Images of Salvation in the New Testament - by Brenda B Colijn (Paperback)

About the Book

As Brenda Colijn seeks to understand their implications for people of faith, she uncovers how New Testament images provide the building blocks of the master story of redemption

Book Synopsis

"The New Testament does not develop a systematic doctrine of salvation," writes Brenda Colijn. "Instead, it presents us with a variety of pictures taken from different perspectives." Students of the New Testament and of theology will both find their vision broadened and their understanding deepened by this rich, informative study. As the author seeks to understand their implications for people of faith, she uncovers how New Testament images provide the building blocks of the master story of redemption.

Review Quotes

"A very long time ago, George Caird wrote a classic titled The Language and Imagery of the Bible. In it Caird showed the considerable importance of careful scrutiny of key images used of various theological and ethical concepts. In her new book, Images of Salvation in the New Testament, Brenda Colijn in a careful and artful way, focusing on soteriological images, has done for our current generation what Caird did for his. Highly recommended for those wanting to understand not merely the nature of salvation but also its many facets and dimensions."

"Brenda Colijn invites us to live in the lush forest of New Testament soteriology, calling our attention to the majesty and power of each of its spreading trees rather than hewing them down as lumber for some artificial theological construction. She healthfully focuses her study on the diverse metaphors and images--like covenant relationship, citizenship in a new country, deliverance from bondage, pilgrimage and contest--that reframe the human situation and God's restorative invasions therein. Colijn honors the distinctive perspective that each New Testament author brings to the discussion, helping us to see the kaleidoscopic beauty of the whole. She refuses to flatten images and metaphors into propositions, but rather seeks to unleash afresh their power to transform our experience."

"Reading through Colijn's survey reveals the extraordinary richness of the New Testament view of salvation and the importance of translating this concept into images and metaphors that connect with human experience."

"This book is recommended for serious Bible students interested in the doctrine of salvation or New Testament theology. It would be an excellent resource for an adult Sunday school class or sermon series."

About the Author

Brenda B. Colijn (Ph.D., Cornell University) is professor of biblical interpretation and theology at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio.