Magnifying God in Christ: A Summary of New Testament Theology

by Thomas R. Schreiner

Thomas Schreiner's substantial New Testament Theology examined the unifying themes that emerge from a detailed reading of the New Testament canon. This student-level digest of Schreiner's massive work explores the key themes and teachings of the New Testament in a more accessible and concise way. The book summarizes the findings of Schreiner's larger work and provides answers to the "so what?" question of New Testament theology. Comprehensive and up to date, this survey is arranged thematically and includes careful exegesis of key passages. It offers students, pastors, and lay readers a big picture view of what the New Testament is all about.

Genres: Theology, Christian, New Testament, Christianity, Biblical Studies

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a condensed version of Schreiner's outstanding New Testament Theology. Magnifying God In Christ is a must read for anyone who truly wants to have a firm grasp on the New Testament. Schreiner examines the structure, themes, and theology of each New Testament book and emonstrates, among other things, the central theme of the New Testament which he argues is "Magnifying God in Christ. One of the wonderful features of this book is that it is biblical scholarship for the church. That is, it is scholarly and devotional.

[Samuel Eastlund]

I started this and got through the first couple chapters, but it is dry, dry, dry! I will return to it one day.

[Alan Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of Christology in the NT.

[Cbarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an excellent overview of NT Theology without having to wade through the typically thick NTT books out there, you can really do no better than Thomas Schreiner's Magnifying God in Christ (MGC). MGC is a summary of his thick New Testament Theology (which should also be on your shelf). The title hints at the thematic approach Schreiner takes in his book. He observes, "It is illuminating to consider NT theology from a twofold perspective. First, God's purpose in all that he does is to bring honor to himself and to Jesus Christ. The NT is radically God-centered...Second, the centrality of God in Christ leads to abstraction if it is not closely related to the history of salvation, to the fulfillment of God's promises...The NT unfolds the fulfillment of the promises made in the OT...Hence, contrary to what some have said, God's glory and humans' salvation are not in conflict. Rather, God is glorified in the salvation of his people" (16).
Schreiner writes with a scholarly clarity. His interactions with opposing views are up to date. While he is an academic, he treats his subject
From a confessional Reformed view it is helpful to interact with Schreiner's use of the law. The traditional Reformed three-fold use of the law will be challenged to some degree. See his 40 Questions book regarding the law for more detailed treatment of the subject. This does not detract from the book's usefulness, however. Much of Schreiner's discussion of the law is valuable; due consideration should be given to Schreiner's interaction with the New Perspective. Also helpful is the author's treatment of faith and works with relation to Romans and James.
In sum, Schreiner demonstrates how the NT writers contribute to the theme of God's glory in Christ in the salvation of sinners. This summary volume is an intellectually stimulating and spiritually invigorating read as Schreiner navigates through the NT which magnifies God in Christ. The larger NTT is excellent for the office and MGC for the bedside table.

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a condensed version of Schreiner's massive New Testament Theology. When it comes to evangelical biblical scholars, Schreiner is top notch, and this book is no different. He does a good job of concisely discussing complicated doctrines and biblical themes. Not to mention, reading Schreiner does not feel all that laborious, which is more than I can say about many NT theologians.

I've read both versions, and I have a suggestion: if you're actually going to pick up a book on NT theology, go ahead and get his larger work. It will be a good resource for future study, he is able to expand his discussion on some topics that can't be detailed in 5–10 pages, and it includes footnotes to further your studies of a particular topic that might interest you. Yes, it's much bigger and more expensive, but I believe it's a good investment for those who are interested in diving into NT theology.

[Vaclav · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book together with my good friend. we loved it! it was a good time of sharing of the good things we have discovered we have as being in Christ! then we prayed the Lord to work it into us! i highly recommend doing book clubs, reading the same book with others and getting together to discuss it!

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of what the NT says on various Christ- and salvation-centered topics, but too dryly theological for me. Not quite what I was expecting, but still informative.
To be fair, as I don't usually read books of this kind, I can't speak on how it compares to its peers.