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The Latter Days in the Old Testament

Eschatology precedes soteriology. Find out why in this essay.

Two Ages: Evaluating a Biblical concept

If the cosmos has changed over time, as redemptive history has moved from through “five worlds” from creation (Genesis 1–2) to the new creation (Revelation 21–22), then there have also been covenantal changes, too. In the beginning, God made a covenant with Adam (Gen. 2:15–17; cf. Hos. 6:7), which is often called the “covenant of works.” Then, after the flood, God re-established a covenant with Noah and all creation. As Genesis 9:8–17 reports, God hung his bow in the sky as

Getting Into Macro-Eschatology: Seeing The Five Worlds God Has Made

Last Sunday I introduced something I called “macro-eschatology.” Macro-eschatology is an approach to redemptive history that sees the end of things (eschatology) as fulfilling, restoring, and superseding the beginning of things (protology). At the center of this approach to reading the Bible is the person and the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who stands at the center of God’s plan to unite all things in creation. As Ephesians 1:9–10 tell us, Christ is the one who will

The ABCs of Eschatology (Pt 2): 14 More Key words

Last time, I introduced fourteen key words for understanding some basic concepts in the study of last things (eschatology). Today, I will complete my basic glossary with fourteen more terms, in hopes that these definitions will help improve present and future discussions about eschatology. You can also listen to the Sunday School that explains many of these terms. And if you would like a handout of the glossary, scroll to the bottom. (15) The Intermediate and Final States. W

The ABC’s of Eschatology (Pt. 1): Key Words to understanding end times

Eschatology is a word that means the study (-ology) of last things (eschatos). And in that study there are lots of words that are familiar (*resurrection), unfamiliar (*preterist), and debated (*rapture). Likewise, terms like millennium and tribulation are ones that have multiple definitions, and figures like the *antichrist, whose common description may or may not match John’s use of the word. Knowing that sound doctrine and fruitful discussions require clear definitions,

Twelve Books to Read Before the End of the World

When I teach Systematic Theology to seminarians, I make students read two books on eschatology and I recommend about twenty. Since I recently began a Sunday School series on the subject of eschatology, I wanted to share that list with you. You can also listen to the classes here. The Two Most Important Books on Eschatology Benjamin Gladd and Matthew Harmon, Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church (2016). This is my go-to book for eschatolog

Announcing Our Third . . .

I am overjoyed to announce that we are expecting our third child in July. Here’s my announcement from Facebook: At Christmas this year, our joy was increased God gave his Son and more to the least. An extra stocking was hung by our chimney with care An announcement was made that we can now share. … Continue reading Announcing Our Third . . .

Whose ‘Blessed’? Five Reflections from the Psalms

Blessing. It’s what every wants, but few know how to get. In America, we have a certain brand of blessing that has come to be known as the prosperity gospel. You can find its explicit version on TBN and its more subtle form in a Christian bookstore near you. This subtler prosperity gospel comes with invitations … Continue reading Whose ‘Blessed’? Five Reflections from the Psalms

Christ Did Not Come for Chimpanzees

This month the New York Supreme Court is deciding on whether or not to rule on a case involving the legalization of chimpanzees as human persons. Yes, this is a real report, not one from The Onion. In the state of New York, the Nonhuman Right Organization is filing a lawsuit on behalf of four … Continue reading Christ Did Not Come for Chimpanzees

One Solitary Life

James Allan Francis was an early-twentieth century American pastor who authored a handful of books. He is also the “anonymous” author who stands behind the famous poem, “One Solitary Life.” This poem which often circulates at Christmas time is a testimony to the power of Christ’s humble life. As Christmas nears and we contemplate Christ’s … Continue reading One Solitary Life

Christmas in Dark Places

Okay, so I must make a confession. I have become quite a fan of spoken word poetry. I didn’t know quite what to think when Jefferson Bethke ripped religion and rhymed for Christ—after all Scripture does commend (some) religion (James 1:27). But I think I am catching up now. And, after learning more, I greatly … Continue reading Christmas in Dark Places

Can Anything Good Come From Geneva?

Today, Kevin DeYoung asked the question, “What Do You Think of When You Think of the New Calvinism?” His response would be like mine. I am grateful for the men, Reformed in their soteriology, who have enlarged my vision of God for the last decade. Without them, I would still be an open theist (or … Continue reading Can Anything Good Come From Geneva?

Calvin, Indefinite Language, and Definite Atonement

In his chapter on “Calvin, Indefinite Language, and Definite Atonement,” Paul Helm observes that Calvin’s universal language is pastoral in nature and necessary (and biblical) because of humanity’s epistemic condition. In other words, because humanity is ignorant of the future, the decree of God, and who God’s elect are, it is most appropriate for the … Continue reading Calvin, Indefinite Language, and Definite Atonement

Christ’s Priesthood and Definite Atonement

Last month, Justin Taylor interviewed a number of the contributors to the new book, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson. One of the questions concerned how Christ’s priesthood might relate to the extent of the atonement. In the … Continue reading Christ’s Priesthood and Definite Atonement

Remembering November 22, 1963: JFK, C. S. Lewis, and Aldous Huxley

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. What many people do not know is that on that fateful day, two other “world leaders” also died—C. S. Lewis (Christian apologist and children’s literary giant) and Aldous Huxley (author of Brave New World and many other works). In college, I came across these three … Continue reading Remembering November 22, 1963: JFK, C. S. Lewis, and Aldous Huxley

The Doctrine of the Trinity: Three Perichoretic Persons

A few weeks ago I began a three part series on the Trinity. The first post affirmed God’s oneness. The second began to explicate how the one God is three persons. Today, I finish my series by looking at how the one God in three persons lives and moves in the world he created. In Perfect … Continue reading The Doctrine of the Trinity: Three Perichoretic Persons

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