In this episode, Camden Bucey speaks with Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the OPC Committee on Christian Education, about his new book Christ and His Church-Bride: Meredith G. Kline’s Biblical-Theological Reading of Revelation (Reformed Forum).
Olinger traces how Kline’s covenantal and redemptive-historical reading of Revelation portrays the church’s transformation into the radiant Bride of Christ, moving from imperfection and suffering in the present age to consummate glory in the new creation. The discussion unfolds key themes of recapitulation, the conflict between Babylon and the Bride, and the covenantal drama of creation to consummation.
Through rich historical and exegetical reflection, Olinger shows how Kline weaves together Genesis, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation to present a unified vision of redemptive history centered on Christ’s victory and the Spirit’s work in the church. The conversation is both theologically rigorous and pastorally hopeful—reminding listeners that Christ reigns now, the church’s pilgrim identity is secure, and the gospel’s progress continues unthwarted by the powers of this world.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement
- 06:27 Origins of the Book and Rediscovery of Kline’s Revelation Paper
- 11:19 Kline’s Covenant Drama: Creation to Consummation
- 20:55 Understanding Recapitulation in Revelation
- 26:24 The Deeper Conflict: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Church
- 31:18 The Church Imperfect and Perfected in Glory
- 34:25 The Armageddon Paradigm and Covenant Mount
- 37:51 Christ and His Church-Bride: Theological and Pastoral Heart
- 48:13 The New Jerusalem and the Covenant of Grace
- 53:09 Suffering, Sanctification, and the Bride’s Purification
- 57:07 Babylon vs. the Bride: The Church’s Pilgrim Calling
- 01:01:02 Christ Reigns Now: Hope for the Pilgrim Church
- 01:04:29 Closing, Resources, and Final Reflections
Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger
Christ the Center focuses on Reformed Christian theology. In each episode a group of informed panelists discusses important issues in order to encourage critical thinking and a better understanding of Reformed doctrine with a view toward godly living. Browse more episodes from this program or subscribe to the podcast feed.
