RETURN TO ME
A Biblical Theology of Repentance
New Studies in Biblical Theology
By Mark J Boda
IVP Apollos. 235 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 783 592 692
Return to Me is a part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by Don Carson. The book is for the more serious student of the Bible.
Carson himself is obviously grateful for the way Boda seeks to treat repentance through the whole Bible. He says: ‘Preachers and teachers (I would add any Christian) who ponder Dr Boda’s treatment of repentance are unlikely to allow themselves to slide into reductionistic views of repentance.’ I would agree, this is an excellent treatment of an important topic that ought to be, as Boda puts it, part of the ‘rhythm’ of every Christian life.
Boda sets out to show what each section of the Bible has to say about repentance in its own terms, covering the Torah, the Former Prophets, the Latter Prophets, the Writings and the New Testament. I particularly appreciated his restraint in not running from the Old Testament to the New too quickly. Boda’s restraint in this area pays great dividends in showing how rich the theology of the Old Testament is, and giving so much more depth to New Testament theology when he gets there. He doesn’t limit himself to a word study either, taking the theme of repentance more broadly across each section of Scripture. He has useful summaries at the end of each chapter, which would be a good shorter read on their own!
He does refer to the original languages, but not in a way that hampers you if you don’t know them. There is a lot to think about in the book and the way he treats his subject will help the reader with a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole, as well as what repentance is and how repentance is woven through the whole Bible story.
Repentance is relational
This is not a light read, but it is a very worthwhile read in an area where individuals and churches are often light on both understanding and practice. He highlights well the ‘essential relational character’ of repentance from the work of God in the heart through to its outworking in behavioural change. This is a book that will richly repay careful readers.
