THE PATH OF FAITH A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law BRANDON D. CROWE InterVarsity Press P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515‑1426 ivpress.com [email protected] ©2021 by Brandon D. Crowe All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from InterVarsity Press. InterVarsity Press® is the book‑publishing division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA®, a movement of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities, colleges, and schools of nursing in the United States of America, and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. For information about local and regional activities, visit intervarsity.org. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The publisher can’t verify the accuracy of website hyperlinks beyond the date of print publication. Cover design and image composite: David Fassett Image: geometric pattern: © ExpressIPhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus ISBN 978‑0‑8308‑5538‑4 (digital) ISBN 978‑0‑8308‑5537‑7 (print) For Eliza Cate CONTENTS Series Preface | ix Author’s Preface | xi Abbreviations | xv Introduction | 1 1 The Beginning: Adam and Noah | 9 2 The Family: Abraham and His Children | 30 3 The Exodus: Moses and Israel | 42 4 The Kingdom: David and His Dynasty | 59 5 The Prophets: Remind, Reprove, Renew | 78 6 The Messiah and His Work Accomplished: The Gospels | 98 7 The Teaching of Jesus: The Law Fulfilled and Abiding | 115 8 The Messiah and His Work Explained: Acts and Paul’s Letters | 125 9 The New Covenant in Practice: Hebrews Through Jude | 143 10 The Consummation: The Book of Revelation | 153 Conclusion: Grace Upon Grace | 167 Bibliography | 171 Author Index | 177 Scripture Index | 179 Praise for The Path of Faith | 190 About the Author | 191 More Titles from InterVarsity Press | 192 SERIES PREFACE BENJAMIN L. GLADD THE ESSENTIAL STUDIES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY is pat- terned after the highly esteemed series New Studies in Biblical Theology, edited by D. A. Carson. Like the NSBT, this series is devoted to unpacking the various strands of biblical theology. The field of biblical theology has grown exponentially in recent years, showing no sign of abating. At the heart of biblical theology is the unfolding nature of God’s plan of redemption as set forth in the Bible. With an influx of so many books on biblical theology, why generate yet another series? A few reasons. The ESBT is dedicated to the fundamental or “essential” broad themes of the grand story line of the Bible. Stated succinctly, the goal of the ESBT series is to explore the central biblical-theological themes of the Bible. Several existing series on biblical theology are generally open- ended, whereas the ESBT will be limited to ten or so volumes. By restricting the entire series, the scope of the project is established from the beginning. The ESBT project functions as a whole in that each theme is intentional, and each volume does not stand solely on its own merits. The individual volumes interlock with one another and, taken together, form a complete and cohesive unit. Another unique dimension of the series is a robust emphasis on biblical theology, spanning the entire sweep of the history of redemption. Each volume x Series Preface traces a particular theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis 1–3 to Revelation 21–22, and is organically connected to the person of Christ and the church in the New Testament. To avoid a “flat” biblical theology, these projects are mindful of how the New Testament develops their topic in fresh or unexpected ways. For example, the New Testament sheds new light on the nature of the “kingdom” and “messiah.” Though these twin themes are rooted and explored in the Old Testament, both flow through the person of Christ in unique ways. Biblical theology should include how Old Testament themes are held in continuity and discontinuity with the New Testament. The audience of the series includes beginning students of theology, church leaders, and laypeople. The ESBT is intended to be an accessible introduction to core biblical-theological themes of the Bible. This series is not designed to overturn every biblical-theological rock and investigate the finer details of biblical passages. Each volume is intentionally brief, serving as a primer of sorts that introduces the reader to a particular theme. These works also attempt to apply their respective biblical-theological themes to Christian living, ministry, and worldview. Good biblical theology warms the heart and motivates us to grow in our knowledge and adoration of the triune God.