The Kingdom of God

Avoiding both oversimplification and hyper-technicality, Perrin addresses a wide sweep of questions and issues regarding Jesus’s central message . . . and continuing mission, through the church and beyond. “The work of understanding the kingdom of God is a holy obligation,” the author writes, and this volume furnishes essential resources. Informed by discussion across the sweep of Christian tradition (and sometimes secular punditry), Perrin effectively marshals his Gospels expertise to produce an incisive study of a controversial topic. I believe the ways he maps challenges and arrives at proposals will not only enhance understanding but also deepen Christians’ daily petition to the Father: “Your kingdom come.” * Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary *
Few academics have the ability to explain a complex topic in terms that lay audiences will both understand and enjoy, but Nicholas Perrin has done just that. He patiently and skillfully walks the reader through one of the central themes of the Bible, elucidating the story (and the reality) of God’s kingdom---past, present, and future---as it is revealed in the Old and New Testaments. We are left not only with a clear and awe-inspiring view of the kingdom of God, but Perrin gives us “practical stepping-stones” to take us “from biblical theology to real life.” Thank you, Nick Perrin. You have done us a tremendous service in writing this book. * Catherine McDowell, associate professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *
In this in-depth but very readable book, Nicholas Perrin offers compelling insight after compelling insight into the nature of the kingdom of God, King Jesus, and the people of the kingdom. Perrin enriches our understanding of the kingdom, especially concerning its deep Old Testament roots, but he also calls us to greater kingdom living---even if that entails suffering. * Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary & University *
Perrin does a great job in tracing the theology of the kingdom of God from its beginning in Genesis, through the Old Testament, to its proclamation in the Gospels. His insight on the relationship between the “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel and the kingdom is intriguing, spurring readers to rethink the significance of familiar scriptural passages. Most importantly, Perrin guides his readers to reflect on the relevance of the kingdom in their lives and how to live out the core values of the kingdom today. * Chee-Chiew Lee, associate professor of New Testament, Singapore Bible College *
While Christians everywhere dedicate themselves to inviting others into the kingdom of God, countless many (if they’re honest with themselves) find themselves mildly confused by the concept. Taking aim at today’s confusion, Perrin’s book offers a fresh, compelling, and biblically rooted vision of the kingdom, giving us new eyes on not just the what, who, when, where, and how of the kingdom, but also why the kingdom matters for everyone. * Ed Stetzer, executive director, Billy Graham Center *