Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology | ESBT)
Overview
Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile—of longing for our true home.
In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God’s judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.
Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or “essential” themes of the Bible’s grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors explore the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemption history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
- Examines the connection between sin, exile, and restoration
- Traces the theme of sin and exile throughout Scripture
- Explores how to live well as exiles in a fallen world
- Introduction: Sin and Exile in Contemporary Experience
- Humanity’s Original Rebellion and Exile
- The Threat of Exile if/when Israel Rebels
- The Reality of Exile when Israel Rebelled
- Return from Exile when Israel Repents
- The End of Exile Inaugurated through Jesus
- Life as Exiles in a Fallen World
- The End of Exile Consummated in a New Creation
- The Practical Implications of Sin, Exile, and Restoration
- Recommended Reading
- Appendix: Is Sin-Exile-Restoration the Center of Biblical Theology?
Top Highlights
“But second, and more significantly, God’s glory never descends to fill this rebuilt temple with his presence. When” (Page 75)
“The message could not be clearer: rebellion and idolatry result in exile—separation from the presence of God” (Page 15)
“These four promises of temple, torah, turf, and throne do not capture every promise God makes related to restoration from exile, but they do capture the main emphases. These four restoration promises also embody the foundational components of people, place, and presence. The promise of people finds fulfillment in a renewed people who are marked by heightened obedience to Yahweh. At the same time, it also focuses hope on a singular descendant who will reign on David’s throne. The promise of place shows up in the hope of not merely returning to the land in security but also in the transformation of the land into an Edenic state. Finally, the promise of presence comes through in the hope of a new temple where God dwells with his people.” (Pages 67–68)
“Embedded within this description of John’s message is the announcement that the promised restoration from exile was about to begin.” (Page 81)
“The problem of sin (particularly idolatry) was so deeply rooted in God’s people that exile was necessary. But God remained committed to fulfilling his promise to Abraham as the means by which he would ultimately end humanity’s exile and bring them back to a place where he could dwell with them. The key elements of people, place, and presence that were forfeited in the garden and promised in the covenant with Abraham would be fulfilled in a new and everlasting covenant of peace.” (Pages 73–74)
- Title: Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology | ESBT)
- Author: Matthew S. Harmon
- Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
- Publisher: IVP Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 164
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Sin › Biblical teaching; Exile (Punishment) › Biblical teaching; Redemption › Biblical teaching
- ISBNs: 9780830843824, 9780830855414, 0830843825, 0830855416
- Resource ID: LLS:RBLSXLSBBBLCLTH
- Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-19T20:15:58Z