The New Testament in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic. By Gary M. Burge. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019. 144 pp. Paper, $15.89.
Gary Burge is the dean of the faculty and a professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. He wrote The New Testament in Seven Sentences to get a broad, bird’s eye view of the NT (p. 1). He feels that too often Christians selectively pick out verses to support a narrow view of things. What is worse, this narrow view is often wrong.
The author has chosen seven themes that he believes provide such a broad view. They are: fulfillment (chap. 1), kingdom (chap. 2), cross (chap. 3), grace (chap. 4), covenant (chap. 5), spirit (chap. 6), and completion (chap. 7).
Perhaps the greatest issue in one’s evaluation of this book is Burge’s hermeneutics. Because of its relatively short length, and lack of depth, it is hard at times to get a clear picture of his point of view.
But this lack of clarity fulfills the purpose of the book. Burge wants to paint in broad brushstrokes. If a person wants to find, for example, Burge’s definition of faith, or if he believes in the assurance of salvation at the point of faith, he or she won’t find it in this book.
Burge believes that the kingdom of God has, in part, come in the Person of Jesus Christ. In His ministry, Jesus “delivered” the kingdom (pp. 36-37). The Church’s mission is to build the kingdom here on earth. The Spirit is involved in changing the world (p. 40). Part of that change, according to Burge, is to be concerned about environmental problems.
In dealing with the theme of the cross, Burge maintains that the cross is not just about the payment for our sins. It teaches us to give to the poor, love the least lovely, and stand with the powerless (p. 59). This is in line with his view that the kingdom has already begun.
In the same vein, grace is not just what saves us. It means we are to treat those on the margin of society in a gracious manner. The grace of the NT is nothing new but was displayed in the OT. Concerning his discussion of grace, it also seems fairly certain he believes that if we have experienced the grace of salvation, we will have good works, as he quotes Matt 7:21. An understanding of grace can impact society or, on a smaller scale, how students at a seminary conduct themselves (pp. 66-67, 76).
Not surprisingly, Burge sees the church as a continuation of the covenant God made with Abraham. The legacy of the church is found in Abraham, and today the people who belong to Abraham are a “redemptive community” for the whole world (pp. 94-95).
For the readers of JOTGES, it should be noted that Burge does not believe in a completely different new world. God is going to redeem this world (p. 128). He specifically says that belief in a seven-year Tribulation and the Rapture is the result of false teaching. He says that it is heretical to teach that God has a future plan for the nation of Israel (pp. 128-30).
In a very broad sense, Burge feels that Christians err when they focus on personal salvation and pleasing the Lord. Instead, in addition to these things, we should see how the kingdom belongs to this world and ask how this impacts our worship, our attitudes, and our serving the Lord.
Since Burge does not go into any detail about his views, especially concerning eschatology and the kingdom, this book has limited value. Those who already agree with Burge’s Reformed views will find support for the views they hold. For those individuals, I recommend the book. For those who disagree, they will not be convinced. In that case, I do not recommend it.
Kathryn Wright
Missionary
Columbia, SC
