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Minister and author Epps examines the books of the Bible and their central division, the Old and New Testaments, for a deeper understanding of their unique, essential relationship. The first five books, Genesis to Deuteronomy, known as the Law of Moses, offered solid advice for those who lived before the advent of Jesus and are still highly relevant for Christians today. However, some churches, Epps notes, "will not go to the Old Testament for any reference." This refusal deprives the faithful of the prophecy and moral direction offered in the earlier works.
The Old Testament comprises the lives and legacies of the first creations of God, a social, cultural, and religious history of the Israelites and their leaders spanning many generations. These writings contain not just a call to obedience but also inspiring poetry and remarkable prophecies. Epps states that in the book of Deuteronomy alone, there are three important divisions, which he names Historical Retrospective (Israel's past), Legislative Introspective (its present), and Prophetical Prospective (its future). He demonstrates how five clusters of Psalms correspond to the first five books of the Old Testament. The record of the spiritual aspirations of these pre-Christian, God-devoted peoples is highly relevant to anyone wishing to grasp what would follow—the miraculous events surrounding the appearance of God's promised Son.
In the New Testament, Jesus presents a complete picture of how to avoid satanic influence and live in a world of temptations sustained by God's "eternal purpose." In his exploration of New Testament truths, Epps notes that the Book of Revelation relates directly to the time that Christians are now experiencing. Epps points out that such rites as water baptism or the communion based on the Last Supper are not necessary. The thief who was crucified along with Jesus had neither, yet Jesus said he would enter heaven. God's Word created everything that is, including dynamic opportunities to follow that Word from the beginning.
Epps, a highly educated pastor and writer, has mined the Bible's books both one by one and at times in relevant groupings to reveal their concordances. He demonstrates his respect for both testaments, ascribing them equal weight for followers of Jesus. His central thesis—that God created the universe, the earth, and all that is in it as part of his divine plan—requires that he embrace the Bible's two testaments and encourage others to do likewise. He has undoubtedly devoted much time to researching his subject matter, giving it scholarly gravity while maintaining a gently modern overview. He employs both sagacity and wit. He cites, as an example of the latter, the armor described by Jesus for followers to take on in their sacred struggles (breastplate, helmet, and sword) while noting that there is no armor designated for one's back because "a good Christian never runs from his enemies." Epps clearly feels dedicated to bringing his readers back into a focus on the Bible's totality, encompassing, but not limited to, the good news of Christ's coming. His book provides inroads for serious readers to delve more diligently into Christianity's message by studying its significant history.