Canonical Bookends

One of the points Michael Kruger makes in Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books is that Genesis and Revelation form an inclusio (Look it up!) for the canon. The evidence he gives includes a list of connections between Genesis and Revelation.

1. Genesis begins with the creation of the “heavens and earth” (1:1ff.); Revelation ends with re-creation of the “heaven and earth” (21:1).
2. Genesis begins with the theme of paradise in the garden (2:8ff.); Revelation ends with the paradise of heaven (21:4).
3. Genesis begins with the theme of marriage (2:8); Revelation ends with the great wedding of the Lamb (21:9).
4. Genesis begins with a focus on the serpent’s deception (3:1ff.); Revelation ends with the serpent’s destruction (20:10).
5. Genesis begins with the curse being put upon the world (3:14ff.): Revelation ends with the curse being lifted (22:3).
6. Genesis begins by describing the creation of day, night, and the oceans (1:3, 10, 14); Revelation ends with no more need for day (sun), or night, or oceans (21:1; 22:5).
7. Genesis begins with the “tree of life” among the people of God (2:9); Revelation ends with the “tree of life” among the people of God (22:2).
8. Genesis begins with God dwelling with his people (2:8; 3:8); Revelation ends with God finally dwelling with his people again (21:3). 

A few years ago I traced the theme of light through the Bible and noticed that it started at the beginning Genesis and finished at the end of Revelation. You can see from the list above that light isn’t the only theme that unfold at the beginning of our canon and wraps up at the end of it. Altogether, it’s compelling confirmation of the internal unity of the canon of Scripture.

A Catechism for Girls and Boys

Questions about the Word, the Church and the Ordinances

130. Q. What is the purpose of baptism?
        A. Baptism testifies to believers that God has cleansed them from their sins through Jesus Christ.

(Click through to read scriptural proofs.)

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Sunday's Hymn: Under His Wings

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Refrain

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

—Will­iam O. Cush­ing

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

• Update: I Stand Amazed at By Grace Alone
• And Can It Be at Gospel Grace
• The Church’s One Foundation (hymn story) at Challies.com
• The Glory of God Revealed in Christ at Theology for Girls
• Voices from the Past #17 at Tried With Fire 
• Lord’s Day 17, 2013 at The Thirsty Theologian
• You Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Pray for your under-shepherd!
• Update: Praying Ephesians 4:1-16 at Daily on My Way to Heaven

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.