The Return of the Kingdom

The biblical story begins and ends with God as king. Human beings rebel, however, rather than fulfilling their royal calling to rule creation on behalf of their Sovereign—and the world became enslaved to the rule of a dark, serpentine lord.

In this volume of IVP Academic's Essential Studies in Biblical Theology, Stephen Dempster traces the themes of kingship and kingdom throughout Scripture, illuminating the challenges, pain, and ultimate hope that the Bible offers. The story of God's kingship is ultimately the fulfillment of a promise, a promise to restore the rightful rule of humanity over creation by defeating sin and death and to establish a world of peace and justice.

About the Series

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd and L. Michael Morales, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an accessible yet rich introduction to biblical theology.



Stephen G. Dempster is emeritus professor of religious studies at Crandall University, and author of numerous publications including Dominion and Dynasty and the Two Horizons Commentary on Micah.

Series Preface


Acknowledgements


Introduction: The Return of the Kingdom: The Biblical Theology of God's Reign


1. The Big Picture: The Bible's Bookends


2. The Kingdom Begun: Genesis and Kingship


3. Kingdom Come


4. The Loss of the Kingdom: Enemy in the Garden


5. Kingdom Restoration Begins: Adam to Abraham


6. The Patriarchal Narratives and the Kingdom of God, Part 1: Abraham and Life over Death


7. The Patriarchal Narratives and the Kingdom of God, Part 2: Jacob and Blessing over Curse; Joseph and Good over Evil


8. Exodus–Deuteronomy, Part 1: Exodus and the Beginning of a Nation


9. Exodus–Deuteronomy, Part 2: Leviticus–Deuteronomy and the Establishment of a Nation


10. The Former Prophets: Kingdom Growth and Decline


11. The Latter Prophets: The Once and Future Kingdom


12. The Writings, Part 1: The Psalms and Wisdom Literature—Kingdom Prayer, Kingdom Life, Kingdom Hope


13. The Writings, Part 2. Daniel–Chronicles—Waiting for the Kingdom


14. The Center of the Biblical Storyline, Part 1: The Gospel of Matthew


15. The Center of the Biblical Storyline, Part 2: The Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John


16. Kingdom Expansion and Community: Acts and the Letter Collections


17. Grand Finale and Kingdom Come: Revelation and the Present


Subject Index


Scripture Index