NSBT 30: The God Who Became Human

A Biblical Theology of Incarnation.

The study of themes plays a major part in biblical theology, and great events
and roles that are pivotal in Christology can be successfully placed in a
'promise-fulfilment' framework. However, is incarnation an anomaly? Was
incarnation part of the hope of Israel?

Graham Cole's stimulating study addresses such questions. He begins by
exploring the purpose of creation in terms of God fashioning a palace-temple
for dwelling with the creature made in the divine image, then follows God's
acts in Israel's history to redeem a people of his own among whom he can dwell.
In particular, he examines theophanic language: God is presented as a person
who speaks, acts and feels as though embodied. He considers Israel's messianic
hope, and then the testimony of the New Testament: 'The Word became flesh and
dwelt among us' (John 1:14), in the person of Jesus Christ.

Cole also addresses the question raised by Anselm - 'Why did God become man?' -
and finds abundant New Testament answers. He concludes with a consideration of
the theological and existential significance of the incarnation.

Although considerable effort in biblical theology has been devoted to such " messianic themes as the Davidic monarch, the priesthood, and the temple,
relatively little has been devoted to the incarnation. This volume by Dr Graham
Cole takes steps to fill the need à it is immensely satisfying to find an able
systematician wrestling with the biblical texts à not least on a topic as
central to Christian faith as this one. - D.A. Carson"

Series: New Studies in Biblical Theology, volume 30.

Recommended € 21,90