Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything about Your Story

“Nancy Guthrie is one of the best teachers of Scripture I’ve ever heard or read. Her style—even in writing—is conversational. It’s like you’re sharing a cup of coffee while tracing the central motifs of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation. Eden was great, but the new creation will be greater than the first—not because this world will be no more, but because it will be so much more. It’s not only the end of sin and death, but the kind of righteousness and life that we just can’t wrap our brain around right now. But we do get glimpses—and no better ones than those that Guthrie brings out with such warmth, excitement, and skill.”
—Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

“Even Better than Eden weaves a glorious tapestry of variegated scriptural threads. Nancy Guthrie traces nine magnificent threads from creation to consummation that provide an accessible primer on the biblical metanarrative. Each thread, when unraveled, reveals the beauty and splendor of Jesus. The pages of this book fill me with an eager anticipation of the day when we will get to our home that will be even better than Eden and the completed work of art will be unveiled in all its glory.”
—Karen Hodge, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries, Presbyterian Church in America; coauthor, Transformed

“One of the weaknesses of much popular Christian teaching on the Bible is the tendency to read the story of the Bible in a circular manner, as if Jesus Christ came into the world to bring us back to Eden. Nancy Guthrie charts a better course in her book. In a manner that is profoundly biblical and deeply practical, she traces nine biblical themes along a common trajectory, from their beginning in God’s good creation, through their destruction and devastation by Adam’s sin, to the ways Christ perfects, consummates, and crowns each theme by means of his suffering and glory. Let Guthrie take you by the hand and lead you through the Bible to Jesus Christ, in whom we find a better provision, a better life, a better identity, a better rest, a better wardrobe, a better spouse, a better savior, a better sanctuary, and a better city than this world in its present state could or would afford.”
—Scott R. Swain, author, The Trinity: An Introduction; coeditor, The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology

“As a pastor, I have discovered that Christians need help learning to tell their own story in ways that rightly connect it to what God has preserved for us in his Word. With Even Better than Eden, Nancy Guthrie does just that. Here is a book that will train you to speak more winsomely to others about why and how Jesus matters.”
—David R. Helm, Chairman of the Board, Charles Simeon Trust; Pastor, Holy Trinity Church, Chicago

“This delightful book will help you see—through new eyes—the beautiful threads in the rich tapestry of the Bible’s story. I will be recommending this insightful and informative book to many.”
—Jonathan Gibson, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

“The more we understand the big story of the Bible, the more depth and riches we’ll enjoy in our own study of God’s Word. As I read this book, I learned so much in a way that deepened my love for the Lord Jesus—and I’m sure you will too. Even Better than Eden will help Christians of all ages grow in their grasp of how glorious Jesus is and help them long for the day when we get to see him face-to-face. Guthrie has written with both a clarity and richness of ideas that will set you off on the path to enjoy the whole story of Scripture for the rest of your life. I can’t wait to get into this book with the women at church.”
—Amy Wicks, Women’s Worker, St. Helen’s Bishopsgate, UK

“With characteristic clarity and wisdom, Nancy Guthrie helps us see the story of the Bible from ‘In the beginning’ to ‘Amen.’ Guthrie lovingly traces how the themes of the garden of Genesis point us to the city of Revelation, revealing the story of redemption they contain. This book is both useful and devotional, a help for all who want to grow in their understanding of God’s Word and will.”
—Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher; author, Women of the Word; None Like Him; and In His Image

“In this remarkable, beautiful, and hopeful book, Nancy Guthrie retells The Great Story and explains how each of our stories fit in. She shares why, despite the brokenness of everything and our best efforts to stoically accept a despairing conclusion, we can’t help but deeply long for a happy ending—to find our long-lost Eden. Nancy’s news is very good: if we’ll have it, there’s something even better than Eden to find. And our ending will only be a beginning.”
—Jon Bloom, Cofounder, Desiring God; author, Not by Sight

“With a rare combination of biblical faithfulness, theological insight, pastoral care, and storytelling skill, Nancy Guthrie has produced a remarkable book. Each chapter takes a different theme or image and tells the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. As a result, the reader grows in her understanding not only of how the Bible is put together, but of how awesome God is to weave the web of history and revelation for his glory and our salvation. And while this book will help everyone read and apply the Bible better, I especially appreciate the way in which Nancy reflects on the story of redemption as a woman speaking to women. This book should not only be read by women's ministry and Bible study leaders but also emulated in their teaching and discipling ministries.”
—Michael Lawrence, Senior Pastor, Hinson Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon; author, Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church