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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

Prayer as a Theological Problem

Moses Prayer: A Problem in the Making Moses’ prayer not only provides a powerful example of intercession; it also presents a major theological problem: Does Prayer Really Change Things? The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the text makes Moses look like the good guy—the one who is emotionally stable–while God himself, looks like … Continue reading Prayer as a Theological Problem

True Confession: When “I’m Sorry, I Messed Up” Isn’t Enough

How often have you heard or said, “Yeah, I know I messed up. I’m sorry. I don’t know how it happened. I’ve got issues.” This language is typical in our day, when as a culture we have abdicated responsibility, absorbed psychology as a means of explaining sin issues, and abandoned God’s perspective on guilt and … Continue reading True Confession: When “I’m Sorry, I Messed Up” Isn’t Enough

Arguing With God: Prayer That Is Based On God’s Promises

Exodus 32:1-10 sets the context for Moses’ intercessory prayer in verses 11-14. Israel’s rebellion invokes the wrath of God, and now YHWH’s appointed mediator, Moses, steps into the gap between God’s holy wrath and Israel’s rightful destruction. He “implores” God for mercy. But what is striking is the way he does it. He does not plead … Continue reading Arguing With God: Prayer That Is Based On God’s Promises

Scripture is Our Guardian and Guide to True Worship (Sermon Notes)

True Worship is Revealed By God Yesterday’s post considered the way Exodus 32 warns us of false worship. It confronts the many ways we (unintentionally) bring ‘golden calves’ into our worship services, and it makes us ask whether or not the elements in our worship are biblically-grounded or not. Today, we aim to make a positive … Continue reading Scripture is Our Guardian and Guide to True Worship (Sermon Notes)

Beware of False Worship (Sermon Notes)

Exodus 32 is a tremendous vision of all that God hates about false worship. If we pay careful attention, the problem is not absence of worship, but absence of divine sanction. In other words, the problem is not rejection of religion or indifference to worship. The problem is that worship derives its origin from some … Continue reading Beware of False Worship (Sermon Notes)

Exodus 34:6-7 In Biblical-Theological Context

The Context of Exodus 32-34 Exodus 32-34 are at the center of the tabernacle section (Exodus 25-40). They function as a break between the instructions (25-31) and the construction (35-40). But the break is not just literary, it’s relational. After all that God has done for Israel—remembering them in Egypt, redeeming them from slavery, making … Continue reading Sermon Notes: Exodus 34:6-7 In Biblical-Theological Context

A Temple Story: Tracing God’s Presence Through Scripture

A Temple Story What is the best way to describe the Bible? Is it a collection of verses that supply promises and warnings for the Christian life? Is it a collection of books that each point to Jesus Christ? Or is it an epic story of Paradise Created, Paradise Lost, Paradise Promised, and Paradise Made … Continue reading A Temple Story: Tracing God’s Presence Through Scripture

The Sweet-Smelling Aroma of Prayer (NT)

Not only does the New Testament develop general themes of Christ’s fulfillment of the tabernacle. It also picks up more specific details, like that of the golden altar of incense. Yesterday, we considered the law and the prophets on this theme. Today, we venture into the New Testament. 4. Christ’s offering is fragrant and acceptable … Continue reading Sermon Notes: The Sweet-Smelling Aroma of Prayer (NT)

The Sweet-Smelling Aroma of Prayer (OT)

TEST CASE # 2 :: The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10; 34-38) For the last two days, we have looked at Exodus 29 and the consecration of the priesthood, today we will move to a section of the tabernacle furniture that is a little more obscure: The Altar of Incense. How should we understand this … Continue reading Sermon Notes: The Sweet-Smelling Aroma of Prayer (OT)

Christ’s Consecration is Our Confidence (NT)

Picking up where we left off, the New Testament comes in looking backward, looking at God’s covenantal promises, and then it begins to show how Christ fulfills them all. So we move from prophetic anticipation, to Christotelic (Christ in the end) fulfillment. 4. Christ fulfills Zechariah 3. Not simply by being a perfect Levitical priest, … Continue reading Sermon Notes: Christ’s Consecration is Our Confidence (NT)

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