Book Review: Discovering God’s Grand Plan Through Scripture

Book Review: According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy

It’s funny how God places things in our lives just when we need them. I found According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy in the most unexpected place—an op-shop. Tucked away on a dusty shelf, its title caught my eye. Little did I know that this unassuming find would profoundly deepen my understanding of the Bible and transform how I approach Scripture.

As someone passionate about living a Spirit-led life, I’ve always sought to grasp how the grand narrative of the Bible fits together. But, like many, I sometimes struggled to connect the dots between the Old and New Testaments or to see how the many stories in the Bible all point to Christ. Goldsworthy’s book changed that for me in such a meaningful way.

The most impactful realization I gained from reading According to Plan is how every part of the Bible—from creation to the cross, and even into eternity—unfolds God’s redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Goldsworthy has an incredible way of simplifying big theological concepts without losing their depth. He doesn’t just present a theory about the Bible’s unity; he guides you step by step through it, making you feel like you’re sitting with a wise friend who’s passionate about showing you how amazing Scripture truly is.

One of the moments that stuck with me was how he unpacked the promises in the Old Testament. I had always loved stories like those of Abraham or David but hadn’t fully appreciated how they were shadows of the greater fulfilment to come in Jesus. Reading this book opened my eyes to how every covenant, prophecy, and event reveals God’s faithfulness and His ultimate plan to save us through His Son. It’s a perspective that has made my Bible reading so much richer and more meaningful.

For new believers, According to Plan is a treasure trove. It’s perfect for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Bible or confused by its complexity. Goldsworthy provides a roadmap that simplifies without watering down the profound truths of God’s Word. He emphasises over and over again that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings but a single, unified story about God’s love, grace, and sovereignty.

Personally, I love that this book meets you where you are. Whether you’re brand-new to faith or have been walking with the Lord for years, there’s something here to help you see Scripture in a fresh light. For me, it’s been a reminder of God’s constant presence and His meticulous care in orchestrating history for His glory and our good.

As I reflect on finding this book in an op-shop, I can’t help but smile at God’s timing. It felt like He was nudging me to dive deeper into His Word and discover the beauty of His story, one that’s not just told in the Bible but is still unfolding in my own life and in the lives of all who trust Him.

If you’re someone who wants to see the bigger picture of Scripture or to better understand how God’s Word speaks to your daily life, I can’t recommend According to Plan enough. It’s more than a book—it’s an invitation to marvel at the God who has always had a perfect plan for His creation.

And if you ever see a book that catches your eye in an op-shop, grab it—you never know how God might use it to bless you!