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The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story
Eminent evangelical theologian provides a basic introduction to the faith that traces the story of redemption through the Bible.
240 pages, ebook
Published July 1, 2010
About the author
D.A. Carson
312 books668 followersDonald A. Carson is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has been at Trinity since 1978. Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Carson is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. He has written or edited about sixty books. He is a founding member and currently president of The Gospel Coalition. Carson and his wife, Joy, reside in Libertyville, Illinois. They have two adult children.
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November 8, 2023
As the back of the book puts it: “Most people--even most Christians--do not have a basic working knowledge of the Bible.”
There are a million things to see in the Old Testament that let you enjoy Christ more. And if you don’t deep dive into them you are missing out. Just one example - Israel’s monarchy. God makes his servants great, not the other way around. The first King, Saul became so wicked his “dynasty” ended after just him. His son Jonathan never saw the throne. And then God says to David, I’M going to build a house for you such that even if your son does something wrong I will not wipe out this line. And from it comes our Christ! Great David’s greater son! I can’t wait for Christmas. Anyway there is such richness in reading and understanding the whole counsel of scripture. A guide like this made my Old Testament bible reading more profitable. Okay one more example, in Revelation our new city, the New Jerusalem is described as being shaped like a cube. Where is the only cube mentioned in the whole Old Testament? The isolated Most Holy Place in the tabernacle/temple. Now we are told the entire city where we will live is that cube!
The book overviews the Bible’s entire narrative with “The God Who…” chapter titles. My favorites were The God Who Reigns (about the books on Israel’s kings), weeping through the chapter The God Who Dies (on the crucifixion), and shuttering through The God Who Is Angry (one of two chapters on Revelation).
There are a million things to see in the Old Testament that let you enjoy Christ more. And if you don’t deep dive into them you are missing out. Just one example - Israel’s monarchy. God makes his servants great, not the other way around. The first King, Saul became so wicked his “dynasty” ended after just him. His son Jonathan never saw the throne. And then God says to David, I’M going to build a house for you such that even if your son does something wrong I will not wipe out this line. And from it comes our Christ! Great David’s greater son! I can’t wait for Christmas. Anyway there is such richness in reading and understanding the whole counsel of scripture. A guide like this made my Old Testament bible reading more profitable. Okay one more example, in Revelation our new city, the New Jerusalem is described as being shaped like a cube. Where is the only cube mentioned in the whole Old Testament? The isolated Most Holy Place in the tabernacle/temple. Now we are told the entire city where we will live is that cube!
The book overviews the Bible’s entire narrative with “The God Who…” chapter titles. My favorites were The God Who Reigns (about the books on Israel’s kings), weeping through the chapter The God Who Dies (on the crucifixion), and shuttering through The God Who Is Angry (one of two chapters on Revelation).
February 4, 2023
The God Who is There is an absolutely excellent short Biblical Theology. It is made for beginners to Christianity, or those who just want to peek in on what the Christian Faith is all about, however it is still very much worth the read for everyday theologians. The title of this book is a bit of a misnomer it seems to me. It’s less about finding one’s place, and more about God’s story through Scripture. It is a rich theologically grounded look through the whole Bible.
The book starts in Genesis and takes the reader through each book of the Bible (or for many, due to size restrictions, the genre as a whole is merely covered instead of each particular book). Carson explains why each book is where it is, and what it is doing for the larger story of redemption. He explains how the individual books work alongside the other books, and what exactly the book aims to accomplish. More importantly, Carson shows how the Old Testament books emphatically point to Jesus and the New Covenant fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
This is the best entry level Biblical Theology I’ve read. It’s an absolutely excellent book for those wanting to look into the Bible in general - or those who are new to Christianity. The book is a much deeper dive than most fluffy entry level Christian books. Carson is one of my favorite scholars to read, he doesn’t ignore the problems, and his insights into the text are profound. The theologian won’t be disappointed by this ‘beginner’ book. Carson is one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever read or heard speak, and with him as the guide, there’s a whole lot to take away for everyone.
Dr. Carson also addresses many of the common modern apologetics offered against Christianity. He does this warmly, and with a scholarly rigor that leaves the objections fully addressed.
This is my go to choice as a recommendation for someone looking to learn about the Bible itself - Christian or not. It’s also my first choice for someone starting to read Biblical Theologies. Now if someone is grappling more with philosophical questions on God, my choice would be Tim Keller’s excellent 2 books: Making Sense of God, and Reason for God. However this book would make a perfect third volume in that set.
Read this one. It will be worth your time.
The book starts in Genesis and takes the reader through each book of the Bible (or for many, due to size restrictions, the genre as a whole is merely covered instead of each particular book). Carson explains why each book is where it is, and what it is doing for the larger story of redemption. He explains how the individual books work alongside the other books, and what exactly the book aims to accomplish. More importantly, Carson shows how the Old Testament books emphatically point to Jesus and the New Covenant fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
This is the best entry level Biblical Theology I’ve read. It’s an absolutely excellent book for those wanting to look into the Bible in general - or those who are new to Christianity. The book is a much deeper dive than most fluffy entry level Christian books. Carson is one of my favorite scholars to read, he doesn’t ignore the problems, and his insights into the text are profound. The theologian won’t be disappointed by this ‘beginner’ book. Carson is one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever read or heard speak, and with him as the guide, there’s a whole lot to take away for everyone.
Dr. Carson also addresses many of the common modern apologetics offered against Christianity. He does this warmly, and with a scholarly rigor that leaves the objections fully addressed.
This is my go to choice as a recommendation for someone looking to learn about the Bible itself - Christian or not. It’s also my first choice for someone starting to read Biblical Theologies. Now if someone is grappling more with philosophical questions on God, my choice would be Tim Keller’s excellent 2 books: Making Sense of God, and Reason for God. However this book would make a perfect third volume in that set.
Read this one. It will be worth your time.
November 10, 2021
This was a mama book club pick. It was really wonderful to go through it with great friends and study our Bibles alongside the chapters. This is a book drawing out who God is, his character, and his love. I had the revelation a couple years ago that I should not be reading the Bible for me, but to know who God IS (I am that I am) through what he shows me in the Word. This book helped me go deeper into contemplation about that, and I’m thankful.
March 2, 2021
El Dios que está presente es un excelente recurso para toda persona que quiera saber cómo acercarse a la Biblia y de qué trata esta. De una manera ordenada, amigable y clara, Carson ofrece con este libro un útil recurso para múltiples situaciones y creyentes. Si eres un creyente nuevo, este libro te servirá de guía para leer la Biblia. Si eres un creyente de años, este libro te puede ayudar a tener una perspectiva más "bíblica" de cada libro y sección de la Biblia.
Lo particular de este libro de Carson es que, a comparación de otros libros con la misma temática, aquí encontrarás un libro que se centra en el carácter de Dios y su relación con ciertos temas. Personalmente no conozco un libro que haga ese tipo de acercamiento de toda la Biblia. Esa particularidad lo hace un libro que lo hace indispensable.
Le doy 4 estrellas por que a pesar de ser un vistazo general muy bueno, hay ciertos temas que no son tocados en estos libros (vida y misión de la iglesia, ) o mencionada superficialmente (como los pactos o el rol del Espíritu Santo). A pesar de ello, sigue siendo un excelente recurso para conocer mejor la Palabra.
Lo particular de este libro de Carson es que, a comparación de otros libros con la misma temática, aquí encontrarás un libro que se centra en el carácter de Dios y su relación con ciertos temas. Personalmente no conozco un libro que haga ese tipo de acercamiento de toda la Biblia. Esa particularidad lo hace un libro que lo hace indispensable.
Le doy 4 estrellas por que a pesar de ser un vistazo general muy bueno, hay ciertos temas que no son tocados en estos libros (vida y misión de la iglesia, ) o mencionada superficialmente (como los pactos o el rol del Espíritu Santo). A pesar de ello, sigue siendo un excelente recurso para conocer mejor la Palabra.
December 19, 2013
I’ve been looking for a little while for a book that tells the big story of the Bible in an accessible way. D. A. Carson has done a fine job of gospel-based, simple, biblical theology in The God Who is There.
In this work, Carson takes his readers through the entire narrative of the Scriptures in order to help us to see how we fit into God’s great story. Carson begins with Genesis, walks through Revelation, and spends a great deal of time in the theology of the gospels. In all this, he shows us how the Bible tells our story as it tells us of God’s great plan.
The God who is There would be a great book for any Christian who wants to have a better glimpse of how the whole Bible comes together to tell a single, unified story. If you wish to better understand the Bible, I would recommend this book to you. If you would like to better understand the gospel, I would recommend this book to you. If you would like to be able to teach others the simple content of God’s story, I would recommend this book to you.
In this work, Carson takes his readers through the entire narrative of the Scriptures in order to help us to see how we fit into God’s great story. Carson begins with Genesis, walks through Revelation, and spends a great deal of time in the theology of the gospels. In all this, he shows us how the Bible tells our story as it tells us of God’s great plan.
The God who is There would be a great book for any Christian who wants to have a better glimpse of how the whole Bible comes together to tell a single, unified story. If you wish to better understand the Bible, I would recommend this book to you. If you would like to better understand the gospel, I would recommend this book to you. If you would like to be able to teach others the simple content of God’s story, I would recommend this book to you.
January 12, 2018
Pretty disappointed with this book honestly. Surprisingly so since I'm a fan of Carson. I felt the topics were too broad, didn't connect or flow well, and that he spent way too much time qualifying ideas with numerous and unnecessary examples. Not concise in the least. Probably could said the same thing in half the page count.
September 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this audiobook. DA Carson creates a great summary overview of the message of the Bible. This would be a great book for someone to read or listen to if they are new in the faith or lacking in understanding of the overall message of the Bible at any phase of their faith in Christ. Carson starts at the beginning in Genesis with creation and ends with the new heaven and earth and Kingdom of God discussed in Revelation and other parts of Scripture. Ever wonder how the Old Testament connects with the New Testament, the way the sacrificial system fit into Israel's worship of God, who Christ is and what He accomplished, the way a Christian is to live after a true repentance of sin and faith in Christ, and many other common questions? Well this book is for you. It does not take long to get through so there is little complication of you getting through this book (especially if you decide to listen to the audiobook version). I downloaded the book from my local library for free through OverDrive. Super easy!
August 29, 2017
One of the finest books I've ever read on the overarching redemption story of the Bible. D.A. Carson has a way of making lofty subjects in Scripture very engaging. His passion runs deep for the Scriptures and for the Savior that all of the Scriptures proclaim. If there are any of you who are new believers and want to see what the theme of the Bible is from front to back, then this book must be in your library.
August 19, 2023
Wonderful walk through the Bible. Highly recommend to all. Well presented, thorough, at the basic level, but still deep in richness. I learned much and my faith grew. I also watched the videos which are free at the Gospel Coalition. I’m definitely checking out more by Don Carson😊
January 18, 2012
Wonderful and educational book to read. A great way to learn how to witness to others. Also this is a good book to have in group reading with your Bible Study or church family or care group.
July 21, 2013
Excellent . A must read for all who want to know what Christianity is all about . At least make sure you know what you're rejecting before you reject it .
Want to read
September 26, 2013audio/video to go with the book from author's 14-part seminar: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/t...
September 12, 2019
Graeme Goldsworthy once wrote a book called Gospel and Kingdom. Throughout the book, he continually made the point that Jesus is at the centre of the Bible, and is hence the lens through which we should read it. The God Who is There is book that puts this into practice. Throughout 14 chapters, Carson centres on the God of the Bible, the ‘God who is there’. Featuring titles such as The God Who Made Everything, The God Who Legislates, and The God Who Dies and Lives Again. As he does this, Carson spans the entire Biblical narrative, from creation all the way to the anticipated return of Jesus. Within each chapter, he generally highlights a few key passages from the Bible, and then zooms in exegetically on one. He spends a decent chunk of time unpacking these passages and looking at what they reveal about God, how they point towards the cross of Christ, and how they apply for citizens of the 21st century. Throughout the first 8 chapters, Carson increasingly points forward to Jesus, to God’s plan A answer to sin. In the latter half of the book, Carson points back to Jesus, showing the centrality of Jesus in everything.
I very much recommend this book to pretty much everyone, especially if you want a bit more depth about various parts of the Bible and how they fit together. If you’re investigating Christianity, this book may be helpful in figuring out what the Bible is all about. If you’re new to Christianity, this book may be helpful in growing your understanding of the Bible and God (which hopefully leads to praise, joy and comfort). If you’ve been a Christian for some time, this book may be helpful as a joyful reminder of who our God is and all he has done for us. And finally, if you are looking for a lighter read that covers similar ground, may I recommend God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts. Also a fantastic read! :)
I very much recommend this book to pretty much everyone, especially if you want a bit more depth about various parts of the Bible and how they fit together. If you’re investigating Christianity, this book may be helpful in figuring out what the Bible is all about. If you’re new to Christianity, this book may be helpful in growing your understanding of the Bible and God (which hopefully leads to praise, joy and comfort). If you’ve been a Christian for some time, this book may be helpful as a joyful reminder of who our God is and all he has done for us. And finally, if you are looking for a lighter read that covers similar ground, may I recommend God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts. Also a fantastic read! :)
April 29, 2022
"El cristianismo bíblico es mucho más que simplemente tomar una decisión por Jesús para poder vivir feliz. Necesitamos ser reconciliados genuinamente con el santo Dios que está presente. Debemos ser transformados (...) con el tipo de transformación completa que no deja rastro alguno de egocentrismo ni de muerte, sino que nos deja asombrados con puro deleite en la gloria y centralidad de Dios" (pág. 125).
De una forma sencilla pero profunda, en este libro podemos recorrer la Biblia de tapa a tapa y reconociendo a Dios como el personaje principal. Un Dios que lo hizo todo, que reina, que ama, que declara justo al culpable y que triunfa (entre otros títulos de capítulos).
Creo que es un excelente recurso para acompañar a los nuevos creyentes en su crecimiento (digo acompañar porque si bien la forma de escritura es sencilla, creo que tanto contenido podría abrumarlos de cierta forma si no se encuentran acompañados) y también para que aquellos que tenemos años de cristianos podamos recordar que el cristianismo no se trata de Dios haciéndonos felices sino de nosotros deleitándonos en todo lo glorioso que es Él.
Detalle extra: es la primera vez que un libro de teología me hace reír. Literalmente una de mis notas al margen fue un "jaja". Se siente realmente como una conversación con el autor.
De una forma sencilla pero profunda, en este libro podemos recorrer la Biblia de tapa a tapa y reconociendo a Dios como el personaje principal. Un Dios que lo hizo todo, que reina, que ama, que declara justo al culpable y que triunfa (entre otros títulos de capítulos).
Creo que es un excelente recurso para acompañar a los nuevos creyentes en su crecimiento (digo acompañar porque si bien la forma de escritura es sencilla, creo que tanto contenido podría abrumarlos de cierta forma si no se encuentran acompañados) y también para que aquellos que tenemos años de cristianos podamos recordar que el cristianismo no se trata de Dios haciéndonos felices sino de nosotros deleitándonos en todo lo glorioso que es Él.
Detalle extra: es la primera vez que un libro de teología me hace reír. Literalmente una de mis notas al margen fue un "jaja". Se siente realmente como una conversación con el autor.
June 14, 2020
I highly recommend for new believers and old ones, too. In simple, helpful language, Carson introduces the reader to the God of the Bible, explains several big theological themes in Scripture, provides some insightful apologetic responses to our culture’s misled response to God and His Word, and traces the story of redemption throughout. At the same time, the reader receives instruction and a great example to follow in the most helpful ways to read and understand the Bible in all its different genres, as Carson exposits one Scriptural passage after another, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation.
January 4, 2024
I love theology, I mean I Love God and so I love theology. I love how Da Carson goes through the Bible in this. I love the expositions and all thesame summarization of Christianity. This book tells you fully about God as presented to us in the Bible. if you wonder about Christianity, are new to it, if you love God already or have doubts; wherever you are I’d recommend this book. Will definetly read again
August 1, 2020
Enjoyed this book. Helpful for young Christians (and older ones) who don’t understand how the whole Bible comes together to tell one story. Would be great for a Sunday school/small group series, or to use in Evangelism.
I particularly appreciated how Carson will display and then unpack whole passages of Scripture to explain principles, as opposed to picking out a verse here and a verse there to make a case (as one author does in another book I’m currently reading).
I particularly appreciated how Carson will display and then unpack whole passages of Scripture to explain principles, as opposed to picking out a verse here and a verse there to make a case (as one author does in another book I’m currently reading).
November 17, 2021
Great to read along with friends! Carson’s biblical fly over was simple but with sufficient depth to bring conviction, delight, and desire to go immediately to the scripture yourself.
March 17, 2022
I don't think I have read a better presentation of Biblical Christianity.
February 24, 2019
Carson is a surprisingly witty and charming writer! His writing is a cut above entry level plebes, but still attainable for someone using their brain and imagination. Not only is his scope wide, it’s tuned well, and not lacking in depth. His prose is smooth, and his phrasing is a mix of modern hip slang and literary acumen that I really enjoyed.
February 26, 2019
Great overview of the Bible. I learned a lot!
August 12, 2021
This is an outstanding book, and highly recommended for anyone who is interested in what Christianity believes (as a believer or not). Even though it is meant as an introduction, it is not written as light reading, but rather to be read slowly and carefully. The author does a fine job of avoiding unnecessary controversies and avoids pushing his own views that other Christians might disagree with. Instead, he focusses on the essentials. I think this could be a very good book for a study group.
February 17, 2019
This books does not disappoint!
D.A. Carson is one of my favorite authors. His presentation of God in this book is fantastic. As an agnostic, I disagree with conclusions and much of his argumentation. However, I still enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a brief but thorough presentation of God from a well educated evangelical Christian point of view.
D.A. Carson is one of my favorite authors. His presentation of God in this book is fantastic. As an agnostic, I disagree with conclusions and much of his argumentation. However, I still enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a brief but thorough presentation of God from a well educated evangelical Christian point of view.
February 17, 2019
Very good book
This book is very clear easy read. It encourages me to pray and to read God's Word The Bible. It is for Christians who want to strengthen their faith in God.
This book is very clear easy read. It encourages me to pray and to read God's Word The Bible. It is for Christians who want to strengthen their faith in God.
October 30, 2013
Carson’s the God who is there is used as a reference text in one of our fellowship groups in church, and up til now we have completed the first four chapters of it. Written for people who are seeking to have an in-depth understanding of the Bible, it provides its reader with a good combination of introductory exposition, Bible sources and connection with contemporary christian issues.
We have sticked pretty much to the thought-flow of the book, and these are the things we have gone through so far.
I. The God who made everything: Gen. 1-2
historical authenticity and symbolism
the ambiguity in science
the cosmological argument and intelligent design
the gist of gen. 1-2
About God:
God simply is
God creates all
There is only one God
God is a talking God
Everything God makes is very good
God rests after work
The creation proclaims His greatness and glory
About man: made in the image of God; male and female; the innocence stage
In light of the whole Bible: Background to Genesis 3; background to Gospel; by God and for God; Accountability and responsibility
Discussions: creationism vs evolution and science; video
Session II. The God who does not wipe out rebels: Gen 3
Understanding Gen. 3
Good vs evil, non-dualism, the serpent as symbol/ actual
The denial of the doctrine of judgment
Good and evil: Knowing as ability to pronounce, idolatry
The myth of sex/marriage reference
Initial consequences of the fall
Inversion of the created order
Physical and spiritual death
Broken relationship
Self-justification; idolatry
The curses: to the serpent, to eve and to adam
Long-term effects: Symbolism of animal skins: sacrifice, priestly system
Discussions: the problem of evil; sinning against God
III. The God who writes His own agreements: (Gen 12-22)
Models that fail: The soft grandfather; deism; mutual benefitting
The Truth
Acts 17:24-25: paul vs mars’ hill
Genesis 12: noahic covenant
Genesis 17: abrahamic covenant
Genesis 15: the essence of this covenant
Discussions: the essence of covenant; God’s faithfulness
IV. The God who legislates: (Exo. 32-34; Lev 16)
The mosaic covenant and the ten commandments: a 4/6 take
God’s exclusiveness
God’s Transcendence
God’s importance
God’s right of reign
Leviticus 16; Exodus 32-34
Discussions: sin and the law; reconciliation; love vs righteousness; relativism and skepticism
And today we are going through chapter five
V. The God who reigns: (2 Sam 7)
God’s kingdom
absoluteness;
universalism;
covenental;
adoption and justification
From 2 Sam 7 to Isa 9:6 to Matt 1 to Matt 13
God alone takes the initiative in history;
God makes His servant great and not the otherwise;
God reveals an eternal kingdom
God humbles a king
The davidic dynasty that is without a king until our Lord Jesus.
Sons of God vs sons of belial: not only by blood, but largely by occupation and identity
The kingdom of God: Jesus’ parables and its extension.
Sanctification: The d-day vs ve-day analogy.
Discussions: kingship, genealogy, greatness, kingdom of heaven vs kingdom of God
By itself, it is actually already a pretty good read. Am now reading his how long, o Lord? reflections on suffering and evil, which approaches the problem of evil from a biblical (and calvinistic) perspective and am looking forward to reading his book on compatibilism with regard to the freewill question.
We have sticked pretty much to the thought-flow of the book, and these are the things we have gone through so far.
I. The God who made everything: Gen. 1-2
historical authenticity and symbolism
the ambiguity in science
the cosmological argument and intelligent design
the gist of gen. 1-2
About God:
God simply is
God creates all
There is only one God
God is a talking God
Everything God makes is very good
God rests after work
The creation proclaims His greatness and glory
About man: made in the image of God; male and female; the innocence stage
In light of the whole Bible: Background to Genesis 3; background to Gospel; by God and for God; Accountability and responsibility
Discussions: creationism vs evolution and science; video
Session II. The God who does not wipe out rebels: Gen 3
Understanding Gen. 3
Good vs evil, non-dualism, the serpent as symbol/ actual
The denial of the doctrine of judgment
Good and evil: Knowing as ability to pronounce, idolatry
The myth of sex/marriage reference
Initial consequences of the fall
Inversion of the created order
Physical and spiritual death
Broken relationship
Self-justification; idolatry
The curses: to the serpent, to eve and to adam
Long-term effects: Symbolism of animal skins: sacrifice, priestly system
Discussions: the problem of evil; sinning against God
III. The God who writes His own agreements: (Gen 12-22)
Models that fail: The soft grandfather; deism; mutual benefitting
The Truth
Acts 17:24-25: paul vs mars’ hill
Genesis 12: noahic covenant
Genesis 17: abrahamic covenant
Genesis 15: the essence of this covenant
Discussions: the essence of covenant; God’s faithfulness
IV. The God who legislates: (Exo. 32-34; Lev 16)
The mosaic covenant and the ten commandments: a 4/6 take
God’s exclusiveness
God’s Transcendence
God’s importance
God’s right of reign
Leviticus 16; Exodus 32-34
Discussions: sin and the law; reconciliation; love vs righteousness; relativism and skepticism
And today we are going through chapter five
V. The God who reigns: (2 Sam 7)
God’s kingdom
absoluteness;
universalism;
covenental;
adoption and justification
From 2 Sam 7 to Isa 9:6 to Matt 1 to Matt 13
God alone takes the initiative in history;
God makes His servant great and not the otherwise;
God reveals an eternal kingdom
God humbles a king
The davidic dynasty that is without a king until our Lord Jesus.
Sons of God vs sons of belial: not only by blood, but largely by occupation and identity
The kingdom of God: Jesus’ parables and its extension.
Sanctification: The d-day vs ve-day analogy.
Discussions: kingship, genealogy, greatness, kingdom of heaven vs kingdom of God
By itself, it is actually already a pretty good read. Am now reading his how long, o Lord? reflections on suffering and evil, which approaches the problem of evil from a biblical (and calvinistic) perspective and am looking forward to reading his book on compatibilism with regard to the freewill question.
January 3, 2013
The God Who is There
“The Bible begins simply but dramatically: “In the beginning God.” He is not the object whom we evaluate. He is the Creator who has made us, which changes all the dynamics (p. 18).”
This book is a real find. There are many books written on biblical theology that come from the angle of schooling and are more text-book styled. This is not. This book attacks biblical theology in a more conversational style and really breaks down to a few simple points in each chapter. This is what God says, this is what God is not saying, and this is what you can take away from the point to apply it to your view system. There is certain knowledge we can gain by the Spirit from the Word of God, and Carson is very helpful in pointing the reader towards this and how to correctly approach scripture. “What he means by this is that we compare ourselves with ourselves. We have no external standard by which anything should be judged; we cannot find an anchor for our being anywhere (p.23)” refers to our incorrect look into scripture when we approach it as the authority of what is right.
The practicality of the conclusions about world views towards God and scripture are helpful to show the sufficiency and power of the Gospel. “Christians never have the right to say. “I am smarter than you are,” because Christians deep down know that they can never be more than fools who have been shown forgiveness and grace. We are never more than poor beggars telling other poor beggars where there is bread (p. 93).” Often we can read about who God is or what God does, but often it never translate to maybe I should ask how or why God is bothering to say these things. “In the Old Testament the tabernacle, succeeded by the temple, was the place where God met with sinful human beings; we have already seen in John’s Gospel, Jesus himself is the temple, the place where God meets sinful human beings. But the same language is now applied to the church: this is where the Good News of what Jesus has done is announced, where sinful human beings meet with God (p. 192).”
“The Bible begins simply but dramatically: “In the beginning God.” He is not the object whom we evaluate. He is the Creator who has made us, which changes all the dynamics (p. 18).”
This book is a real find. There are many books written on biblical theology that come from the angle of schooling and are more text-book styled. This is not. This book attacks biblical theology in a more conversational style and really breaks down to a few simple points in each chapter. This is what God says, this is what God is not saying, and this is what you can take away from the point to apply it to your view system. There is certain knowledge we can gain by the Spirit from the Word of God, and Carson is very helpful in pointing the reader towards this and how to correctly approach scripture. “What he means by this is that we compare ourselves with ourselves. We have no external standard by which anything should be judged; we cannot find an anchor for our being anywhere (p.23)” refers to our incorrect look into scripture when we approach it as the authority of what is right.
The practicality of the conclusions about world views towards God and scripture are helpful to show the sufficiency and power of the Gospel. “Christians never have the right to say. “I am smarter than you are,” because Christians deep down know that they can never be more than fools who have been shown forgiveness and grace. We are never more than poor beggars telling other poor beggars where there is bread (p. 93).” Often we can read about who God is or what God does, but often it never translate to maybe I should ask how or why God is bothering to say these things. “In the Old Testament the tabernacle, succeeded by the temple, was the place where God met with sinful human beings; we have already seen in John’s Gospel, Jesus himself is the temple, the place where God meets sinful human beings. But the same language is now applied to the church: this is where the Good News of what Jesus has done is announced, where sinful human beings meet with God (p. 192).”
