scottacorbin's review against another edition
5.0
We've long needed a short, accessible introduction to Christ's ascension, and now this is it. Schreiner looks at how the ascension of Christ is an event in its own right and central to understanding the work of Christ. By looking at the ascension through Christ's offices as prophet, priest, and king, Schreiner shows how certain "shadow stories" across the canon point to the importance of Christ's ascension.
This is short enough to read in small group settings and should hopefully emphasize the need for a strong theology of the ascension in evangelical churches.
Note: I work for the publisher, but even if I didn't, I would still give this five-stars.
This is short enough to read in small group settings and should hopefully emphasize the need for a strong theology of the ascension in evangelical churches.
Note: I work for the publisher, but even if I didn't, I would still give this five-stars.
emaners's review against another edition
5.0
Among some of the more stranger stories in the Bible is the story of Christ's ascension into heaven. If you are like me, then you share the disciples' bewilderment in this scene. And just as the disciples are ushered along by the angels so too teachers and preachers today quickly move their listeners to the following story. After all, who doesn't enjoy the account of the upper room or Pentecost?
Enter this book: in just a little over 100 pages, Patrick Schreiner offers a clear argument for the importance and necessity of ascension theology. Though the ascension takes up very little space by way of verse-count, he begins by demonstrating its anticipation within the OT and the gospel narratives. His conclusion: this is by no means a random miracle (not that you should think that there are such things). I found this helpful, but I bet that most readers will find the next 3 chapters are worth the price of the book alone. These show how the ascension authorizes, endorses, and shifts each office of Christ: Jesus as Prophet, Jesus as Priest, and Jesus as King. Without the ascension, Jesus necessarily falls short in each role.
So what does this mean for us, the Church? A whole lot! Schreiner explains that as each office is reoriented towards the Church post-ascension, the means and mission of the Church become even clearer, especially as they appear in scripture. Think 1080HD to 4K. This is where ascension theology answers the question: why should the average Joe know about this? Because, Joe, your Lord Jesus is now on the throne and there is a lot of work to do before His return.
So who is this book for? A lot of people, actually: those interested in the subject matter, small groups, Sunday school classes, Bible students, or a week's reading assignment for a seminary class. The material is widely accessible even though quotes from higher-level thinkers like Karl Barth make an appearance.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This arrangement did not influence my rating of the book or the comments made herein.
Enter this book: in just a little over 100 pages, Patrick Schreiner offers a clear argument for the importance and necessity of ascension theology. Though the ascension takes up very little space by way of verse-count, he begins by demonstrating its anticipation within the OT and the gospel narratives. His conclusion: this is by no means a random miracle (not that you should think that there are such things). I found this helpful, but I bet that most readers will find the next 3 chapters are worth the price of the book alone. These show how the ascension authorizes, endorses, and shifts each office of Christ: Jesus as Prophet, Jesus as Priest, and Jesus as King. Without the ascension, Jesus necessarily falls short in each role.
So what does this mean for us, the Church? A whole lot! Schreiner explains that as each office is reoriented towards the Church post-ascension, the means and mission of the Church become even clearer, especially as they appear in scripture. Think 1080HD to 4K. This is where ascension theology answers the question: why should the average Joe know about this? Because, Joe, your Lord Jesus is now on the throne and there is a lot of work to do before His return.
So who is this book for? A lot of people, actually: those interested in the subject matter, small groups, Sunday school classes, Bible students, or a week's reading assignment for a seminary class. The material is widely accessible even though quotes from higher-level thinkers like Karl Barth make an appearance.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This arrangement did not influence my rating of the book or the comments made herein.
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