Jason Helopoulos, The Promise: The Amazing Story of Our Long-Awaited Savior (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 64 pp.
Reviewed by Josh Smith
This book is written for 4- to 10-year-olds. First, it describes important topics like the seven days of creation and the fall. The fall includes the lying serpent, which is important for the end of the book. Then it transitions to the promise of a coming Savior. Next, we take a journey through the Old Testament by discussing Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Saul and David. Finally, it describes some of the laws and rituals that Israel tried to keep in their relationship with God. The big emphasis is that none of the people or laws could fulfill the promise of salvation and reconciliation. The final part of the book focuses on the promised One. He arrives as the baby, Jesus, and His ministry culminates at the cross. He is able to do what none of the people or policies could – save us from our sin and crush the serpent’s head.
There are no direct Scripture references but there is a substantial amount of biblical content discussed. As a parent, you’ll want to take time to discuss the pictures, which tell much of the background information as well. The parent may also want to be prepared to provide a fuller explanation of salvation.
