The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology)

“This succinct volume brims with fresh textual observations and insightful canonical connections. Drawing from a deep well of thoughtful study, Dempster skillfully shows that the reign and return of the king is not only a central theme in redemptive history but also a strategic summary of the Bible's unfolding story line. This biblical theology of God's kingdom is a gift.”

“This very readable survey of the Christian Bible captures its historical sweep and rich complexity without losing sight of the major themes and movements that structure God's Word and works. Dempster's study is solidly grounded in careful interpretation of the biblical text and smoothly integrated in his narrative such that the reader's understanding grows in depth and breadth across the volume. Complemented by discussion questions that draw out insights from each chapter with an eye to contemporary issues and faith in action, this is a well-rounded work of biblical theology that promises to inform and transform the reader.”

“In The Return of the Kingdom, Dempster traces with consummate skill the theme of the reign of God, following the canonical structure of Scripture and what is key to its storyline. This book brims with exegetical and biblical-theological insights artfully communicated for beginner and expert alike. It must rank among the very best in contemporary writing on the kingdom of God; I enthusiastically recommend it.”

“In this delightful handbook Stephen Dempster takes his readers on a royal tour of the Christian Scriptures. He invites us to picture the Bible as a royal garden consisting of vast variety of trees whose foliage and fruit stimulate all our senses as we pass by. As he leads us through this literary paradise, he highlights its major structural features and theological themes, but he adds color and brilliance to the picture with exegetical nuggets and gemstones that leave us in awe of this place. Of course, this thousand-year-old literary enterprise was not about the canon itself, any more than the empire of Great Britain was about Buckingham Palace. Here our tour guide introduces us to the Creator of this universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, incarnate in Jesus Messiah. While much of the Scriptures are taken up with the failures of his images (whether as humans generally or Israel specifically) to live up to their vicegeral status, above and beyond all cosmic history we see the One enthroned overall. For the context of our degraded, conflicted, angry, and deluded environment, this book offers hope and heightens our excitement at the prospect of the imminent return of the King. Hallelujah, what a Savior!”

“Dempster makes biblical theology come alive in this engaging book. A trusted guide, he takes readers through the Bible's dramatic, true story of the restoration of God's perfect rule over creation with human beings as his vicegerents and priests. As Dempster points out, this kingdom often appears to be upside-down in comparison to the kingdoms of this world. Insightful and accessible, this book both instructs us about God's kingdom and rightly exhorts us to live in light of its consummation.”

“Stephen G. Dempster has gifted the untutored Christian with an understanding of the story line of the Bible and how all its parts contribute to that story, succinctly captured in the book's title, The Return of the Kingdom. It's a magisterial presentation. But his gift is also for those most educated in that story. Rarely do I want to pick up a book again after having read it. I will pick up The Return of the Kingdom many times. I enthusiastically commend it to all who hope for Christ's return or are without hope.”

“In this wonderful book, Stephen Dempster summarizes and renarrates the biblical narratives from Genesis to Revelation showing how they all interlace with one another looking forward to the first and second coming of Christ the Servant-King. Through a comprehensive survey of kingdom allusions in the Scriptures, he demonstrates the will of God to establish his gracious and compassionate rule and reign on the earth and Jesus as the One who fulfills this will. In addition, Dempster brings many, many years of scholarship and pastoral wisdom into his readings that bring fresh and welcome insights into well-known stories. This should be compulsory reading for all students of the Scriptures.”