THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF
GOD
By T. Desmond Alexander
IVP (BST series). 279 pages. £12.99
ISBN 978 1 789 743 821
In this new entry in the Bible Speaks Today ‘the message of ’ series, Alexander has given us a veritable Biblical (not systematic) theology of the Kingdom of God.
In an impressive, representative and comprehensive (though not exhaustive) sweep through the Bible – from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, in order – the author shows the progressive development of the doctrine in Scripture, finding its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the promised Davidic Saviour-King.
From creation to Christ
Avoiding the proof-texting error of cherry-picking texts from anywhere, irrespective of their proper ordered place in the Bible, he diligently shows how throughout Scripture the doctrine of the Kingdom of God is advanced progressively, as at each stage of God’s dealings with His people it is nuanced and developed from Creation to Christ and His final return.
There are 20 chapters (such as – to select a few headings – The Creator King, The Divine Redeemer King, The Servant King, An Unshakeable Kingdom) in four sections, including one on the OT doctrine and another on the NT fulfilment.
Delight and misgivings
To my own personal delight, Alexander avoids the blunder of seeing the Kingship of God simply and only in terms of His right to rule. Rather, from early on, it’s the promised divine Davidic Saviour King who is in mind, both in Scripture and in Alexander’s presentation – the King rules, yes, with absolute authority, but He redeems, secures, and protects His people. Furthermore, the author’s application of the doctrine to the lives of His people is challenging and heartening.
I had a few misgivings. First, the author sometimes takes surely unnecessary partisan views. For example, before the end of Chapter One he has disheartened half (more than?) his readership by disenfranchising the young-earth position. This is not necessary, surely – young earthers can and do have a thoroughly robust doctrine of God’s Kingdom. Likewise, at the very end he states his view of a ‘renewed earth’ rather than a completely ‘new creation’ – again, this surely divides his readership. There are other examples. The bibliography of 199 books is excessive, as also the plethora of uses of the infuriating word ‘vicegerent’.
To be honest, I was aching to be introduced fulsomely and extravagantly to King Jesus rather earlier than as entailed by his rigid Biblical order of presentation. But all that notwithstanding, I heartily commend the book. It was a very enjoyable read.
