"Face to Face with God" T. Desmond Alexander. A Review

 

Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator

T. Desmond Alexander

IVP Academic

IVPress.com

ISBN:9780830842957; March 2022; $24

 

There are those places in Sacred Scripture, filled with the minutiae and meticulous details, where one least expects to find gold or diamonds. Part of that is because of our present moment and our lack of experience. We bumble through those passages struck by how distant we are from sacrifices, blood, ashes, priestly functions, etc. T. Desmond Alexander, senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has given us a hand in his new 176-page paperback, “Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator”. It is a straightforward, in-depth biblical study into priesthood and tabernacle, and the ascended role of Jesus as great high priest in the heavenly sanctuary. This volume is part of the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series by IVP Academic, edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. As I write this review, it is Ascensiontide, and this has been a perfect book for this season! 

When talking about biblical priests, one must spend a large amount of time lingering around the tabernacle and temple. And Alexander does just that. From describing what the portable sanctuary was for (as well as its more permanent replacement), how it functioned in the imagination and perspective of God’s people, to the role of the priestly attendants, the author easily walks the readers around like a dedicated docent. And as he takes us on a tour through the sacred campus, he stops in places and points out the surprising golden nuggets lying about in the details. For example, when chronicling God’s direction for building the tabernacle, the author points out that “God’s words emphasize that he rescues the oppressed Israelites from Egypt in order that he may reside with them” (13). That is a beautifully profound observation! 

But Alexander has Jesus on the brain. And so, his investigation into the sanctuary and celebrants of the Hebrew Scriptures is intended to draw us to Jesus, especially as the letter to the Hebrews describes him. As he draws together those purposes and programs of the Old Testament, he shows why they’re such significant background to who Jesus is, what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people. The mediator of a better covenant, the great high priest, the intercessor, the one who enters the heavenly sanctuary for us, the one who is priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, and more. “The core tasks of reconciliation and intercession can be undertaken only by those appointed by God…The primary focus of this book is on the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ,…” (123). And the author does exactly what he is aiming for. 

I have two quick disagreements with the book, and a ton of praise. My first disagreement has to do with the way the author describes the priests moving the portable sanctuary “with all its furnishings”. The author says that the portable sanctuary and all its furnishing were “transported in six covered carts, pulled by twelve oxen” (15) and references Numbers 7:2-9. The reality is that the furnishings (altars, menorah, etc.) were never to be lugged around on carts (Numbers 7:9) but to be carried by the priestly Kohathites. It’s minor, but important, and will help to explain why, many years later, God will break out in anger against the Kohathite priest, Uzzah (2 Samuel 6). 

My second disagreement has to do with Jesus being the “firstborn”. “The concept of “firstborn” implies that others will be born afterward” (124). That statement is fine as it stands, but when attributed to our Lord, it means far more. It refers to Jesus being a descendent of David (Messiah and king), “And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (Psalm 89:27). 

Beyond those two niggling variances, there is so much in this book that is beautiful and beneficial. I appreciated, for example, his observation on how ceremonial uncleanness “is also associated with death” (49). A thought I’d never picked up before. For another, the author shows that holiness “is associated with perfection, purity, and wholeness” (48), which seems to (rightly) push back on John Walton’s misguided notions. Even if Alexander didn’t have Walton in mind, his point is a good corrective. And I could pile on many, many more examples where Alexander scores the winning shot. 

“Face to Face with God” is a valuable book. It will guide readers into a greater appreciation for what our Lord has achieved for his people, and what he is still achieving. It will also open some much-needed understanding on the letter to the Hebrews, as well as the last half of Exodus and Leviticus. This volume is perfect for anyone wanting a better grasp on who our Lord Jesus is, what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people. It would make a solid book study for an adult class, and makes for delightful devotional work. I highly recommend the book. 

Much thanks goes to IVP Academic. They heeded my request for this book to review and sent it to me with good haste. They made no demands on me and allowed me to come up with my own evaluations. Therefore, the analysis above is mine, all mine! And I have freely given it to the reader.