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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

Learning to Pray With Moses (Exodus 33:12-15)

Perhaps one of the greatest ways to learn how to pray is to listen to great pray-ers. This can and should be done in the interpersonal context of a local church, but not only there. Scripture is another excellent place to learn how to prayer. There, in the inspired pages, we find eminent saints who … Continue reading Learning to Pray With Moses (Exodus 33:12-15)

Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace

When it comes to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, there are many things I am speculative about. When I read his The Cost of Discipleship–a classic piece of Christian literature–I got the impression that he was conflating justification by faith along with works. More sympathetically, I believe he was calling his fellow Lutherans to make sure that they … Continue reading Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace

Christ Is a Blazing Sun, His Word is a Lightning Bolt

Asking the question, what are preachers sent to do, Doug Wilson gives a powerful and clear answer in his Desiring God message from 2009. Here is what he says, We are not sent to preach a distant star or moon. We are sent to preach a blazing sun that lights and heats every creature, that … Continue reading Christ Is a Blazing Sun, His Word is a Lightning Bolt

Gospel Logic: Taking God at His Word

Over the last week, I put up a handful of posts on how the Old Testament saints reasoned from the promises of God in order to follow God in amazing ways. That is, they did not simply do what they were supposed to do, because they were unswervingly obedient. Rather, the promises of the gospel … Continue reading Gospel Logic: Taking God at His Word

What God Commands, He Gives: A Reflection on 2 Peter 1:3-11

Augustine once said, “Command what you will, oh God, but give what you command.” This prayerful axiom is an incredibly important lesson for Christians to learn: That the God who demands perfect righteousness supplies all that he demands. This is the good news of New Covenant. 2 Peter 1:3-11 One place where this truth becomes … Continue reading What God Commands, He Gives: A Reflection on 2 Peter 1:3-11

Gospel Logic from Psalm 103

Gospel Logic Remembers God’s Covenant Faithfulness. This week we have been taking especial note of the way biblical characters think. Since our mind is the seat of all change in our lives, and because God’s word has called us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:1-2), and because God has supplied … Continue reading Gospel Logic from Psalm 103

Gospel Logic in Psalm 42-43

Gospel Logic Replaces Personal Sorrow with Heavenly Promises. Nowhere is this method of mental and emotional exchange more evident than in Psalm 42-43. Following the train of thought begun with the gospel logic of Abraham and Moses, today we will turn from descriptive prose to two enumerated lists to unpack the plight experienced by … Continue reading Gospel Logic in Psalm 42-43

Moses’ Gospel Logic

Yesterday, we saw how Abraham wrestled with God’s word in order to believe his promise (Gen 15:6) and to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:1ff). We called such thinking that gave precedence to God’s revelation over our reasonable (or unreasonable) feelings “Gospel Logic.” Today, we turn to Exodus 32 to see how Moses engaged in the … Continue reading Moses’ Gospel Logic

Abraham’s Gospel Logic

Abraham’s Gospel Logic If we define Gospel Logic as the mental act of interpreting life in light of God’s promises, the first major figure in the Bible who engaged in the activity was Abraham. Called from worshiping idols in Ur, to become the father of God’s chosen race, Abraham was a man who must have … Continue reading Abraham’s Gospel Logic

Gospel Logic: Learning to Take God at His Word

In his enriching and practical book, When I Don’t Desire God, John Piper points out an important lesson about the need to preach the gospel to yourself. In a section entitled, “Become a Preacher and Preach the Gospel to Yourself” (pages 80-81), Piper speaks to all Christians, but especially to those who do not get … Continue reading Gospel Logic: Learning to Take God at His Word

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