Christ Before the Manger: The Life and Times of the Preincarnate Christ

I love to read theological books, especially well researched ones written by intelligent authors. This book blew me away. After I read it, I never will view Jesus in the same manner again. Very few people understand who Christ was, and how he manifested himself and ministered to his people even before he was born in Bethlehem. Ron Rhodes writes, "The Old Testament is the history of Christ's love for us." That's not an exact quote, but I'll look it back up in my copy and correct it. But who thinks of the Old Testament as a history of Christ? You will, after you read this. This is probably one of the best books I've read on the divinity of Christ and the doctrine of the trinity. It makes its case thoroughly and understandably - striking a perfect balance between a well researched, and yet completely readible and clear text. It is also a book that so completely presents the biblical arguments for who Christ is, that it will strengthen your faith, and solidify your theology. I kid you not, there were times I cried reading this book! It opened my mind to the true magnificence and glory of Jesus. For a non fiction book, that is a great claim. If you are looking to be educated on the nature of Christ, and who He is, and His incredible love for us throughout eternity, this is the book. I could not recommend it any higher.

I read this book when it first came out in 1992 and it was by far the best written treatment that focused on Jesus before His birth and how abundantly clear was His fingerprint throughout all of the Old Testament. What really blew my mind after reading the book was how the Jewish priests like Nicodemus, who spent their entire lives reading the Old Testament, could ask Jesus the question "how can I return to my mothers womb?" after Jesus told him that in order to enter into the Kingdom of God one most be first born again, and Jesus replied, "Have you not read the Scriptures?" The implied response being I'VE BEEN PRESENT THROUGHOUT ALL YOUR WRITTEN HISTORY!! HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE SEEN ME?! ARE YOU THAT BLIND?! And the final analysis is...yes sinful human beings are "that blind". The good news is that the Bible takes away the scales, and Mr. Rhodes book acts as a nice tour guide throughout the Old Testament showing the evidence of Christ's active role in keeping the Father's eternal purpose with mankind's salvation.

This is a topic that is not-very-much discussed in Christian circles. Although many Christians assume that the first we read of Jesus Christ is at his birth, Rhodes thoroughly demonstrates that Jesus Christ is intimatily active in the pages of the Old Testament as creator, preserver, shepherd, savior, and more. He also effectively weaves together the Old and New Testaments. And the 7 appendices really fill out the book. They're historical and theological additions which weren't necessary but are a tremendous blessing. They make the book an A+.Rhodes does a great job writing at a level that most people can understand. I recommend this book for anyone seriously examining Christianity as it focuses on the very heart of our faith - Jesus Christ.

OK, what's going on here? I was about to order this book for a friend. It's one that I keep on my bookshelf and reference every once in a while. And it's not in print any longer? I'm not sure why. Rhodes does a good job showing the preincarnate Christ. He supports himself well, and there are a number of interesting appendices to boot. I only wish I could order it, but alas, it's not available. Truly, too bad...

I can't believe this book is out of print. Other than theBible it is the most important book I've ever read. It allows you tounderstand what Jesus did before He was born of Mary and to understand the Old Testament better. Find it and buy it.