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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

Truth and Tradition: Or what Francis Turretin might say to Pope Francis

In light of the yesterday’s big news—the election of Pope Francis—it is good to be reminded why Protestants don’t have a pope but do affirm authority in the local church. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 reads, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you … Continue reading Truth and Tradition: Or what Francis Turretin might say to Pope Francis

Love the One You Write

Are you a writer? Do you want to write? Does your schooling, work place, or ministry call you to express yourself in words for the sake of others? If so, John Piper’s counsel on how to write with others in mind is worth ten minutes of your time. Pastor John challenges writers to love the … Continue reading Love the One You Write

A Dissertation Hiatus : Taking My Writing Off Line

It has been a few months since I last posted here. And I thought it might be worthwhile, for any who stumble upon this blog to know that Via Emmaus is not closed, but seasonally shut down. The reason? I am in the writing phase of my dissertation, and for the sake of other, more … Continue reading A Dissertation Hiatus : Taking My Writing Off Line

Eternal Judgment: An Unbelievable Problem or A Blessed Promise?

Yesterday, I argued that there is a certain kind of beauty to the reality of hell. Now, if that sentence is taken by itself, it sounds cruel and compassionless, but indeed when we consider what Revelation 19 records, we need to see that just as there is incredible beauty in the wedding feast of the … Continue reading Eternal Judgment: An Unbelievable Problem or A Blessed Promise?

Hell: A Terrible Problem or a Beautiful Promise?

Last year, Rob Bell’s controversial book Love Wins, a book about “heaven, hell, and the fate over every person”sold more than 185,000 copies. When it was released, it took the # 2 spot on the NYT best-seller list. For all of 2011 it went in and out of the “Top 100”—often in the Top 10. … Continue reading Hell: A Terrible Problem or a Beautiful Promise?

The Beauty of the Incarnation

When God created the world, he filled it with splendor and beauty. The sky above flashes a myriad of colors, and the world below is covered with majestic mountains, lush valleys, winding rivers, hidden lakes, and fields filled abundant wildlife. All of which highlight the wise creativity of our God. The beauty of our planet … Continue reading The Beauty of the Incarnation

Aesthetics Is Not Optional

Why aesthetics? Aesthetics is kind of a funny word. Using it in casual conversation could easily gain the charge of being esoteric (another funny word), but indeed, the word and its employment are essential for the Christian. Even those who have never dabbled in the academic discipline of aesthetics are being shaped by someone to … Continue reading Aesthetics Is Not Optional

Aesthetics 101: Learning to Look for the Beauty of Christ

Last week, I guest-posted (I guess that’s a word) on Trevin Wax’s blog, a meditation from Revelation 19 on “The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.” It was one of a couple meditations that came out of a series of sermons I preached last year on the subject of beauty–namely beauty as it is found in … Continue reading Aesthetics 101: Learning to Look for the Beauty of Christ

For Your Edification (7.27.12)

For Your Edification is a weekly set of resources on the subjects of Bible, Theology, Ministry, and Family Life. Let me know what you think or if you have other resources that growing Christians should be aware. BIBLE & THEOLOGY Kingdom Through Covenant. Justin Taylor, Vice President of Editorial at Crossway and blogger extraordinaire, has posted the first two … Continue reading For Your Edification (7.27.12)

An Appreciation for the Erudition and Evangelism of Stephen Wellum

Today, the CredoMag blog posted a link to the faculty address given by my friend and mentor, scholastic supervisor and former Sunday School teacher, Stephen Wellum. The faculty address concerns the biblical-theological implications of Christ’s priesthood and New Covenant mediation on the extent of the atonement and Baptist ecclesiology. This is an extrapolation of his larger … Continue reading An Appreciation for the Erudition and Evangelism of Stephen Wellum

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