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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

Politics According to the Bible (3): Biblical Principles

[This is the third in a series of posts on Wayne Grudem’s Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture]. Before we can examine specific political questions in light of the teachings of the Bible, it is necessary to study what the entire Bible teaches about civil … Continue reading Politics According to the Bible (3): Biblical Principles

Politics According to the Bible (2): Significant Christian Influence

[This is the second in a series of posts on Wayne Grudem’s Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture]. In his second chapter, Wayne Grudem advocates “A Better Solution,” what he calls “Significant Christian Influence on Government.” In his proposal, he surveys the Bible to … Continue reading Politics According to the Bible (2): Significant Christian Influence

Politics According to the Bible (1): Five Wrong Views

[This is the first in a series of posts on Wayne Grudem’s Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture]. Wayne Grudem begins his discussion of politics and the Bible by outlining five wrong views. These include: (1) Government Should Compel Religion, (2) Government Should Exclude Religion, … Continue reading Politics According to the Bible (1): Five Wrong Views

Politics and the Bible

Wayne Grudem has come out with a massive volume on politics and the Bible (619 pages). It is entitled Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture, and it contains biblical exegesis, theological reflection, and ethical discussion about ‘everything’ that one may encounter in the world of … Continue reading Politics and the Bible

William Wilberforce: A Factory of Good Works

I love the way politician William Wilberforce united his faith to his legislative action. For those who don’t know Wilberforce, he was the single driving force in England to end the slave trade. He was a peer of John Newton, pastor and author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” He was a bold advocate for public … Continue reading William Wilberforce: A Factory of Good Works

A Spiritual Fruit Inventory

Most church-going Christians have participated in a Spiritual Gifts Inventory (SGI). You know, the one where you sit down to fill out a paper-and-pencil test of things you like, don’t like, are good at, bad at, and don’t know. Personally, I am not a fan. It is a fleshly way of discerning the Spirit’s work … Continue reading A Spiritual Fruit Inventory

A Man’s Spiritual Toolbox

A few weeks back, I had the privilege of speaking to the men of Terrace Lake Community Church, a sister SBC church, in our association. We had a great time considering what Scripture teaches about manhood, and I wanted to lay out a few books, resources, and websites that would help them (and anyone else) … Continue reading A Man’s Spiritual Toolbox

Martin Bucer on Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King

This fall I am writing a paper on the atoning work of Jesus the Christ as (1) Prophet, (2) Priest, and (3) King and how these relate to the church and the world. So as I come across rich quotes, I will be putting them up. I hope they will encourage any who take the … Continue reading Martin Bucer on Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King

A Christ-Centered Walk Through the Old Testament

Since January, I have been teaching the Bible, book-by-book. Last week, I finished the Old Testament. It has been a joy and a challenge to understand, synthesize, and communicate each book of the Old Testament. I am thankful for the receptive congregants who attend each week. We have had some wonderful questions and conversations, and … Continue reading A Christ-Centered Walk Through the Old Testament

Beware of ‘Airy Nothings’: Hugh Martin on the Atonement

Anyone who has spent time studying the nature of the atonement knows that there is much debate around the unpopular notion of penal substitution. Even in the last few decades, “crucicentric” evangelicals have begun questioning the atonement and its penal nature, along with its substitutionary role in salvation. In its place have arisen a bevy … Continue reading Beware of ‘Airy Nothings’: Hugh Martin on the Atonement

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