Unfolding Redemption - by Ian J Vaillancourt Paperback

About the Book

"This book will be a primer that equips thoughtful Christians to dig deeply into the Old Testament Historical Books. This will be accomplished by unpacking the most salient biblical-theological themes found in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Ruth, Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Therefore, the book will provide a big picture "road map" for understanding the Old Testament Historical Books as the second act in the Bible's drama of redemption. Each chapter will also model the ultimate goal to which the Old Testament Historical Books point: gospel fulfillment in Christ and its application to the church. Finally, each chapter will conclude with discussion questions as a way of encouraging individuals and groups to further process the material"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Trace God's Plan of Redemption Through the Old Testament

Do you find the Old Testament historical books challenging or confusing? Have you ever struggled to get through these sections of God's Word or wondered why they matter for us today? Many of us view the Old Testament as something we read simply because we've been told it's good for us. But when we uncover the unfolding story of redemption within these books, we see a theological vision that points us to Jesus.

Unfolding Redemption helps readers trace God's story of redemption through the historical books of the Old Testament and discover its fulfillment in Christ. As readers dive deeper, they'll gain a richer understanding of the gospel and see its vibrant connections throughout Scripture. This book makes the theology of the Old Testament accessible and approachable, showing how these books fit together to tell a larger story that culminates in Christ.

Biblical scholar Ian Vaillancourt unpacks themes like

• settling God's redeemed people in Joshua,
• delivering God's redeemed people in Judges,
• preserving God's redeemed people in Esther,
• hope for the ultimate redemption in 1 and 2 Chronicles, and more.

Vaillancourt guides readers through the Old Testament's historical books with a clear and intentional approach, revealing how every part of the story leads to Jesus. Unfolding Redemption is an excellent introductory textbook, and is ideal for pastors or Bible teachers as well as groups looking to study the Bible more deeply. With discussion questions for reflection, Unfolding Redemption equips Christians to dig deeply into these texts, see their themes woven together, and understand what they mean for our lives today.

Review Quotes

"For too many of us, the Old Testament has no more shape than a dismembered skeleton, a pile of bones on the floor. We need someone to put it back together and show us its shape and function. We may have heard brilliant sermons on a single Bible verse or chapter, even a helpful series of sermons on one Bible book, but until now, we have not received help that we need to grasp the meaning of the Bible as a whole. In this brilliantly clear and insightful book, Unfolding Redemption, Ian J. Vaillancourt comes to our rescue. He takes us through the Historical Books and the prophetic books and enables us to see the Old Testament as one story of redemption that reaches its intended goal in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. We are in his debt."

--Gregory Goswell, adjunct lecturer in Old Testament at Christ College

"In this wonderful primer, Ian J. Vaillancourt skillfully uncovers the many riches of the Old Testament story and shows us the many ways this story--in its twists and turns--points us to Christ. Vaillancourt brings together the expertise of an Old Testament scholar, the gifts of an experienced teacher, and the heart of a pastor to give us a theologically rich and spiritually enriching introduction to the Old Testament's Historical Books. This book is a real treasure. I highly recommend it!"

--Uche Anizor, professor of theology at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University

"Building off the dawn of redemptive hope in Moses' five books, the rest of the Old Testament highlights the development of this future-oriented faith by detailing how God settled, delivered, led, represented, warned, and punished his redeemed. Yet it also clarifies how God extended, preserved, partially restored, and promised to deliver them fully through the long-awaited redeemer. Ian J. Vaillancourt's Unfolding Redemption compellingly overviews this progressing drama of salvation and faithfully shows how it all climaxes in Jesus Christ."

--Jason S. DeRouchie, research professor of Old Testament and biblical theology and Rich and Judy Hastings Endowed Chair of Old Testament Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The Old Testament makes up the bulk of our Bible, and yet much of it remains an undiscovered country for many. We all need help to navigate it properly and to see how it points to the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. Ian J. Vaillancourt has done us a great service in Unfolding Redemption. He gives us the grand sweep of the redemption story as it unfolds in key books, while offering us rich exegetical insights along the way. Vaillancourt writes with the humility of a disciple, the wonder of a worshipper, and the skill of a scholar. Read this and be refreshed in your own study of the Scriptures and be moved to rejoice again in the unmatched gift of redemption in Jesus."

--Jonathan Griffiths, chancellor of Heritage College and Seminary

"I highly recommend this engaging overview of the Former Prophets and Latter Writings. Ian J. Vaillancourt blends crisp prose, rich exegesis, and compelling theological synthesis to equip readers to grasp the glorious message of these challenging Old Testament books."

--Brian J. Tabb, president and professor of biblical studies at Bethlehem College and Seminary

"Ian J. Vaillancourt follows up his work on the Pentateuch, The Dawning of Redemption, with an excellent treatment of the rest of the Old Testament. While the collection of books in the Old Testament may seem diverse and random, Vaillancourt shows that there is a single plot structure and storyline from a single divine mind unfolding God's plan of redemption. Designed as an entry-level exposition, this book is highly recommended to help get into the Old Testament and the story of Scripture itself."

--Peter J. Gentry, senior professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Many readers, since the Old Testament is so long, lose track of the story after Deuteronomy. Ian J. Vaillancourt expertly guides us on a tour from Joshua through Ezra-Nehemiah, unfolding for us the story of God's redeeming purposes. Vaillancourt reads Old Testament texts in their historical context and canonically in light of their fulfillment in Christ. A most helpful and compact survey!"

--Thomas Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

Ian J. Vaillancourt (PhD, University of St. Michael's College) is professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. He is the author of Treasuring the Psalms, The Dawning of Redemption, and The Multifaceted Saviour of Psalms 110 and 118 (winner of the 2020 R. B. Y. Scott Award).