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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

Speaking of the Trinity

Keith Johnson, in his insightful new book, Rethinking the Trinity and Religious Pluralism, provides a concise survey of Augustine’s trinitarian theology. He marks four traits about Augustine that are often obscured or slanted (52-55): (1) Key to Augustine’s understanding of the trinity was the “inseparable operation” of the divine persons, meaning that in creation and salvation all … Continue reading Speaking of the Trinity

Babylon: A Typology

Babylon functions as a negative type in the biblical storyline, one that is important to notice and understand as you read through Scripture. In Genesis 11, the secular spirit of Babylon is introduced; it continues through the Old Testament, as the nation-state of Babylon arises and opposes God’s people; and finally in the New Testament, … Continue reading Babylon: A Typology

God’s Wise Restraint: Reflections on Common Grace

Common grace. It is a term and idea that is helpful and necessary for understanding God’s relationship with a fallen world. Wayne Grudem in his Systematic Theology defines common grace as “the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation.” However, it is more than just non-salvific blessings. It … Continue reading God’s Wise Restraint: Reflections on Common Grace

Slugs and Bugs and Lullabies

One of our favorite things to listen to at our house is Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame’s Slugs and Bugs and Lullabies. Recently, I discovered that they have been making clever music videos and sticking them up on YouTube. Here is a sampling. The first two have solid Christian teachings for kids; the last two are … Continue reading Slugs and Bugs and Lullabies

A Covenant with Creation: Isaiah’s Reading of Genesis 1 and 2

Yesterday, I cited Willem Van Gemeren’s reading of Jeremiah 31 and 33 to argue for a covenantal reading of Genesis 1-2. Today, I will cite his observations on Isaiah. Van Gemeren writes, Isaiah’s language of God’s covenantal commitment is a most important commentary on Genesis 1 and 2. he uses words for creation (‘form,’ ‘make,’ … Continue reading A Covenant with Creation: Isaiah’s Reading of Genesis 1 and 2

A Covenant with Creation: Jeremiah’s Reading of Genesis 1

There has been much discussion on whether or not Genesis 1 and 2 involve a covenant with Adam or with creation. Scholars like Paul Williamson, Sealed with an Oath, have vehemently denied it; others like William Dumbrell, Creation and Covenant, have affirmed it. While the term “covenant” (berith) does not appear in Genesis 1-2, I am persuaded by a number of … Continue reading A Covenant with Creation: Jeremiah’s Reading of Genesis 1

Biblical Interpretation Requires Both Testaments

At the close of his introduction to The Progress of Redemption, Willem Van Gemeren summarizes the need for including both testaments in our interpretation of the Bible. Interpretation also involves equal concern for the Old and New Testaments. When the two parts of the Bible are held in careful balance, the continual tension between law and gospel, … Continue reading Biblical Interpretation Requires Both Testaments

A Beautiful, Scandalous Night

A number of years ago The Smalltown Poets—who remain one of my favorite CCM bands—covered the song, “A Beautiful, Scandalous Night.” It is a powerful meditation on the horrific and glorious reality of Christ’s death. Here is a video to the song, done by the original artist, The Choir. As you approach Easter, may the … Continue reading A Beautiful, Scandalous Night

What is Good About Good Friday?

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. What makes Good Friday good? What is good about illegal arrests, puppet trials, executing the innocent, and setting free the guilty? Nothing. And everything. For centuries, Christians have deemed the Friday of Jesus’ death “Good Friday.” But why? How? When the day centers on death … Continue reading What is Good About Good Friday?

Go and Hide No More

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid. And we, their children, have followed suit. Without even knowing it, men and women hide themselves behind alcohol, drugs, clothes, makeup, cars, accomplishments, hobbies, sarcasm, aggression and on it goes. Instead of using God’s created … Continue reading Go and Hide No More

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