Abstract
‘Why did God need a Plan B when He created humans? Why did He create us if He knew we were only going to fall?’ This is something typically heard as an apologist and Christian, but unfortunately few can answer, and even fewer can answer well. M. Jeff Brannon’s text aims to remedy this gap. This text is scholarly, enabling it to be used in the classroom, and clear enough for the average person with limited or no theological training to understand.
Brannon’s approach is simple, but profound. Keeping with his stated purpose of tracing the theme of resurrection in the whole of Scripture, he begins with the creation and fall of humanity. It is in the literal reading of Genesis 1-3 that the anchor for all that follows is established. Then, like a skilled surgeon he takes the found thread and begins to pull it through the Jewish Tanakh, examining how the doctrine of resurrection was being developed first in the Pentateuch and history, then Sayings and Songs, then the Prophets. Further, that thread is shown in relation to and through progressive revelation and the covenant of God as given by God to Israel. Only after demonstrating the biblical underpinnings for this doctrine, as found through progressive revelation, long pre-dating the writers of the New Testament, we begin to see the very clear image that resurrection, not only for Jesus but also for all believers, was always the plan. Brannon demonstrates clearly resurrection was the plan.
What some may find intriguing about this text is the way other elements, often considered peripheral by many, are intertwined. By way of example, Brannon demonstrates how in the beginning there were people in a right relationship with God in a specific location. Likewise, this resurrection promise that would go out to the world necessitates we understand the importance of the people (Israel as a chosen people through whom the world would be blessed), as well as the significance and necessity of the land promise. The fix for the fall is a multifaceted gem, with resurrection being both the promise and the hope, with Jesus being the demonstration of the reality.
This is an outstanding resource that should be read by every Bible, theology, and apologetics professors as well as all ministers. We recognize the resurrection as essential when it comes to the Gospel message and Jesus, but all too often the average Christian misses the implication of that first resurrection in relation to all believers who have or will live. A solid biblical understanding of the truth of resurrection is offered in these pages, meaning we can answer with confidence, there was never a plan ‘B’.