Book Review: Christian Faith in the Old Testament

New Testament scholar Gareth Lee Cockerill's book Christian Faith in the Old Testament: The Bible of the Apostles provides the reader with an overview of the lessons learned from the characters of the Old Testament as well as examining the patterns and shadows of new covenant salvation that appear throughout the Old Testament.  More than just a book of helpful breakdowns on the sections of the Old Testament, Cockerill also includes an abundance of charts and graphs which drive home the principles even better, especially for those who may be more visual learners.

Coming from a New Testament scholar, I did expect the book to be "heady" - something more appropriate for a seminary classroom.  Rather, I found Christian Faith in the Old Testament to be very readable considering the subject matter.  It is deep enough for a serious student, but easy enough reading for any layperson interested in getting a better handle on the Old Testament, where Christians tend to spend little time.  I believe this book would be perfect for a church group or Sunday school class interested in an overview of the Old Testament.

If I had one criticism of the book, it would be its scope.  It provides an overview of the Old Testament, highlights life-lessons of faith and obedience learned through the Old Testament, as well as examining the typology used in pointing to Jesus.  If it was an overview that focused on hints of the new covenant, I feel it would have been a more powerful read and I would give it a full five stars.  All that being said, it is a valuable resource for any Christian eager to better understand the Old Testament - well worth it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”