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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

Between Darkness and Light: The Lord Who Ordained the Darkness

On Monday, we observed seven ways in which the setting for Christ’s birth was full of darkness. Today, we will continue to look at the birth of Christ, but now from the angle that it was the Lord who creates light and darkness (Isa 45:7) that brought about the darkness so that the light of … Continue reading Between Darkness and Light: The Lord Who Ordained the Darkness

Lottie Moon: Sovereign Suffering and Sanctification

In China (1873-1912) When Lottie arrived in China her attitude was not so Christ-like. Raised in a home of great means and education, Lottie displayed great sophistication and intellect. However, she also held a racial superiority over the Chinese, a way of thinking prevalent in the slaveholding South. As a result, she entered China very … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Sovereign Suffering and Sanctification

Lottie Moon: Her Conversion and Call to China

Conversion Just before Christmas of 1858, Lottie Moon was converted. And I say converted because it is evident that God acted upon her. Like Romans 3 says, she was not seeking after God. As she was pursuing vain things; God’s grace broke into her heart. By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Her Conversion and Call to China

Lottie Moon: Her Upbringing and Education

Each year at Christmas, Southern Baptists turn their attention to the nations and raise funds for the missionaries sent out by the International Mission Board. The giving campaign is named after Lottie Moon, an inspirational missionary to China in the nineteenth century. Many know the story of Lottie Moon, but many do not. So for … Continue reading Lottie Moon: Her Upbringing and Education

Darkness: The World In Which Christ Was Born

The Darkness While we think of Christmas as a season of light, the truth is, the birth story of Jesus Christ is filled with darkness. Anticipating the birth of the Christ child centuries before Mary was great with child, Isaiah writes that the light that was coming into the world, came to a people shrouded … Continue reading Darkness: The World In Which Christ Was Born

The Glory of God In The Heavens

At Christmas time, God’s glory is seen in the babe born in the manger, but in truth, the glory of God reflects in all creation. Psalm 104 describes this glory, and the first place to see God’s great glory is in the heavens. Consider three ways that God’s glory is seen in the canopy that … Continue reading The Glory of God In The Heavens

Psalm 104 and Genesis 1 in Graphic Display

In his brief but illuminating commentary on the Psalms, Derek Kidner graphs the relationship between Genesis 1 and Psalm 104. I have reproduced an expanded version of his exegetical chart below. It shows well how the Psalmist wrote his hymn of praise in the light of Moses creation account. Creation Day Formed … Continue reading Psalm 104 and Genesis 1 in Graphic Display

Seeing the Glory of God in Creation: Genesis 1 and Psalm 104

Psalm 104 is an elongated meditation on God’s creative glory. It is a hymn of praise, that seems to be intentionally paired with Psalm 103. Both begin the same way: “Bless the Lord, oh my soul!” They are both hymns of praise: Psalm 103 is praise for God the Savior-King; Psalm 104 praise for God the … Continue reading Seeing the Glory of God in Creation: Genesis 1 and Psalm 104

Beholding the Beauty of Christ in Wal-Mart: The Backstory

Christmas is a beautiful time of year, one that prompts giving, singing, family gatherings, and worship of our Savior born in Bethlehem. Contemplating these things, I wrote an article for our church newsletter that The Gospel Coalition also ran on God’s hidden beauty revealed at Christmas. To give a little backstory, I wrote it on … Continue reading Beholding the Beauty of Christ in Wal-Mart: The Backstory

Advent: God With Us

Here is a great Christmas video, an Advent Meditation, put out by The Village Church near Dallas, Texas. Enjoy and Rejoice! (HT: J.T. Hutts)

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