Between the Cross and the Throne

Revelation is often considered one of the most confusing books of the Bible, and consequently it's regularly overlooked or ignored. But no longer. In Between the Cross and the Throne, Matthew Emerson walks us through the book of Revelation, unpacking its complex imagery and pointing out major themes. In conversational tone, he reminds us that Christ died, but he has risen. The Lord reigns, but evil persists. We live between Christ's ascension and his final conquest--and that should give us hope.

About the Author :
Matthew Y. Emerson (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Dickinson Assistant Professor of Religion at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of several articles and Christ and the New Creation: A Canonical Approach to the the Theology of the New Testament (Wipf & Stock, 2013). Emerson also serves as a steering committee member for the Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar and senior fellow for the Center for Ancient Christian Studies.

Craig G. Bartholomew (PhD, Bristol University) is H. Evan Runner Chair of Philosophy and professor of philosophy and religion & theology, Redeemer University College. He is author of Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms), Where Mortals Dwell, and coauthor of The Drama of Scripture.

Review :
Emerson is not only one of evangelicalism's brightest up-and-coming scholars, but one of its best pastoral communicators. This fine little book is evidence of that.
--Bruce Ashford, provost, dean of the faculty, and professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Crisp, clear, and engaging, Between the Cross and the Throne briefly and competently examines the frequently misunderstood and often avoided book of Revelation. Readers will enjoy it and find themselves understanding much about Revelation's content, genres, imagery, narrative, theology, and message."
--Christopher W. Morgan, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University

"Christians often avoid reading Revelation because it either scares or confuses them--or both. Fret no more! Matthew Emerson has written a fantastic commentary on the most fantastical book of the Bible, balancing scholarly study with on-the-ground Christian life. Between the Cross and the Throne is a helpful and hopeful primer on Revelation for the layperson, the student, the pastor, the professor, and everyone in between."
--Brandon D. Smith, author of Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians

"Emerson has done an invaluable service to the church by providing a clear and concise summary of the main themes of Revelation. He employs sound principles of interpretation to guide the reader in properly understanding Revelation's message. But Emerson doesn't leave the reader in the text of the ancient world. He also includes thoughtful and pointed application of the text. This book is a great introduction to the book of Revelation."
--Benjamin L. Merkle, professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Emerson understands that Revelation is the conclusion of the Biblical story, so Between the Cross and the Throne accomplishes much more than just introducing one of the books of the Bible. It introduces the whole Bible by attending closely to the key terms, ideas, and movements of thought found in that final book."
--Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University

"If you are looking for the next great work that suggests the identity of the antichrist, predicts the time of the rapture, highlights the solely Jewish flavor of the eschaton, and provides rich descriptions of the millennium, you can go ahead and put this book down. It's not about that. This book, Between the Cross and the Throne, by Matt Emerson, is about the book of Revelation. Emerson provides a rich mosaic of exegetical, biblical-theological, and pastoral scenery for the reader to enjoy and by which they will be instructed. Emerson provides those interested with simple but altogether adequate explanations of some of Revelation's complexities (a feat in itself), a paradigm to understand the shape and message of the book, and a beautiful portrayal of Jesus as King and Savior. I think it's the best thing like it in print. It will reward scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike who pick it up. We have used it in Sunday School at Redeemer Baptist Church to our great benefit. So get it and read it. You won't regret it. May the Emerson tribe be blessed!"
--Jeff Mooney, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Old Testament Theology