Biblical Theology

Geerhardus Vos

Reviewed by: Arthur J. Fox

Biblical Theology, by Geerhardus Vos. Banner of Truth, 2014. Hardback, 426 pages, list price $29.00. Reviewed by OP Pastor Arthur J. Fox.

This book is well known by theologians, pastors, theology students, and others who love theology. It was first published in 1948 by Eerdmans. So why review it now? Because the Banner of Truth Trust has reprinted this classic work in a durable, clothbound edition.

Biblical theology is that branch of theology that seeks to "exhibit the organic growth or development of the truths of Special Revelation from the primitive pre-redemptive Special Revelation given in Eden to the close of the New Testament canon" (pp. v–vi).

Vos shows how the plan of redemption is progressively revealed from creation to the book of Revelation. His main point is that the Bible is organized around the covenant. This means that God in Christ is progressively revealed throughout the Bible and biblical history in particular. More basically, Vos wants the reader to understand this: "All that God disclosed of Himself has come in response to the practical religious needs of His people as these emerged in the course of history" (p. 9). This is a progressive revelation of his love for his people, expressed by way of his covenant with them. The Bible teaches us that God indeed cares about our day-to-day needs, and he lovingly meets those needs in Christ.

Biblical Theology is a long read, but it is worth the effort. If you study it carefully, your heart will be warmed and encouraged as this father of Reformed theology helps us to interpret the Bible more accurately and see God's love for us in Christ more clearly.