Christ of the Consummation - by O Palmer Robertson (Paperback)

About the Book

"This New Testament biblical theology emphasizes the eyewitness character of the gospels as they attest to the supernatural in-breaking of the Christ who comes to fulfill God's promises"--

Book Synopsis

At the moment when Jesus entered the realm of redemptive history, God's people and the hurting world needed no further promises or prophecies. The one thing they lacked was fulfillment--they needed the promised Messiah and his consummate kingdom to come. Noted theologian O. Palmer Robertson's three-volume The Christ of the Consummation explores progressive revelation across the redemptive history of the New Testament. The first volume, The Testimony of the Four Gospels, emphasizes the eyewitness character of the four men who attest to the supernatural in-breaking of the Christ. In the rich tapestry of the Gospels, we see Christ overcome the powers of Satan, gradually unveil his identity by words and works, call and commission disciples, die on the cross, be raised, and ascend to heaven. By each witnessing distinctive aspects of the coming of the King and the establishment of his kingdom, the gospel writers boldly describe a new phase in redemptive revelation.

Review Quotes

Bearing the mantle of Geerhardus Vos, O. Palmer Robertson extends his magisterial, decades-long biblical-theological project into the New Testament. Clear-eyed in method and rich in exegetical insight, Christ of the Consummation gathers the fruit of a lifetime of reflection on the text of the Gospels. Whether it is the titles and self-understanding of Jesus, the kingdom of God in the life and ministry of Jesus, or the witness of each of the four Evangelists, Robertson helps us to understand the Gospels in light of the unfolding history of redemption. Students, pastors, and scholars will profit from observing this "master of the house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."--Guy Prentiss Waters, James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

Because of the Bible's theological unity, redemptive-historical structure, and Christ-centeredness, faithful interpreters must read each text not only in its original literary-historical context but also in the broader scope of the whole canon, Old and New Testaments. This is a daunting challenge. Few scholars have spent a lifetime delving deep into Old Testament biblical theology, into New Testament biblical theology, and into their interrelationships. O. Palmer Robertson, who has shown us Christ in ancient covenants, prophets, wisdom, and psalms, is one of those few who can guide us to discover the depths of God's "last days" Word, Jesus Christ. As we hear the four Evangelists' united--and diverse--testimony to Immanuel's arrival and ministry, we will sense our hearts burning with wonder and love for our Lord and Savior.--Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California; Author, Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures and Walking with Jesus through His Word: Discovering Christ in All the Scriptures

For over forty years now, Dr. O. Palmer Robertson's Christ of the Covenants has provided biblical-theological instruction to generations of seminary students and others and helped them both understand and communicate the fundamental structures of redemptive history and the person and work of Jesus Christ. Were this his only achievement, it would be worthy of honor. Yet to this he has added not only Christ of the Prophets and Christ of Wisdom and numerous other valuable publications, but also the life of a trailblazer in seminary education in Africa. While we have always known Dr. Robertson to be a whole-Bible theologian, it is impossible not to be in of awe the fact that--in addition to these earlier works--he now offers us The Testimony of the Four Gospels, the first in the Christ of the Consummation: A New Testament Biblical Theology trilogy. It is a remarkable achievement, fitly crowning a life of deep devotion to Christ, the Scriptures, the church, and his students--and all soli Deo gloria. We could ask for nothing more.--Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

In every era of the church, but especially our own, God's people need to know how to read God's Word and apply it to every area of life. That begins with first knowing the whole counsel of God and how each part of Scripture contributes to the entirety of our triune God's gracious and authoritative self-disclosure in Christ. In this volume, O. Palmer Robertson continues the tradition of Geerhardus Vos and his own magnificent contribution to biblical theology by carefully and powerfully unpacking the Bible's covenantal story centered in Christ. The much-needed and often-neglected focus of this work is on the Gospels and how they disclose the person and work of Messiah Jesus in light of the entirety of Scripture. This work is born out of years of faithful teaching, preaching, and writing, and it is one of the most helpful books I have read on the Gospels. It is a must-read for those who want to know how the Gospels rightly fit in canon and, even more than this, desire to behold the glory of our triune God revealed in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.--Stephen J. Wellum, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

O. Palmer Robertson is a gift to the church, and few possess such biblical-theological acumen wedded to a heart to serve Christ. This volume skillfully traces the climax of God's dealings with his people and creation. It remains accessible to laypeople, yet satisfies the appetite of seasoned pastors and teachers. OPR's first volume is complete, and I can't wait to read the next two.--Benjamin L. Gladd, Associate Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

Palmer Robertson is a legend, and his writings on covenant theology have long since gained a reputation as a standard must-read for seminary students. Fifty years ago, I encountered Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology, and I have dipped into it regularly ever since. But that was written in the 1930s, and much more has been gleaned over the century that followed. Many volumes have tackled the field since then (e.g., Ladd, Marshall, and, more recently, Schreiner and Beale), but there is ample room for more. And Christ of the Consummation: The Testimony of the Four Gospels (the first of a three-volume set) is stunning. Filled with insights, packed with nuanced exegesis and the result of a lifetime's engagement with Scripture, Robertson's first volume is a winner in every sense. I will be consulting it often.--Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Chancellor's Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

This is a learned, insightful, and reverent account of Scripture's saving message as it culminates in Jesus' appearance and initial completion of his redemptive mission. With deft and full appropriation of Old Testament foundations and foreshadowings, Robertson presents Jesus with historical savvy, exegetical skill, and theological depth. His discussion is informed by contemporary scholarship but helpfully wary of its unhelpful biases. This volume breaks new ground conceptually and models creative exposition of the Gospels' details as well as overarching sweep. It gloriously succeeds in pioneering a fresh redemptive-historical presentation of the diverse yet unified four-Gospel witness.--Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

Too often, Christians fail to appreciate the distinctive witness of each New Testament writer and how it enriches our understanding of God and his ways. This first volume of Robertson's groundbreaking Christ of the Consummation guides the reader to open up Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and discover the wonder of Christ and his kingdom. This book is the perfect companion to expository preachers and teachers of the Gospels, as well as every other student of the Bible who desires to grow in both knowledge and devotion to Christ.--Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary