The copy I have was by P & R in 1954, and in the Foreword, OT Allis wrote: "Mr. Campbell...has come to the definite conclusion that the whole subject of the Christian task and hope needs to be restudied from a different viewpoint and with a different emphasis...He finds the key to the problem of the duty and destine of the church in the covenants which are set forth so plainly in the Bible."
Having just come out of Dispensationalism into the Reformed world, this book was extremely helpful in coming to grips with the importance of covenant theology for not only understanding the biblical past, but also the intentions of God throughout history - including the future. The new heavens and earth, new Jerusalem, new Temple, Christian prophecy (and many more issues besides) are some things he addressed in ways that were totally new for me in the mid-80's (my 20's), and set me on a path intellectually that I remain on. Further, it deals directly with Christian duty and mission as applications of the covenant.
I think it may be harder to find these days, but still one of the best fundamental books for theology/eschatology in my life.
This is a very challenging study with an excellent introduction by O.T. Allis. I especially appreciated the chapter entitled "Law and Grace." Campbell defines the Biblical term "law" in the following four senses, "(1) Moral Law as summarized in the 10 Commandments, (2) the entire Old Covenant legislation, (3) rites & ceremonies of the Old Covenant, (4) first five books of Moses, (5) The entire Old Testament except the prophets." Campbell goes on to discuss which senses of law are still binding, which are fulfilled in Christ.
This book shows that an consistent exposition of the great commission inevitably leads to an optimistic (and post millennial) worldview. It calls us to get to work and not to wait on supposedly future new things: the new order of things, new temple, new Jerusalem already came with the new covenant and inauguration of Christ the King!
One of the best books I've read. A treatise on the triumph of the Kingdom in this age. He speaks directly into pertinent issues far more than I could have anticipated by the title. I was constantly impressed from cover to cover at the quality, relevance, and variety of insights. Biblical, theological, practical. I hope this is republished at some point so I can get several copies to share with others.
This book includes a lot of great thoughts, however sometimes it reads like a Windows computer manual. It is thoroughly postmil and it would help the reader to have an introductory idea of that doctrine before reading this text.
This book is awesome! It is a biblical theology of the Great Commission, and shows how the modern church needs to get with God's program of world conquest. He doesn't come across as nagging, though. he simply argues for faithfulness in the small things and a devotion to the Bible. If we do those two things, the Great Commission will work itself out.