Book Review: Unlocking the Bible

Jeff Lasseigne, Unlocking the Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, and Why We Can Trust It. Baker Books, 2016. 315 Pages. 

Jeff Lasseigne has written a one volume introduction to the Bible. The book is arranged in two main parts: 

Part One: The Big Picture
This section really serves as a great overview of the Bible. Here, Lasseigne tells us the story of how we got the Bible and why we can trust it. This is simple, straightforward information that could be found in any reputable Bibliology. Lasseigne's targeted audience, though, isn't for scholars or pastors, but the laymen who probably won't be reading a systematic theology textbook.  Following this theology section, Lasseign shifts to surveying the Old and New Testaments and the period between the Testaments.  I was especially impressed with Lasseigne's ability to clearly and concisely explain the story line of the Bible.  One of the most helpful aspects of Unlocking the Bible is that Lasseigne will pause and explain pertinent, perennial issues that trouble believers.  For example, in his Old Testament survey, Lasseigne answers the question of how Old Testament believers were saved, or what role does the law have in the life of the believer. Following the survey, Lasseigne writes on how to study and teach the Scripture--hermeneutics and homiletics.

There are Seven Chapters in this first section:

1. How We Got the Bible
2. Why We Can Trust the Bible
3. Understanding the Old Testament
4. The Sounds of Silence
5. Understanding the New Testament
6. How to Study the Bible
7. How to Teach the Bible

Part Two: Books of the Bible 
This is exactly how it sounds. Every book of the Bible is treated covered with a few pages each. Each book is arranged the same way: 

• Important Information (Author, Theme, Category)
• Fascinating Facts (Unique facts about the book)
• Quotable Quotes (From scholars, pastors and writers on the book covered)
• Notable Notes (Additional information about the book)
• Christ Connections (How Christ can be seen in the book). 

Jeff Lasseigne desired to write a introductory volume that gives us a sound big overview of the Bible. He has succeed. This book is excellent. It is especially helpful for new believers or believers who have no idea what the Bible is about, and how it fits together or where to start reading.  This is a very basic and effective one volume resource to unlocking the Bible. 

Rating: Five Hatch Green Chiles out of Five

Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.