Review of According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy

Author: Graeme Goldsworthy

Pages: 251 pages

Publisher: IVP

Price: 16.29

Genre: Theology/Biblical Interpretation

Quick Summary:

According to Plan is exactly what it claims to be: An Introductory to Biblical Theology. Biblical theology is essentially studying “how the Bible holds together as one book with one message” (20). What that message is and how exactly it comes together is the nature of the biblical theologian’s task. According to Plan is Goldsworthy’s suggestion for understanding the Bible’s central message. The book is broken up into 4 parts: the Why? How? What? Where? of biblical theology. Interspersed throughout are very helpful summaries, diagrams, and charts. For further help the reader is given a study guide at the end of each chapter.

What I Liked:

According to Plan is “written for those who have not had any formal theological education”, yet it was still a required book for my seminary class on Hermeneutics. The book is written that well. It is able to hold the interest of the theological student but does not fly over the head of those without a formal theological education. In my opinion any book claiming to unfold the Bible’s central message must be about Jesus; Goldsworthy’s offering does not disappoint. It is Christ-centered throughout. The Lord used this book alongside a few others to help shape a Christ-centered hermeneutic in my own personal life. This is probably the most helpful resource on an introduction to biblical theology.

What I Disliked:

Anything that I would put in this section would be simply straining gnats. This book is an excellent resource. The Church would be well served to have every member go through such a study.

Should You Buy It:

Yes. This book will cause you to think. It will get the wheels rolling towards a more biblical theology. The principles in this book are ones that you should not store away on a bookshelf. You should buy this, take notes, apply it to your Bible study and pass it on to others.  At only $16.29 you will be happy you bought this.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars.