Reviews for When the Kings Come Marching In: Isaiah and the New Jerusalem

The average rating for When the Kings Come Marching In: Isaiah and the New Jerusalem based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-07-18 00:00:00 Joseph Russell One of the most helpful books I've read defending Christ's redemptive work in culture. Addresses Isaiah 60, as well as some other texts from Isaiah and Revelations, arguing that the cultural products and wealth of nations, including the legendary 'Ships of Tarshish' will be among those things that are brought in with a renewed purpose of glorifying the Lamb in the New Jerusalem. Also addresses how politics relates to Christ's redemption of all things, when the Kings of many nations will be brought low before the Lamb, who is the Lion of Judah. Touches on the diversity of the New Jerusalem, and how Christians have often used passages wrongly to support their racism and segregation. Finally, traces the theme of Christ as the light of life, who is the revelation of the eternal Logos, who shines as the center of the New Jerusalem's glory. Spends a little time at the end of this short book talking about how Christians have sometimes thought of their journey to the Celestial City a la John Bunyan, when a faithful seeking of the City to come requires both an eager anticipation of what is to come, and an industriousness motivated by that desire to bring some of the fruits of the coming Kingdom to bear now. He also points out that John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress tells a story of the Christian pilgrimage that leaves us thinking of our faith journey as only personal, when seeking the Celestial city requires the involvement of families and communities. Overall, a very well-argued defense of what Mouw himself willingly labels as the "Christ transforming Culture" paradigm within Niebuhr's classic 'Christ and Culture.' Short and succinct (unlike this review), and well worth your time.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-10-14 00:00:00 Sten Beckman Like if NT Wright wrote short and punchy books. This book is what I needed in the year of our Lord and Savior 2020, in the season of coronatide and electiontide. I personally feel that few Christians can articulate a cohesive and compelling vision for creation and history. This book does that. In meditating on Isaiah 60, you're filled with wonder as to begin to re-imagine what the world will be like on that day, when "the earth and all its filling" give its due to King Jesus. In a world in which Kings, leaders, and politicians stoke fires and disregard human life, it's good to know that they will render account one day in that city. Not only to God, but to those whom they have oppressed. And everything'absolutely everything'will become a beautiful icon of God's beauty and goodness. Racist posters, warships, art, literature, Hip Hop, all of the worlds filling, will tell of his beauty, for it is his. Maranatha!