The Old Testament in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic

Some people find the Old Testament to be confusing, out of date, and essentially replaced by the New Testament. They are missing out. The Old Testament offers us a grand narrative that reveals God's work, God's purposes, and God's wisdom.

Christopher J. H. Wright fits the pieces together and shows us the coherent whole. Using seven key sentences drawn straight from the Old Testament, he connects the dots and points us toward Jesus.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

"All peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

"You shall have no other gods before me."

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news."

Such sentences as these are not merely beautiful or helpful (though they are that). They are part of the great drama of Scripture, the story of God's plan of redemption that embraces all nations and the whole of his creation. Wright starts from the beginning, describing God's promises and covenants with his people and his mission to bless the world. At the end of this short survey, readers will clearly see God's faithfulness and love for his people and will understand how the Old Testament scriptures prepared for the identity and mission of Jesus as Messiah, Savior, and Lord.

"The Old Testament in Seven Sentences sounds like an impossible task, but Chris Wright makes it work beautifully, capturing the central features of the Old Testament in a way that is both rich and accessible. I'm not surprised really-Wright is one of our best, most mature thinkers about the Bible today. His book gives readers an essential and impressive orientation to the life-giving message of the Old Testament. I recommend it highly."

Tremper Longman III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College
"Christopher Wright has provided the church, seminary, and evangelist a creative and accessible tour of the biblical narrative. I commend this book as a resource for all who want to understand and be drawn into the Bible's story."

Chris Gonzalez, executive director of Missional Training Center, pastor of Missio Dei Communities
"Communicating the essence of the Old Testament to the Christian believer is a challenge. Christopher Wright has creatively met the challenge, summarizing its major themes under seven simple headings. These headings, beginning with creation and concluding with Psalms and Wisdom, lay out in easy-to-remember terms the history of salvation as it exists in the Old Testament and as it is fulfilled in Christ. With this as a guide, readers will find their way through an exciting but daunting journey, finding out how Jesus is the completion of the hope of Israel." Duane Garrett, John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

-Publisher.

Publisher Description

:Some people find the Old Testament to be confusing, out of date, and essentially replaced by the New Testament. They are missing out. The Old Testament offers us a grand narrative that reveals God's work, God's purposes, and God's wisdom. Christopher J. H. Wright fits the pieces together and shows us the coherent whole. Using seven key sentences drawn straight from the Old Testament, he connects the dots and points us toward Jesus. * "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

• "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
• "You shall have no other gods before me."
• "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news."

Such sentences as these are not merely beautiful or helpful (though they are that). They are part of the great drama of Scripture, the story of God's plan of redemption that embraces all nations and the whole of his creation. Wright starts from the beginning, describing God's promises and covenants with his people and his mission to bless the world. At the end of this short survey, readers will clearly see God's faithfulness and love for his people and will understand how the Old Testament scriptures prepared for the identity and mission of Jesus as Messiah, Savior, and Lord.