Book Review: The New Testament in Seven Sentences by Gary M. Burge

Earlier this year, I reviewed a book titled, The Old Testament in Seven Sentences written by Christopher J.H. Wright. That book was a simple introduction to the Old Testament using seven verses from it to give the readers the main idea on what the Old Testament was all about. Gary M. Burge has written a follow-up book to Wright's, but this one involves the New Testament. The book is titled, The New Testament in Seven Sentences.

Very much like Wright's book, Burge focuses on seven themes that summarizes the New Testament, which are:

1. Fulfillment: You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16)

2. Kingdom: The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)

3. Cross: The Son of Man must...be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Luke 9:22)

4. Grace: By grace you have been saved, through faith...not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)

5. Covenant: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession (1 Peter 2:9)

6. Spirit: If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ (Romans 8:9)

7. Completion: I saw "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1)


Burge does a good job going through each of these themes to give the readers the overall view of the New Testament. This book does serve its purpose for an introductory study in the New Testament.

Thanks InterVarsity Press for letting me review this book.