ALL THINGS NEW:
Revelation as canonical capstone
By Brian J. Tabb
IVP. 288 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 793 599 158
What a delight to read a theology book that sets the heart on fire – especially a book on the theology of Revelation!
Published in the series ‘New Studies in Biblical Theology’, this is not a commentary, rather it explores themes. Quotations from the Septuagint are given in transliterated Greek, making them more widely accessible.
Revelation is shown to be the ‘canonical capstone’, the culmination and climax of Scripture, drawing on, combining and expounding the Old Testament (the index has eight pages of OT references). Images in Revelation are shown to be drawn from the Law, Psalms and Prophets, giving vital background to their interpretation.
Revelation was written to challenge readers to stand firm, resisting compromise, error and oppression. It draws extensively on the Old Testament, undergirding all it says with OT themes, analogy, typology, fulfilment, and writing styles. This is demonstrated as the author gives a thorough overview of major themes. For each, Tabb goes through Revelation highlighting relevant passages and explaining multiple OT references before giving a helpful summary which also applies the teaching to our hearts.
The triune God, sovereign over all, is the centre of Revelation. The Lion of Judah who is the sacrificed Lamb is to be worshipped as separate but one with the Father and will return as King. The Spirit of God is all-seeing and speaks God’s word to us. The people of God, the new Israel, are conquerors despite appearances. The church fulfils the office of prophet, priest and king as the redeemed from all nations witness and worship. Judgment and salvation: the wrath of the Lamb draws on the pattern of the Exodus plagues. The great city, Babylon, is contrasted with the holy city, Jerusalem, where God dwells. And God makes all things new as the Edenic curse is removed and, drawing on the temple envisioned by Ezekiel, the tree and river of life bring healing as God unites with victorious believers. Revelation unambiguously presents itself as the word of God. It is true and trustworthy, and if heard and heeded brings blessing to the reader.
Whether you have fixed views on the interpretation of Revelation, or still have an open mind, this book will give fresh insights and uplift you spiritually, to the praise of the Lamb who sits on the throne!
