Description
Contained within the pages of Scripture is the wonderful and often surprising history of God’s special revelation. The heart of this history is God’s covenant promise that he will be our God and we will be his people. Fullness of Joy: A Biblical Theology of God with Us follows the organic and progressive unfolding of God’s covenant that is consummated in a bond of friendship and crowned with joy that is full and forever. Inspired by Psalm 16:11, “You make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” this book uncovers the history of God’s revelation with an uplifting and joyful perspective. Those who read this book will see how all the types and shadows of the Old Testament in which God dwelt with his people for his glory and their joy, like the altars of the patriarchs, the tabernacle of Moses, and the temple of Solomon, looked forward to Jesus Christ, our Immanuel, and his body, the church, filled with the glory of his Spirit.
Endorsements
Much has been written of late on the topic of covenant-biblical theology; however, there is a noticeable “gap” in the resources available for those who could benefit from a more concise and focused primer on this subject. Daniel Ragusa has done laypersons, students, and pastors a great service by weaving the insights of several great biblical theologians- Geerhardus Vos, T. Desmond Alexander, Meredith G. Kline, G. K. Beale, and Mark Vander Hart-together in one little book that is clear and accessible. It is organized around the theme of covenant as friendship with God and the fullness of joy that this relationship brings. He takes us on a journey from Genesis to Revelation, showing how God is present with his people at every point in God’s redemption plan and how this presence comes to its climax in Christ and results in full eschatological joy as we dwell in God’s presence, in his place, and with his people. The work is engaging, encouraging, and practical as he also addresses some of the more significant challenges of our age. I highly recommend this work, and I look forward to even more from Dr. Ragusa on the covenant in the years to come!
—Rev. Jeremy Baker, Senior Pastor, New Covenant Community Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church), Joliet, IL
Ragusa masterfully takes you on a theological ride along the trajectory of “God with us” from Genesis to Revelation. This is not a sterile, dispassionate thread of biblical theology for the astute alone. Rather, it is intimately connected to the reality of a joy-full relationship with “our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.” Read and be refreshed with knowing the God whom we were made to glorify and enjoy.
—Rev. Paul T. Murphy, Church Planter in NYC and Pastor of Evangelism, Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship (United Reformed Churches in North America), New York, NY
Don’t let the size of Dan Ragusa’s book deceive you. Tracing the theme of God’s presence with his people from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to consummation, Ragusa’s book is a goldmine of biblical- theological insights into the triune God’s purpose to enjoy perfected communion with his people in Christ. Ragusa confirms the truth of Geerhardus Vos’ observation that the Bible is “a historical book full of dramatic interest.”
—Dr. Cornelis Venema, President Emeritus of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, Dyer, IN
