 This is not a typical book on creation. Many books on creation deal with evolution, the length of the days of creation, and ethics in light of creation. These are worthy subjects, but they are not covered in this book. That’s because the doctrine of creation is actually much more inclusive in the Bible. Things that we think demand front-and-center attention do not get such by the Bible itself. As the title of the book implies, the beginning is not the end of creation. Creation had a goal intended by God to be attained by man, but man failed. However, God will see to it that the original goal is reached. Creation, therefore, was intended to be a means to an end. The end is what God had in mind all along. The end is not plan B or even plan A. It is simply the plan.
Dr. Samuel E. Waldron, Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies writes: It is with special pleasure that I recommend both my friend, Richard Barcellos, and his volume entitled, Better than the Beginning. In a day of massive confusion about the significance God’s relationship with Adam and departure from the pivotal Reformed understanding of the covenant of works, it is nothing short of refreshing to see both the heart for and insight into this subject that God has given Dr. Barcellos. While the New Perspective on Paul and other evangelical and “Reformed” scholars are manifesting deep insensitivity to Scripture on this subject, Richard provides clear and penetrating insight into God’s purpose to bring the human race to a condition that is “better than the beginning.” Christ brings the creation train derailed by Adam to its original glorious destination! This insight is vital to an understanding of the gospel and the vital, scriptural distinction between the law and the gospel. May God give this volume great usefulness! Amazon Heritagebooks Comments are closed.
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