As I’m often asked for book recommendations on various subjects, I decided to put together an online list of my top ten books in various categories. Basically, if I was only allowed 10 books in my library on that subject, these are the ten I would choose. You can access all my other Top Ten Lists here.
Today I’m listing my updated top ten books on Christ in the Old Testament—the ones marked with an asterisk are more suitable for pastors and seminary students. If you know any other books that should be on this list, please leave a comment and I’ll add it to the “Reader Suggestions” section.
*For your non-Kindle book buying needs please consider using Reformation Heritage Books in the USA and Reformed Book Services in Canada. Good value prices and shipping*
Also, here’s my catalog of Best Online Articles on Christ in the Old Testament (which will be updated further by tomorrow).
1. Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament by Christopher Wright.
One of the most eye-opening and thought provoking books I’ve ever read. Guaranteed to make you love Jesus more.
2. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament by Sidney Greidanus.*
Classic seminary textbook. Historical survey of the subject followed by most helpful step-by-step guide to preaching Christ from Old Testament texts.
3. Beginning at Moses by Michael Barrett.
Shorter and more readable than Greidanus but covers a wider range of OT genres.
4. Preaching Christ in All of Scripture by Ed Clowney.
The first two chapters will transform the way you read and teach the Bible. Clowney sets forth the principles and practice of finding Christ in Scripture and then putting together a Christ-centered sermon. This is followed by a number of wonderful sermons that demonstrate the “how.”
5. The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses by Vern Poythress.*
Especially helpful on typology, not just laying the foundational principles but also explaining numerous examples. Also wonderful insights on the Christ-centered nature of Old Testament law.
6. The Christ of the Covenants by O P Robertson.*
It was the second or third time reading this book before the covenants all fell into place for me. Transformed the Bible and my ministry.
7. Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture by Graeme Goldsworthy.
First part provides the lenses with which to read the Old Testament, followed by many examples of how to preach Christian sermons from different genres of biblical literature. More thematic than exegetical.
8. The Unfolding Mystery by Ed Clowney.
More sample sermons demonstrating how #4 Preaching Christ in All of Scripture is put into practice.
9. Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures by Dennis E. Johnson.
Good on theory and good on practice.
10. Jesus On Every Page by David Murray.
Couldn’t bring myself to make this # 1.
Honorable mentions
If I’d had a Top Twenty the following books would also have been included.
Close Encounters with the Son of God by Jonathan Stephen. If this was still easily available it would have been near the top of the Top Ten List. It deals with the Old Testament Christophanies.
Christ in the Old Testament by Robert Gordon. Again, this four-volume set of sermons would have easily made the Top Ten if it was easier to get.
According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy. A simplified version of Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture.
Seeing Christ in All of Scripture by Peter A. Lillback and others
Christ-centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chappell. Not specifically about preaching Christ from the Old Testament but much of the material will help with that.
A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards. Covers more than the Old Testament but the Old Testament section, especially the early part, is pure gold.
The Ancient Love Song by Charles Drew. One of the most accessible and readable of books on Christ in the Old Testament.
Messiah in the Old Testament by Walter Kaiser.
Preaching Christ from Genesis by Sidney Greidanus.
Preaching Christ from Daniel by Sydney Greidanus.
Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes by Sidney Greidanus.
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Hardcover by Greg Beale and Don Carson.
How Jesus Transforms The Ten Commandments by Edmund P. Clowney
The Christ of Wisdom: A Redemptive-Historical Exploration of the Wisdom Books of the Old Testament by O. Palmer Robertson.
The Christ of the Prophets by O. Palmer Robertson.
Is Jesus in the Old Testament? by Iain M. Duguid.
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture by Michael Williams.
Singing the Songs of Jesus by Michael Lefebvre.
The Prophets Speak of Him: Encountering Jesus in the Minor Prophets by Anthony T. Selvaggio.
The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis by Nancy Guthrie. Excellent Bible study series with a good mix of teaching, questions, and discussion starters. See also follow-up Bible studies on various other parts of the Old Testament. See also follow-up Bible studies on various other parts of the Old Testament: The Lamb of God, The Wisdom of God, The Son of David, and The Word of the Lord.
Reader Suggestions
101 Portraits of Jesus on the Old Testament by Bob Beasley.
The Scriptures Testify about Me: Jesus and the Gospel in the Old Testament by Don Carson, Tim Keller, and others.
Look To The Rock by Alec Motyer.
The Messianic Hope by Michael Rydelnik.
Messianic Revelation in the Old Testament by Gerard Van Gronigen.
On The Trinity by Hilary of Poitiers.
Clavis Cantici by James Durham.
The Prophets Speak of Him by Anthony Salvaggio.
The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark Dever.
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