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by Adamson Co (Author), Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Foreword by)
The doctrine of providence is often too abstract, complex, or detached from real-life situations for introductory students. Drawing on years of experience in the classroom and the church, Adamson Co offers an introductory guide that uses the creation motif of the Bible to highlight the importance of providence for the Christian life.
Co begins with a brief introduction to providence to give students the "state of the question." He then explores the classical theme of the seventh and eighth days of creation as a helpful way to understand providence. He sets providence and human existence within the metanarrative of the Bible while explicating the doctrine in an overview fashion. Co demonstrates how the seventh and eighth days of creation bring clarity to traditional issues raised in systematic theology, such as preservation, governance, and concurrence; the problem of evil; and divine sovereignty and human free will.
Providence in the Story of Scripture challenges readers to live out a life of partnership with God in his providence and shows how the blessed hope of the Christian faith is God's life-transforming providence for today. The book includes a foreword by Kevin J. Vanhoozer.
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"Masterfully explores the complex theme of providence"
Adamson Co offers a clear and memorable way of understanding and living out God's providence in our lives by setting providence and human existence within the metanarrative of the Bible.
"We teach divine providence, but somehow it doesn't seem to stay taught. Co is an attentive teacher who has figured it out, and more importantly, he has figured out a way to improve the doctrine's staying power. By setting providence within the main, plain narrative of Scripture, this book not only argues for but actually evokes a trust in God's providential care."
--Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University
"This book offers both a basic introduction to providence and a hope-filled retrieval of a classic framework for the doctrine. Along the way, Co provides several creative, compelling illustrations of how our hope in God's good providence makes a difference for contemporary life."
--Daniel J. Treier, Wheaton College
"If I'm a Christian, I know that I've been saved by Jesus's death for me on the cross. But now what? How do I understand my Christian day-to-day, mundane earthly life? How does prayer work? Where is God's guidance? How much free will do I have? This book masterfully guides us through these questions of God's providence and more. A balanced, informed, and biblical textbook that feeds, informs, and equips us for our Christian journey."
--Sam Chan, EvQ School of Evangelism, City Bible Forum
"Drawing on an admirably wide range of thinkers, Co seeks to 'trailblaze a new path in the doctrine of providence that would render it more accessible and, most of all, existentially relevant to lay people.' He reframes the doctrine with energy, focus, creativity, and biblical fidelity. All readers stand to learn much, with practical benefit to their lives, from this wise and winsome exposition."
--Robert W. Yarbrough, Covenant Theological Seminary
"Accessible yet profoundly insightful, Providence in the Story of Scripture masterfully explores the complex theme of providence. While systematic theology might be intimidating for some, this book makes an important but difficult doctrine understandable for all readers."
--Chris Chun, Jonathan Edwards Center, Gateway Seminary
Author Biography
Adamson Co (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of theology at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Prior to academia, he practiced law for several years as an attorney. He has also served as a pastor in the Chicago area and Southern California, including as English congregation pastor at Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
