Illustrated ESV Bible for Kids
New Morning Mercies
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 224 |
| Size: | 5.25 in x 8.0 in |
| Weight: | 10.0 ounces |
| ISBN-13: | 979-8-8749-0570-5 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9798874905705 |
| Published: | June 23, 2026 |
From Animal Sacrifices to Kings: How Mediators in the Bible Point to Final Redemption Through Jesus
How can immoral people approach a holy and just God? Humanity’s only hope of overcoming the barrier of sin is through Jesus, the “one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). This theme of mediation is at the core of the Old Testament. From animal sacrifices and altars to prophets, kings, and priests, each symbol conveys the authority, power, and presence of God. They are all, however, mere shadows of Christ, the one who will ultimately restore full access to the presence of God for everyone who believes in him.
In this rich, accessible study, Bible scholar Vern Poythress studies mediatorial figures throughout Scripture and explains how the recurring theme of mediation fits into the plan of redemption. He walks through several examples—including people, angels, and objects such as the ark of the covenant—showing how they all culminate in Christ, the final prophet, king, and priest. This concise study will give readers a better understanding of the Old Testament, the greatness of Jesus, and their own callings to channel the word and power of God.
- Accessible: Explains the plan of redemption by connecting Old Testament themes of mediation to their fulfillment in Christ
- Biblical-Theological Study: Surveys several types in Scripture, including individuals (Abraham, Joshua), acts (animal sacrifices), and objects (the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant)
- Practical Application: Explains the offices of a prophet (speaks the word of God), a king (exercises control over a kingdom), and a priest (serves to bring the presence of God to others), and shows readers how to carry out each calling in their own lives
- An Excellent Study Resource: Written for everyday Christians, this is also useful for seminarians and pastors
Author:
Vern S. Poythress (PhD, Harvard University; ThD, University of Stellenbosch) is Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for four decades. In addition to earning six academic degrees, he is the author of numerous books and articles on biblical interpretation, language, and science.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introducing the Challenge of the Old Testament
Chapter 1: Christ the One Mediator
Chapter 2: The Theme of Mediation
Part 2: Mediation in the Old Testament
Chapter 3: Mediation Before the Fall
Chapter 4: Mediation After the Fall—Genesis 3
Chapter 5: Mediators in the Patriarchal Period
Chapter 6: Mediation in the Time of Moses
Chapter 7: The Conquest Under Joshua
Chapter 8: From Conquest to Exile
Chapter 9: Post-Exilic History
Chapter 10: Old Testament Poetical Books
Chapter 11: Old Testament Prophetic Books
Part 3: Mediation in the New Testament
Chapter 12: Christ as the Mediator, in Fulfillment
Chapter 13: Mediation in the Gospels
Chapter 14: Mediation in Acts
Chapter 15: Mediation in the New Testament Letters
Chapter 16: Mediation in the Book of Revelation
Conclusion
Bibliography
Endorsements
“If you have found navigating the Old Testament to be tricky, then accept this invitation to join Vern Poythress as he charts the course, helpfully leading you all the way to Jesus.”
Alistair Begg, Bible Teacher, Truth for Life
“With depth of insight and simplicity of expression, Vern Poythress’s Mediator displays the beautiful patterns interwoven throughout the Bible’s tapestry, designs that focus on and find fulfillment in Christ Jesus, the only mediator between God and humanity. If you have envied the apostles, who learned from Jesus himself how to read the Old Testament, or if you long to perceive the network that links all Scripture to the Savior, you will delight in Poythress’s accessible introduction to robust, redemptive-historical biblical theology. Better yet, you will delight in the all-sufficient Redeemer, whose glory and grace fill every page of God’s word.”
Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California; author, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption; Let’s Study Acts; and Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims
“In this book, Vern Poythress richly unfolds the Old Testament types and shadows and shows us how, in all their diversity, they point us to the one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. It will open your eyes to many profound connections between different parts of the Bible. Highly recommended!”
Iain M. Duguid, Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary
“Vern Poythress takes the reader on a very stimulating journey through the Bible. He does this by following the theme of mediation defined very broadly to weave together the Bible’s threads into a tapestry portrait of the Son of God. In the end, the reader will see more clearly how the Savior emerges organically from Scripture’s unified story without erasing its real development through time and history. Follow along with Poythress, and enjoy the tour!”
S. M. Baugh, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Seminary California
“Vern Poythress continues to impress with his meticulous examination of the historically progressive unfolding of the theme of mediatorship in the Old and New Testaments. Tracing the development of the necessity of mediation from before the fall, all the way up to the consummation in the descent of the New Jerusalem, the author highlights the tightly woven threads that make up the fabric of creation and redemption that reach their culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one God-man able to stand between a holy God and a sinful people.”
Jeffrey C. Waddington, Minister, Presbyterian Church of Cambodia; Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, Covenant Mission Seminary Cambodia