Introduction to Biblical Theology
These are standard resources to "introduce" you to Biblical Theology or redemptive historical hermeneutics and preaching:
1. Geerhardus Vos (1862-1949) is the father of Reformed Biblical Theology..
Begin by reading his inaugural address of 1894 "The Idea of Biblical Theology as a Science and as a Theological Discipline." -- Also PDF File
Next, work through his Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments and The Pauline Eschatology.
You should also begin to work through his shorter writings in Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation (this also includes the definitive bibliography of Vos' work).
Here are a couple of summaries of Vos' work:
"What is Biblical Theology? Reflections on the Inaugural Address of Geerhardus Vos" by James T. Dennison, Jr.
"Geerhardus Vos and Eschatology" by Lawrence Semel
2. Herman Ridderbos has written Paul: An Outline of His Theology, When the Time Had Fully Come, The Coming of the Kingdom, and Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures.
3. Meredith G. Kline has written The Treaty of the Great King, By Oath Consigned, The Structure of Biblical Authority, Images of the Spirit, Kingdom Prologue, God, Heaven, and Har Magedon, and Glory in our Midst.
Also see the festschrift published in Kline's honor: Creator, Redeemer, Consummator.
"Covenant Theology Under Attack" by Meredith G. Kline Unedited Version & Edited Version for New Horizons
"Space and Time in Genesis Cosmogony" by Meredith G. Kline
Kingdom Prologue (needs PDF reader)
Glory in our Midst (needs PDF reader)
Meredith Kline is the preeminent successor of the incredible insights into biblical theology given to us by Dr. Vos. Kline's most important work is Kingdom Prologue. However, it should be read along with his earlier works which all help to build a better understanding of covenant theology. It should be remembered when reading Kline's earlier works, that they should be read in light of his later works. As any faithful exegete and theologian, Kline's thoughts have progressed over the years and there are some places in his earlier writings where he has refined his thinking more in line with his bibilcal research.
4. Mark W. Karlberg has built upon Kline's work in Covenant Theology in Reformed Perspective -- Download the Book.
5. Richard B. Gaffin has written Resurrection and Redemption and Perspectives on Pentecost.
6. Here are a few articles that tell you how to build a R-H Sermon:
"Building the Biblical Theological Sermon Part I: Perspective" by James T. Dennison, Jr.
"Building the Biblical Theological Sermon Part II: Text and Context" by James T. Dennison, Jr.
"Biblical Theology in the Study and the Pulpit" by James Oscar Boyd
"How a Christian Can Read Any Old Testament Passage" -- Outline of Beale and Greidanus; Ed. by Robert A. Lotzer7. And I would spend awhile here (websites):
The Upper Register -- Rev. Lee Irons
Spend a lot of time on these pages and look at their links.
8. Here are some helpful articles on the Modern Reformation site on redemptive historical preaching:
"The Glory of the Coming Lord: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament" by Edmund P. Clowney
"Preaching Christ Alone" by Michael S. Horton
"What Are We Looking For in the Bible" by Michael S. Horton
9. I would also recommend all three books by Sidney Greidanus (although with some reservations with the second one -- see link below):
a. Sola Scriptura: Problems and Principles in Preaching Historical Texts J. H. Kok, 1970.
b. The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text Eerdmans, 1988.
"Preaching and Application: A Review" by Charles G. Dennison
c. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament, Eerdmans, 1999.
10. Some of the most helpful writings on teaching the minister how to put biblical theology into practice in his studies and preaching are from Graeme Goldsworthy:
a. Gospel and Kingdom, Gospel and Wisdom, The Gospel in Revelation; now published together in The Goldsworthy Trilogy.
b. According to Plan
c. Preaching the Whole Bible a Christian Scripture
I hope this helps as you begin a most exciting journey through biblical theology.
Blessings,
Rev. Robert A. Lotzer
