The Beginning and End of All Things
A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
by Edward W. Klink III
Series edited by Benjamin L. Gladd
Creation Care & Ecology
Science & Faith
Many Christians think of the doctrine of creation primarily as relating to the world's origins. In The Beginning and End of All Things, Edward W. Klink III presents a more holistic understanding of creation—a story that is unfolded throughout all of Scripture and is at the core of the gospel itself.
From beginning to end, the theme of creation and new creation not only directs the movement of the entire biblical story but also unifies its message. Klink explores the goodness of the physical world and how it will be perfected in the new creation of heaven and earth. Along with offering rich insights about God and his purposes for the world, a biblical theology of creation guides how we engage nature, culture, and life as embodied beings.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, 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 introduction to biblical theology.
"The Bible's rich theology of creation is sometimes sequestered to the opening chapters of Genesis or linked exclusively with debates about scientific origins. With careful and thoughtful precision, Edward Klink guides readers to broader biblical-theological horizons with a resized view of creation, redemption, and new creation. This volume gracefully equips readers to look on the doctrine of creation across the grand story line of the Bible and declare, 'This is very good.'"
Ched Spellman, associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Cedarville University
"In The Beginning and End of All Things, Edward Klink helps the church perceive the purposes of God on display in the narrative of creation and new creation. Rather than merely considering debates regarding origins, this biblical theology of creation demonstrates that creation is not just about the beginning but also about the purpose of the world, and this purpose speaks to both the life of faith and the life of the public world. An excellent example of biblical theology for the church."
Darian Lockett, professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and author of Letters for the Church
"Written in the shadow of personal loss, Edward Klink's The Beginning and End of All Things sparkles with Christian joy and hope. Klink rejects the instrumentalization of creation, where creation becomes an expendable prop for redemption's prior purposes. On his account of Scripture's broad reach, creation and covenant remain necessary to one another. Written with the skill of a scholar and the heart of a pastor, The Beginning and End of All Things should find a happy home in the library of clergy and laity alike. Absent jargon and academic fussiness, Klink's book is a gift of biblical, theological, and pastoral insight. May his tribe of pastor-theologians increase."
Mark S. Gignilliat, professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School
"'Christian doctrine serves Christian discipleship.' I now have the perfect illustration to show how this is so. Edward Klink's book rescues the doctrine of creation from its captivity to debates over six-day creationism/evolution, convincingly demonstrating that without a robust understanding of creation, the church risks overspiritualizing both salvation and the Christian life. Klink gives a biblical theological answer to the philosophical conundrum, Why is there something rather than nothing? He shows how creation brings into focus the big picture of the Bible, which is all about heaven coming to earth—God's creation project achieved in Jesus Christ."
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"This profound and wide-ranging book is a joy to digest and a privilege to commend. It combines a scholar's deep reading with a pastor's heart and vision. It bridges high-level academic thought and real-life existence. It brings eschatology to bear on creation, diagnosing and correcting misconceptions regarding our created selves, the earth we stand on, and God's eternal goals for all that he has made and will most surely perfect. Learn from this book and rejoice in Christ's reclamation of the cosmos underway—and our tangible place in it."
Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Series Preface
Introduction: God's Creation Project
1. Creation's Covenant
2. Creation's Curse
3. Creation's Confusion
4. Creation's Country
5. Creation's Cry
6. Creation's Christ
7. Creation's Cross
8. Creation's Congregation
9. Creation's Commission
10. Creation's Consummation
Conclusion: Pastoral Reflections
Creation and Doxology
Face to Face with God
Stewards of Eden
God Dwells Among Us
Following Jesus in a Warming World
ABOUT Edward W. Klink III
Edward W. Klink III (PhD, St. Andrews) is senior pastor of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe, Illinois. His books include Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice, John in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series, and The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian.
ABOUT Benjamin L. Gladd
Benjamin L. Gladd (PhD, Wheaton) is professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and series editor for Essential Studies in Biblical Theology. His publications include Hidden But Now Revealed, Making All Things New, and The Story Retold.