Published in 2014, 1166 pages, Joseph Dillow, ThD.
The ultimate expansion of the article Child of God vs. Shepherd of God. And a strong exegetical complement to Chapter 6 of Life Beyond Heaven: “Your Purpose in Eternity.”
Final Destiny is a theological masterpiece. Its primary labor is to help Christians disentangle biblical passages that speak of reigning with Christ from passages that speak of redemption as the free gift of God. The publisher is Grace Theology Press, who assert that their works are designed “to benefit the scholarly world.” In this vein, Final Destiny is a work of exhaustive, systematic theology. At 1166 pages, it is not for the faint of heart, but it is an outstanding resource for those who want or need to grapple with the details of scripture. The book covers virtually every difficult or complex passage in scripture in which issues of redemption (becoming a child of God) might possibly be confused with reward (being honored and trusted by God for faithful service). In the process, it does much to illuminate the biblical passages that speak of being appointed to reign with Christ: what are the requirements?; what are the results?
Strengths: Careful biblical analysis. Clear separation of the grace of redemption from the conditional rewards of faithfulness. Detailed examination of the ultimate significance of humankind as partners with Christ in shepherding the world and what it takes to be trust by God for this role.
Limitations: Written for a scholarly, theologically astute audience. Length of the book. Doesn’t focus on what eternity will be like beyond partnering with Jesus as subordinate servant-leaders.
(You may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere.)
“This work is extensive in its argumentation, expansive in its canonical scope, and immensely expanded from its first edition. It is an exceptional work, and a majestic achievement of both exegetical and biblical theology.”
– Fred Chay, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Doctoral Studies, Phoenix Seminary.
