Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God by William R. Osborne–Book Review

This book is one of the Crossway series, Short Studies in Biblical Theology.  In this volume the author examines the theme of blessing as it unfolds across the entire Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.

Like love, the term “blessing” in our society is often applied widely to celebrate things as disparate as recovering from a serious illness to finding a good parking spot at the mall.  For many, it’s just a way of acknowledging a piece of good luck.  For others, blessing has become connected  to the “prosperity gospel.”  In fact, a recent Pew Study reported that 43 percent of all Christian respondents agreed that the faithful will receive both health and wealth.

Biblically, blessing has always been linked to the fullness of life in the  presence of God..  We can not “name it and claim it.”  God creates, and blesses His creation both physically and spiritually in His presence.  It coincides with obedience to His will.

The author walks readers through God’s design for blessing in the creation story, His plans to bless the world through Abraham, the covenant relationship of blessing with Israel and our access to divine blessings as new covenant Christians.  He discusses God blessing people, people blessing God, and people blessing people.  Blessing can be an action, a thing, a state of being, and even a formula-like greeting or expression.

William Osborne does an excellent job of explaining blessing as a theological concept, and the connection between blessing and God’s covenants.  It is clear enough for lay people to grasp and academic enough to interest pastors.  I would highly recommend it as a study resource.

VERDICT:  5 STARS

If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:

https://www.crossway.org/books/divine-blessing-and-the-fullness-of-life-in-th-tpb/

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.  Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CPR 255.

For more in this series see:

The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer by Andrew David Naselli–Book Review