A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Eden as a Temple: The Context of Genesis 1–2
2 Expanding Eden: The Call in Genesis 1:26-28
3 Eden Lost?: The Call to the Patriarchs After the Fall
4 Eden Remixed: The Tabernacle in a Context of Sin
5 Eden Restored: Promise of the Expansion of Eden in the Prophets
6 Eden Rebuilt: Jesus as the New Temple in the Gospels
7 Eden Expanding: The Church as the New Temple
8 Eden’s Ministry: Serving as Priests in the New Temple
9 Eden Completely Expanded: The New Heavens and New Earth in Revelation 21:1-4
10 “Why Haven’t I Seen This Before?”: Seeing the Purpose of God’s Dwelling Place in Eden
11 Concluding Practical Reflections: Foundational Convictions for Sacrificial Mission in the Temple
Summary
Chapter 1: Eden as Temple
We are created as creatures with longings, and these longings are designed to be fulfilled in an intimate relationship with God in his dwelling place. God has designed us to have longings that can only be ultimately satisfied with him in his holy dwelling place; we are designed to long for Eden. Our desire for life is God-given and is satisfied in God’s provision and presence. The tree of life stood in the middle of the garden, and the life and fecundity of the garden is imaged in the tabernacle and temple. The tree and the river of life are rooted in Eden, and they are rich biblical images for the life that God gives in his presence. Eden is like the holy of holies, and as the rivers of life flow out of it to the nations of the world, so our mission is to take the life-giving message of God to the world. God is the one who gives life and light, and it is only in him that people can find satisfaction. Those who have found the satisfaction of God’s presence will want to share it with others. In Eden, God gave Adam the priestly task of guarding the sanctity of the garden—we find significance and purpose in fulfilling our God-given tasks. When they rebelled, Adam and Eve fail in their task because they do not obey the word of God. People try to find purpose and significance in many different things, but real purpose is only found in obedience and service to God. It is only in Jesus that the way back to Eden is opened; Jesus is the water of life. . . .
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