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Second, others think that the NT is fundamentally harmonious but worry that a thematic and summarizing approach levels out the distinctive message of each writer. In response, it is imperative to see that we need different kinds of NT theologies. The subject matter is too vast for one totalizing NT theology! I do not claim that my work is the definitive last word on NT theology. That would be supremely arrogant! We need thematic NT theologies and NT theologies that investigate the particular themes of various writers. We must not make the mistake of positing an either-or here.

How do you envision this book edifying the church?

First, I hope and pray that preachers and teachers will preach and teach the greatness of our God and his saving work in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. In other words, my prayer is that my book will contribute to the proclamation of the gospel. Second, I hope that readers will grow in their trust in God's Word. In other words, they will see that the NT message is fundamentally harmonious. Third, I know my book is long, but I hope that readers will see that the main message of the NT is clear. Our knowledge is limited, but God has revealed himself clearly to us in Jesus Christ. The gospel we proclaim wasn't invented by us; it has been revealed to us. And we can understand it, live it, and proclaim it.

Collin Hansen is a CT editor at large and the author of Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists.

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June (Web-Only) 2008, Vol. 52