Review of God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment

It has been nearly a year since I have written a blog post. My return from a blog-less exile is simple. It is not because I believe myself to be incredibly intelligent. The Internet has held up just fine without a post from Alex Loginow. The purpose of this blog will primarily be to serve the saints at Heritage Baptist Church where I serve as a Teaching Pastor/Elder. There may be secondary benefits such as interaction with friends from Seminary or lovers of theology in general, but the primary cause of this site will be for my brothers and sisters at Heritage. With that being stated, my inaugural re-post will be a book review of Dr. James M. Hamilton’s work, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment (GGSTJ).

Dr. Hamilton (Ph.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) wrote this book as a contribution to the field of Biblical Theology. Hamilton argues that the center of the biblical metanarrative is the glory of God in salvation through judgment. In my short time in ministry this is certainly one of the most helpful books that I have ever read about the bible. It would be beneficial for anyone who is a follower of Jesus. For my beloved family at HBC here are several reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you for the sanctification of your heart.

1.)  It is easy to read.

Don’t get me wrong. Hamilton is brilliant, and this work is academic. But if you’re up to it, it is not an impossible read for a layman. Each chapter is broken up into several subsections which gives the reader easy breaking points, and allows you to feel like you’re accomplishing much, even if you only have 15-20 minutes here or there to do some reading. Don’t be intimidated by its 639 pages, it is truly a delight. Whether you're a Ph.D., a blue collar auto worker, or a homemaker this book is accessible, and a blessing.

2.)  It casts a vision for the glory of God in the entire canon.

Hamilton walks through each book of the bible to argue that the center of God’s Word is his glory in salvation through judgment. Even if you do not have the time or energy to read the entire work all the way through, you can read different sections in congress with your personal scripture reading, and it will enhance your study of the bible. Hamilton himself recommends this course of action, if you choose (pages 29-30). For those who have the stamina to work through the book, they will see the continuity of the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation; Creation to Consummation.

3.)  It enhances the Bible’s big story.

So many Christians view the scriptures as a collection of stories about good people (OT), and a bunch of rules that you’re supposed to follow once you’re saved (NT). Hamilton ties the two Testaments together, and centers the metanarrative in his thesis. The imagery, typology, and language that are used throughout the bible are important. Authors write certain texts, use certain language, and allude to certain events for particular reasons. Hamilton is a master of connecting the dots, and painting a picture of how the Word of God has continuity and meaning. From Eden, to the New Eden, God is saving his people through judgment, and this meets its end in the person and work of Christ. GGSTJ exposits that narrative.

4.)  It will cause you to worship.

As Hamilton works through the scripture he continues to magnify the triune Godhead over and over again. He centers his thesis in what Jesus did for his people, and is thoroughly centered in the gospel. The final chapter of the work speaks to how the author’s thesis penetrates the life of the local church, and individual believers. This work is not merely an academic exercise. This theology leads to doxology. Because God is glorified in salvation through judgment that truth fuels evangelism, and discipleship, and it forces the church to deal seriously with the discipline of unrepentant members. It also spurs believers onto bible reading and a thriving prayer life. As I worked through this book it caused me to love Jesus more, and want to live for him.

Brothers and sisters, whether you agree with Dr. Hamilton or not, his work is a force to be reckoned with, and I believe that Jesus is glorified in the writing and reading of this work because it deals seriously with his word. Buy this book, and use it as you seek to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God’s truth.