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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

Gospel-Motivated Generosity is a Mark of True Obedience

Some of the largest philanthropists in the world are non-Christians. Agnostics love to give to their Alma Maters as much as Christians; and the generosity of many believers does not always spring from gospel-centered reflection on Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we need to think more carefully about the relationship between believing the gospel and obeying God’s … Continue reading Gospel-Motivated Generosity is a Mark of True Obedience

Spirit-Empowered Service is a Mark of True Obedience

For the first thirty-four chapters in Exodus, the people of Israel are consistently stiff-necked. Their speech is marked by grumbling; anxiety, fear, and accusations characterize the disposition of their hearts; and more than once Moses has to intervene on their behalf to protect them from God’s wrath. However, after Moses returns from Mt Sinai, something … Continue reading Spirit-Empowered Service is a Mark of True Obedience

Introducing Bezalel: A Temple-Building Son of Judah

Introducing Bezalel One of the main characters in Exodus is a man whose name only appears three other times in the whole Bible, and then only in genealogies in Chronicles and Ezra. His name is Bezalel and he plays an enormous role in the construction of the tabernacle. Exodus 31:1–5 introduces him saying, The LORD … Continue reading Introducing Bezalel: A Temple-Building Son of Judah

Feet and Inches: Christ Rules Over All Things

Reintroducing George Smeaton and Abraham Kuyper Writing on different subjects, in different language, but at roughly the same period of time, George Smeaton and Abraham Kuyper used synonymous language to describe Christ’s reign over the earth. Yesterday we introduced them; today we will compare and combine their statements to give a more full-orbed understanding of … Continue reading Feet and Inches: Christ Rules Over All Things

Why Business Matters To God

Occupy Wall Street. Obamacare. Socialism. Capitalism. Social Justice. All of these terms have gotten a lot of air time recently. And one thing that is clear is that self-described evangelicals are divided on what God says about business, money, and the use of wealth. Today I ran across a very helpful message on this subject … Continue reading Why Business Matters To God

George Smeaton and Abraham Kuyper on the Universal Reign of Christ

Solomon advises us that there is nothing new under the sun. Indeed, in the history of Christian thought, one would expect that under the Lordship of Christ and his church, the essentials of the gospel would remain consistent over time. Thus, while they need repeating in every generation because slippage is always a threat, there … Continue reading George Smeaton and Abraham Kuyper on the Universal Reign of Christ

Who Is Jesus?

Who is Jesus? In his commentary, Exodus: Saved For God’s Glory, Philip Graham Ryken gives an excellent answer to this essential question. Notice how he uses the typology of Exodus with its people, language, events, and descriptions to explain who Christ is. Jesus is the Moses of our salvation, the mediator who goes for us before … Continue reading Who Is Jesus?

What Can Make Me Walk Away From Sin?

[This article was originally featured in our hometown newspaper, The Seymour Tribune]. “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Encapsulated in these words is the profound truth that the God of heaven and earth has made forgiveness possible through … Continue reading What Can Make Me Walk Away From Sin?

The Creator and His Creation: For Which Do We Give Thanks?

Tomorrow, most of the country (USA) will sit down to enjoy turkey, dressing, and a bevy of other tasty plates. While consumerism, multiple helpings, and televised football encroach on the meaning of the day, for intentional Christians, Thanksgiving really can be a wonderful time of year to contemplate God’s goodness, his faithfulness, and his provision. … Continue reading The Creator and His Creation: For Which Do We Give Thanks?

The Goodness of God in What He Does

In Exodus 33:18, Moses makes one of the most audacious requests in all the Bible. After Israel is nearly destroyed and replaced by a people coming from Moses’ offsprings, Moses asks the God of the Passover and the Red Sea to show him his glory. Amazingly, God responds in the affirmative. In Exodus 33:19-34:7, God … Continue reading The Goodness of God in What He Does

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