The Whole Counsel of God (2 Volumes)

“Rick Gamble?s second volume on the whole counsel of God is a chef d?oeuvre, blending history, theology, and exegesis. It is a compilation of biblical survey with theology, a massive endeavor that will stand as a magnum opus for future generations of Christians. Gamble engages the breadth of scholarship critically, thoughtfully, and charitably while always advancing his own argument for the reader. Serious students of Scripture will be enriched by Gamble?s holistic presentation of God?s Word through both theological and pastoral lenses.”

“In an age when much Western biblical scholarship does not expound Scripture but judges and critiques it, this volume is a welcome return to respect for God?s Word?and not in part, but the whole. Richard Gamble carefully recounts what God has revealed in the history and theology contained in the New Testament (with thorough reference to the Old). With emphasis on ?God?s mighty acts,? Gamble unfolds Scripture?s testimony to God and Christ, to salvation, and to a people? Christ?s church. He also outlines an apologetic (in the tradition of Cornelius Van Til) for walking in faithfulness and testifying to Christ?s lordship. This wonderful volume will help move Scripture?s glorious, life-changing testimony from the printed page to the minds and hearts of all who consult it.”

“With a scholar?s mind and a pastor?s heart, Rick Gamble has successfully integrated biblical theology and systematic theology into a unitary interpretive method, while emphasizing personal piety and godly humility as the goals of theological study. The result is a sound and comprehensive exposition of the Scriptures that will bear great influence for generations to come, and in which any reader will find rich nourishment for the soul. Some will call this volume ?groundbreaking,? and so it is, but I can think of no better way to characterize it than a ?demonstration of the Spirit? (1 Cor. 2:4).”

“Dr. Gamble?s new volume in the Whole Counsel of God series is a comprehensive, scholarly treatise o book is evidence, despite his claim in the preface to the contrary. Yet the distinguishing feature of Dr. Gamble?s erudition is his ability to clearly and carefully communicate the profound truths of God?s Word to both the farmer and the seminarian, which is no mean feat! From biographical information to the Trinity to our union with Christ, Dr. Gamble instructs us with the patience of a learned theologian and the zeal and clarity of a preacher whose feet are shod with the gospel. The person who reads these pages not only will be instructed in the sacred truths of Scripture but will understand why Dr. Gamble?s lectures are so well received and loved by his students. What is more, the reader will also find himself situated firmly in the Vosian tradition of biblical theology, being led by an able guide who is clearly and constructively extending Vos?s great vision for the church and the academy.”

“Volume 2 of Richard Gamble?s series The Whole Counsel of God is a remarkably comprehensive analysis of God?s New Testament revelation in Jesus Christ. Among the many admirable qualities of this major project are its clarity, historical accuracy, and sustained interaction with the full historical sweep of theology inclusive of the confessional Presbyterian and Reformed traditions. I highly recommend this volume to all who study the Scriptures. They will greatly benefit from its simultaneous readability and rich theological penetration.”

“Dr. Gamble?s second volume of his ambitious project, blending biblical theology with a systematic-theological structure, encourages the reader to see the entire sweep of redemptive history fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his work of redemption. It should greatly repay close attention. We await the third volume with anticipation.”

“The fruit of decades of scholarship, teaching, preaching, fellowship, and life in Christ, this continuation of Professor Gamble?s survey of God?s mighty acts is impressive. The author provides amazing and sweeping vistas of the forest without neglecting the trees. This volume will reward patient reading and rereading.”

“This, the second of the author?s projected three-volume magnum opus exploring the whole counsel of God as it is revealed in the unfolding history of special revelation, deals with the New Testament culmination of that history. Readers will find a wealth of insights that result from this comprehensive effort to integrate the results of biblical-theological interpretation with systematic-theological issues and conclusions in light of the history of doctrine?an impressive accomplishment of a demanding undertaking.”

“One can view a river from a mountaintop or from the window of a train that runs along its banks. Thus it is with systematic theology and biblical theology. Richard Gamble gives us a ticket to ride through the lush landscape of New Testament theology that yields fresh appreciation for the doctrines of the Christian faith, as he once again provides a creative blend of various branches of theology. The Key Terms, Study Questions, and Resources for Further Study provided for each chapter enrich the whole.”

“A ground-breaking piece of biblical scholarship. Modern theological scholars tend to specialize in a specific field . . . [and] tend to be unfamiliar and uncomfortable delving into other spheres of theology. Therefore, modern theologians generally do not produce comprehensive or integrated works on theology ... [and] and tend to be unfamiliar and uncomfortable delving into other spheres of theology ... Dr. Gamble's work is pioneering in that it is an attempt at integrating the major theological disciplines. . . . Gamble has no theological axe to grind; rather, his goal is to be faithful to the Word of God. His efforts in this regard are not only commendable, but truly enriching. This volume, and this set, will be a must-have for Reformed pastors and many others.”

“Very few people living today are as capable as Richard Gamble at grasping and expressing the theology of the entire Bible. His work represents decades of reflection on interpretive issues that have perplexed scholars for over a century. He bridges the gap so many have identified between traditional systematic theology and biblical theology. He devotes himself in helpful ways to the unity and diversity of biblical revelation. Yet, throughout this work, he penetrates beyond scholarly concerns to life issues that every believer faces. I highly recommend this book. You will be glad you read it.”

“My colleague Richard Gamble has begun a very comprehensive theological project, embracing the disciplines of biblical theology, historical theology, and systematic theology. Nothing comparable in scope has been done in the last hundred years, within the circles of Reformed orthodoxy. Knowing Rick, and having read some of the first volume, I'm convinced that he is the man to do this job. With a doctorate from the University of Basel and an international reputation as a Calvin scholar, Rick has a formidable grasp of theological issues. His theological convictions are thoroughly biblical and Reformed. He's also a humble man of God who can write winsomely to the hearts of many sorts of readers. I hope this series has wide distribution and great influence in this time of theological confusion.”