Book Review "God's Big Picture: Tracing the storyling of the Bible" by Vaughan Roberts

I was intrigued when I read somewhere (I don't recall where) the theme of "God's Big Picture" by Vaughan Roberts, published by Intervarsity Press.  Roberts is rector of St. Ebbe's Church, Oxford and one of the founders of 9:38, a ministry which encourages people to consider full-time gospel ministry through helping churches start apprenticeship programs and holding conferences. 

"God's Big Picture" helps the reader to see the Bible as one book with one author and one subject.  Roberts admits to the significant influence Graeme Goldsworthy's book "Gospel and Kingdom" had on "God's Big Picture" as he makes the case that the theme which unifies the Bible is the Kingdom of God, which he defines as "God's people in God's place under God's rule and blessing."

He divides the Bible into eight sections, "which are the main epochs in God's unfolding plan to restore his kingdom."  Roberts uses alliteration which helps the reader to remember the divisions, but which he admits makes for a couple of weak headings. 

I highly recommend the book.  Anyone who is trying to understand the "Big Picture" will be helped by Roberts' work.  It is well written and in a very readable style.  It is not highly technical and can be grasped by the novice Bible student and at the same time is helpful to the seasoned reader of the Scriptures. 

Roberts and I have different views on eschatology.  While he doesn't go into great detail about his theology concerning the Second Coming, his views certainly influence some of his approach to seeing the "Big Picture" as it relates to the "perfected kingdom."  That being said, it is still a helpful book and well worth reading. 

It can be purchased in the Tulsa area through stores like Lifeway, or Mardel.