The Kingdom of God - (Biblical Theology for Life) by Nicholas Perrin (Paperback)

About the Book

The Kingdom of God by Nicholas Perrin explores the contours of the kingdom by answer the important 'what, ' 'who, ' and 'how' questions. This comprehensive study brings together careful exegesis of the Old and New Testaments with thoughtful attention to how the kingdom-ethic applies to God's subjects today.

Book Synopsis

What does the Bible say about God's Kingdom and what Kingdom living looks like?

In the last hundred and fifty years the concept of the kingdom of God has emerged as one of the most important topics in theology, New Testament studies, and the life of the church.

In The Kingdom of God, Nicholas Perrin explores this dominant biblical metaphor, one that is paradoxically the meta-center and the mystery in Jesus' proclamation. After survey interpretations by figures from Ritschl to N. T. Wright, Perrin examines questions such as:

• What exactly is the kingdom of God?
• What do different Christian traditions mean when they talk about "the Kingdom"?
• How should we interpret Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom?
• What does it mean for the people of God and what does it mean for how they live in the world?

Perrin contends that the kingdom is inaugurated in Jesus' earthly ministry, but its final development awaits later events in history. In between the times, however, the people of God are called to participate in the reign of God by living out the distinctly kingdom-ethic through hope, forgiveness, love, and prayer.

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Part of the Biblical Theology for Life series, this practical and robust book will help you ground your understanding of the Kingdom of God on the solid foundation of biblical exegesis and reflection.

Review Quotes

Avoiding both oversimplification and hyper-technicality, Perrin addresses a wide sweep of questions and issues regarding Jesus's central message . . . and continuing mission, through the church and beyond. "The work of understanding the kingdom of God is a holy obligation," the author writes, and this volume furnishes essential resources. Informed by discussion across the sweep of Christian tradition (and sometimes secular punditry), Perrin effectively marshals his Gospels expertise to produce an incisive study of a controversial topic. I believe the ways he maps challenges and arrives at proposals will not only enhance understanding but also deepen Christians' daily petition to the Father: "Your kingdom come."--Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

Few academics have the ability to explain a complex topic in terms that lay audiences will both understand and enjoy, but Nicholas Perrin has done just that. He patiently and skillfully walks the reader through one of the central themes of the Bible, elucidating the story (and the reality) of God's kingdom---past, present, and future---as it is revealed in the Old and New Testaments. We are left not only with a clear and awe-inspiring view of the kingdom of God, but Perrin gives us "practical stepping-stones" to take us "from biblical theology to real life." Thank you, Nick Perrin. You have done us a tremendous service in writing this book.--Catherine McDowell, associate professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

In this in-depth but very readable book, Nicholas Perrin offers compelling insight after compelling insight into the nature of the kingdom of God, King Jesus, and the people of the kingdom. Perrin enriches our understanding of the kingdom, especially concerning its deep Old Testament roots, but he also calls us to greater kingdom living---even if that entails suffering.--Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University

Perrin does a great job in tracing the theology of the kingdom of God from its beginning in Genesis, through the Old Testament, to its proclamation in the Gospels. His insight on the relationship between the "I am" sayings in John's Gospel and the kingdom is intriguing, spurring readers to rethink the significance of familiar scriptural passages. Most importantly, Perrin guides his readers to reflect on the relevance of the kingdom in their lives and how to live out the core values of the kingdom today.--Chee-Chiew Lee, associate professor of New Testament, Singapore Bible College

While Christians everywhere dedicate themselves to inviting others into the kingdom of God, countless many (if they're honest with themselves) find themselves mildly confused by the concept. Taking aim at today's confusion, Perrin's book offers a fresh, compelling, and biblically rooted vision of the kingdom, giving us new eyes on not just the what, who, when, where, and how of the kingdom, but also why the kingdom matters for everyone.--Ed Stetzer, executive director, Billy Graham Center