the resurrection theme developed in the books of Wisdom and Poetry. Brannon is clear and compelling.
An Important and Exciting Doctrine
The theme reaches its climax at the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Here we see it mirror the pattern of Creation, Fall, and Redemption most clearly. The book ends by explaining the already-not-yet tension of our life with Christ. I come away with a stronger sense of hope for living a life of resurrection power made possible by the Holy Spirit.
After reading this book, I am convinced that the doctrine of the resurrection is exciting and important. I resolve to proclaim it from the pulpit. I anticipate the realization of my own resurrection, and stand in awe of the one who raised me from the dead.
I received a media copy of The Hope of Life After Death and this is my honest review.
The book begins with a look at creation, and how humanity was made for life. Brannon explains how the fall brought death, but God would bring a deliverer. Walking through the Pentateuch and Historical books, we see the promise of life woven throughout. I was most pleased to see the resurrection theme developed in the books of Wisdom and Poetry. Brannon is clear and compelling.
An Important and Exciting Doctrine
The theme reaches its climax at the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Here we see it mirror the pattern of Creation, Fall, and Redemption most clearly. The book ends by explaining the already-not-yet tension of our life with Christ. I come away with a stronger sense of hope for living a life of resurrection power made possible by the Holy Spirit.
After reading this book, I am convinced that the doctrine of the resurrection is exciting and important. I resolve to proclaim it from the pulpit. I anticipate the realization of my own resurrection, and stand in awe of the one who raised me from the dead.
I received a media copy of The Hope of Life After Death and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2026
This book did a fantastic job of tracing God’s design for humanity throughout the entire story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation. It displays the unity in God’s redemptive purposes throughout Scripture and roots the future hope of believers in God’s eternal design and Christ’s world-changing accomplishments through his death and resurrection. It’s also fairly straightforward and easy to read.
March 5, 2023
Excellent study of resurrection in the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews