Grace Seminary’s Dr. Matt Harmon Releases Book: ‘Rebels and Exiles’

Grace Seminary Professor of New Testament Studies Dr. Matt Harmon recently released a new book: ‘Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration’ with InterVarsity Press. The book traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God’s judgment and the hope of restored relationship throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. This is Harmon’s eighth published book in ten years.

“Helping people understand how the Bible tells one continuous story from Genesis to Revelation is one of my great delights and passions,” said Harmon. “Writing on this theme seemed like an excellent way to retell that story in a way that connects with our deep human longing to live in a place where every wrong is made right,” he said.

The book has received high praise. Dr. Stephen G. Dempster, professor of religious studies at Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, and author of “Dominion and Dynasty” — one of the most theologically foundational books for Harmon — left a rave review of “Rebels and Exiles.”

“Matt Harmon has his eyes on the biblical storyline in which there is a pervasive sense of exile, but his eyes are also on the contemporary reader, who senses that something is missing,” said Dempster. “This book brims with exegetical insights and contemporary reflections, is well-written and thoughtful and is a profound reminder of the lengths to which God has gone to bring his lost sheep home. It is also a powerful reminder to the church that we are not home yet. I enthusiastically recommend it!” he said.

The book is intended for “informed, lay-level readers,” according to Harmon. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, students and anyone who wants to better understand the storyline of the Bible could benefit from the book.

“This book is one of the most meaningful writing experiences I’ve ever had,” said Harmon. “The dark shadow of exile that hangs over both the biblical storyline and our experience in this world makes the bright light of the gospel even more compelling as we see what God has done through Jesus to bring us back to himself,” said Harmon.

Harmon talks more about his personal experience writing “Rebels and Exiles” on episode 44 of his podcast: Various and Sundry. Listen at directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/variousandsundrypodcast/id/16670153.

“Rebels and Exiles” can be found at www.ivpress.com/rebels-and-exiles or on Amazon.