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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

Don’t Waste Your Summer: Read the Bible

What is your church doing to redeem the time this summer? Here is something we started last night called “The Summer Biblical Triathlon.” Here is the invitation and explanation I gave to our church, Calvary Baptist Church (Seymour, Indiana) Don’t Waste Your Summer: How Will You Build Up Your Most Holy Faith? In the short … Continue reading Don’t Waste Your Summer: Read the Bible

Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (5): Conclusion

Last week, I took up most of the week to lay out the life and theology of “the father of liberalism,” Friedrich Schleiermacher. Today, I will briefly evaluate his legacy and suggest how Bible-believing Christians can learn from this heterodox theologian. Concluding Reflections In the end, Schleiermacher’s work has had long ranging effect. He has … Continue reading Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (5): Conclusion

George Smeaton on Christ’s Own System of Hermeneutics

Ever wonder how the apostle’s developed their particular brand of Christ-centered hermeneutics? This has been a frequently-discussed and hotly-debated subject over the last few years. Numerous books have addressed the subject. For instance, Greg Beale, ed. The Wrong Doctrine from the Right Texts?; Richard Longenecker, Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period; Dennis Johnson, Him We Proclaim; Sidney Greidnaus, Preaching Christ … Continue reading George Smeaton on Christ’s Own System of Hermeneutics

Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (4): The Church, Eschatology, and the Trinity

Yesterday, we looked at Schleiermacher’s theology of God, Sin, Redemption, and the person of Christ. Today, we will examine his views on the church, eschatology, and the Trinity. The Church The last section of his systematic theology is on the church. This breaks down into three sections—the origin, existence, and perfection of the church. On the … Continue reading Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (4): The Church, Eschatology, and the Trinity

Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (3): Theology Proper, Sin, Redemption, and Christ

Yesterday, we began to review the liberal theological approach of Friedrich Schleiermacher; today we will examine Schleiermacher’s view on theology proper, sin, redemption, and the person Christ. Theology Proper For Schleiermacher, God is unknowable. Again, Kant’s influence is most evident in theology proper and cosmology. He states that God is creator, and then defines creation as an ongoing … Continue reading Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (3): Theology Proper, Sin, Redemption, and Christ

Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (2): Introduction to The Christian Faith

Yesterday, we looked at the life of Friedrich Schleiermacher; today we will begin to explore his aberrant theology as articulated in his 760-page The Christian Faith. The Christian Faith The Christian Faith is the mature expression of Schleiermacher’s theology. Published in 1831, it showcases his views on every major doctrine of orthodox Christianity, but what … Continue reading Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (2): Introduction to The Christian Faith

Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (1): The Making of Friedrich Schleiermacher

Between the Reformation and John Calvin and the modern period of theology and Karl Barth, it is arguable that Friedrich Schleiermacher was and is the most influential Protestant theologian. Like Newton in physics, Darwin in biology, Freud in psychology, Schleiermacher’s approach to religion and theology served to introduce a whole new system—what would in time … Continue reading Getting to Know Friedrich Schleiermacher (1): The Making of Friedrich Schleiermacher

Who Is Friedrich D. E. Schleiermacher?

Who is Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher? (a) A nineteenth century German theologian? (b) A pietistic pastor with a funny name? (c) The father of liberal theology? (d) Or the unknown philosopher whose views on religious experience have shaped much of evangelical theology? How about (e) All of the above? Amazingly, Schleiermacher’s approach to theology has … Continue reading Who Is Friedrich D. E. Schleiermacher?

For Your Edification (4.30.12)

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 The Case for Adam and Eve. In case you haven’t noticed, the historicity of Adam is once … Continue reading For Your Edification (4.30.12)

An Anchor for the Soul

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. What does God promise his children? Help for today? Eternal life for the future? Healing from disease? A boat for the lake? How we answer these questions will determine how we approach life and God. Our prayers, our plans, and our personal finances will reflect … Continue reading An Anchor for the Soul

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