The Bible is a collection of stories about the one Story of God’s creation, man’s fall, and God’s work of redemption and recreation, all found in the gospel. So, it is only natural to give the gospel in stories that bring together its main themes. But how much can you say about one single story? Plenty—when that story is like a multifaceted jewel that shines from every angle when light is brought to it.
Wilson turns the crystal a few dozen times to show us the grand scope of the Bible. He divvies these stories up into five acts: creation and fall; Israel and history; poets and prophets; Jesus and rescue; and restoration and hope.
Andrew Wilson is the teaching pastor at King’s Church London and a columnist for Christianity Today. He is the author of several books, including Unbreakable, Echoes of Exodus, and 1 Corinthians For You.
From the first chapter, Wilson draws the threads of the testaments together. He writes about how creation points to the magnificence and detail of all that was created by, through, and for Christ. Next, we get a survey of what it means to be made in the image of God, a fact that “has implications on war and justice and abortion and sex trafficking” (11). We resemble, reason, relate, reproduce, and rule like God, though not exactly in the way he does. But still, we image him in all his goodness when we do this well. God not only forgives but he takes away our shame. Just as God could say to Abraham that he knew Abraham loved him because he did not spare his own son (Gen 22), so we know that God loves us because he did not spare his one and only Son for us, who were his enemies. Abraham built an altar to sacrifice the ram God provided. David built a second altar seeking God’s forgiveness for the people of Israel (2 Sam 24:18), with Solomon building the temple afterwards. A third altar is later erected a half-mile from the temple for another sacrifice for forgiveness, only this altar is a cross.
In fact, the “seed” promised to Abraham, the Passover, the tabernacle and temple curtain, the Day of Atonement, the forgiveness of sacrifices—all of these things point to the One who is greater. The kingdom of God is near(!), meant for Israel and yet spread out to all who will receive throughout the whole world out of the death of a first-century Jewish man. Wilson reminds us that Christ is the “end of the law.” He fulfilled its details for us, “not by ignoring it or abandoning it for being too difficult, but by submitting to it perfectly, fulfilling it, and then allowing us to fulfill it in him… For Christ is the end of the law, for righteousness to everyone who believes!” (194).
But Wilson does not only cover stories, but also doctrines in ways that are deep yet simple to understand. He is able to get the point across in small, daily ways of life. Whether it be calendar entries (imputed righteousness), digesting food (repentance and baptism), or being stabbed (the resurrection from the dead)—trust me, this makes a lot more sense when you read it—Wilson has a knack for making these heavy doctrines stick.
Recommended?
Gospel Stories is an excellent introduction to the Bible’s grand narrative for Christians who want to see how Scripture fits together. Wilson writes with clarity, theological depth, and pastoral warmth, perfect for those who want more than a surface-level overview of the gospel. Wilson connects biblical theology to everyday life in a way that centers on Christ from beginning to end.
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Lagniappe
- Author: Andrew Wilson
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: 10Publishing (February 2025)
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from 10Publishing. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
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