It remains a reality that the proponents of dynamic equivalence and essentially literal translations are bound to clash. Here, Ryken lays the groundwork for why he believes Christian translators should stick with an essentially literal approach.

Scripture is clear that God is preparing a bride for his Son; this is what all of history is leading up to. Like Ruth, the bride of Christ begins as a foreigner from an immoral land steeped in idolatry; but in our desolation, we commit to him and he takes us in.

Faithfully preaching and teaching the Word must be the very heart of our ministry philosophy. Any other approach replaces the voice of God with human wisdom.

Knowing that God is a talking God helps us understand better one of the most important and precious possessions we have in all of life--our Bible.

By listening and following God?s Word, we image and display God?s character and glory, much like a king?s ambassadors.

Perhaps the most compelling benefit for doing biblical theology is that it deepens our understanding of and facility with the gospel.