July 2, 2011
Have you ever been asked, “What is the Bible all about?” or wondered that yourself? There is a new book out by D.A. Carson called The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God’s Story. The basic premise is Carson takes us through the Bible story line from Genesis with Creation, Adam and Eve, and even where did God come from? To the End of Time as we know it and the New Earth and the Returning of Christ.
In 14 Chapters D.A. Carson leads us through and helps us unpack the Story of the Bible and how it affects us. As the back cover says it will “help you know what you believe and why you believe it.
This book is designed for both the Christian and Non-Christian. I am reading it for an Introduction to Biblical Theology class, but the book is written for the person who knows nothing about the Bible and also for the person who knows a little, or a lot, and is looking for help seeing the “Big Picture” of the Bible.
There was a time when most people, as Carson points out, had a basic working knowledge of the Bible. Now, that is not true – even some Christians don’t have a basic working knowledge of the Bible. And, if that is true, how are we who disciple, going to reach a common ground to talk and reach out? This book can help both the Christian and Non-Christian understand the “Big Picture” of the Bible and how we fit in God’s Story.
I highly recommend this book.
From Third Option Men
In 14 Chapters D.A. Carson leads us through and helps us unpack the Story of the Bible and how it affects us. As the back cover says it will “help you know what you believe and why you believe it.
This book is designed for both the Christian and Non-Christian. I am reading it for an Introduction to Biblical Theology class, but the book is written for the person who knows nothing about the Bible and also for the person who knows a little, or a lot, and is looking for help seeing the “Big Picture” of the Bible.
There was a time when most people, as Carson points out, had a basic working knowledge of the Bible. Now, that is not true – even some Christians don’t have a basic working knowledge of the Bible. And, if that is true, how are we who disciple, going to reach a common ground to talk and reach out? This book can help both the Christian and Non-Christian understand the “Big Picture” of the Bible and how we fit in God’s Story.
I highly recommend this book.
From Third Option Men
March 22, 2016
Imagine if you read the Bible like you read every other book, looking for a continual thread and message through all the chapters and stories. You pretty much have just thought of this book, which shows the connecting themes and overall "plot" of the Bible though the people and places change from book to book and verse to verse.
The purpose of this book is great and for the most part it is very well done, helping navigate symbolism, cultural meanings and showing truth. My one problem (and it happens in the very first chapter, which set a tone for the whole book) was Carson's refusal to take a stand on Creation. He mentions that there are many thoughts about the creation of the world and how some of it is symbolic and some may be literal. Then goes on to describe the overarching might, power and unfathomable abilities of God. No doubt there are symbolic elements in the Creation section, but if God is all powerful, than creating everything how He said He did, in a single, simple week is completely believable and not something a theologian should dodge. (This is the total reason for 4 stars, and I would have preferred it to be 3.5.)
Content notes: No issues; rape, murder and other sins are mentioned as moral exercises are explored, but not dwelt on in detail.
May 2, 2017
This book is intended for the layperson who doesn't know much about the Bible and wants to familiarize him/herself with it. Over 14 chapters, Carson unfolds the overarching story line of the Bible, explaining as he does so how different many people's perceptions of the Bible and of God do not mesh with what the Bible says. Overall, I found the chapters on the OT to be a rehash of things I had learned in other theological books. Chapters 7-14, however, are wonderful for anyone to read, even someone who is quite familiar with their Bible. Carson spends time unpacking certain events in the NT, explaining their significance, and his love for Jesus and the Bible really shows through. The chapters are a bit long when compared to many other books, but it is not a difficult read.
February 18, 2018
Don Carson's writing (at times faintly reminiscent of C. S. Lewis') is clear and concise, and The God Who Is There is compelling biblical theology, exploring who the God of the Bible is, the themes and arc narrative of the Bible, and doctrines of Christianity. Through the study of various Scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation, this book not only unpacks context and definitions, but also shows how everything in the Bible points to and converges in Christ. Albeit intended for individuals with "very little prior acquaintance with the Bible", I would nevertheless recommend this book for anyone interested in coming to a deeper understanding of what the Bible says, whether to learn for the first time or to refresh, solidify, or clarify existing knowledge.
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