Overarching theme (of Scripture) “a people for His name”
I recently read an article (by Corey Marsh) in “Bibliotheca Sacra” (The Dallas Theological Seminary Journal) that sought to demonstrate a “doxological-historical” model for biblical theology as opposed to the more popular “redemptive-historical” model. The doxological model focuses on the theme of God's glory as progressing though canonical (inspired Scripture) history. The redemptive model views the history of redemption as the overarching framework of Scripture.
The article says, “God is glorious, so he created. He created so he could redeem. He redeemed so he could re-create. He recreated so he is glorified in all creation. Viewing Scripture as primarily doxological rather than redemptive safeguards God's place as sovereign who receives glory, providing a vital link connection creation to redemption to recreation.”
The article says it is the assumption of modern evangelical scholarship that views “humanity's redemption as the ultimate paradigm through which to understand all other biblical themes.”
The article says, “While both glory and redemption are related, even complimentary, concepts, they are distinct categories in Scripture. In simple terms, one is bigger than the other. The glory of God, as progressing throughout the canon and manifested throughout history, subsumes humanity's history of redemption. The bible, therefore, conveys a history of God revealing himself rather than a history of humanity.”
Could there be an alternative view as to the overarching theme of Scripture that incorporates both views, being the intent of God to have a people for His name? This view would include both the redemptive and the doxological ideas, because throughout time and in eternity, God will have a people to manifest his holiness and salvation, for His glory.
I have come to a modified form of dispensationalism that is based on the people of God for His purposes (his elect and servants) in (temporal) time, to show forth His holiness and salvation. And in the final state (the new creation), it will be a people for His name (His glory) among whom God will dwell. Following is a dispensational chart showing the dispensations according to this view. I will include Scripture that speaks of God having a people for His name.
And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:24
Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? Job 1:8
If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Numbers 12:6-8
For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6
Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. Acts 15:14
Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. Zechariah 8:23
In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance. Isaiah 19:24-25
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3