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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

Don’t Despise the ‘Plain Things’ of Life: What the Lord Uses to Prepare His Ministers

Thinking about ministry and concerned about your ‘theological’ preparation? Consider that some of the greatest “pastor-theologians” (biblical authors) were entrenched in mundane occupations and the plain things of life for decades before God opened the door to ministry. For instance, consider Jeffery Niehaus’s words that remind us of Moses’ calling and equipping: When Moses flees … Continue reading Don’t Despise the ‘Plain Things’ of Life: What the Lord Uses to Prepare His Ministers

A Display of Glory: The Wizard of Westwood, The Wisdom of God, and The Witness of Your Church

On June 4 of this year, coaching legend John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood died at the age of 99. He holds the unique place in college basketball history as the only coach to win 10 National Titles–including 7 in a row– and 4 undefeated seasons. At one point, his UCLA Bruins won 88 games … Continue reading A Display of Glory: The Wizard of Westwood, The Wisdom of God, and The Witness of Your Church

Silas Graeme Schrock

At 3:07pm, God blessed our home with our second son: Silas Graeme Schrock. Our little guy, weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19.25 inches. He and mommy are doing well. Here are a couple pictures, which do not disclose the fact that he has dark, wavy hair :-) To God be the … Continue reading Silas Graeme Schrock

The Gospel and Wisdom: Learning to Apply the Gospel to All of Life

This evening, our church will look at the Book of Proverbs in our ongoing study of the Bible. In preparation this morning, I came across this helpful reminder by noted Biblical Theologian, Graeme Goldsworthy, that the gospel of Jesus Christ necessarily includes the conversion of the mind and the application of the gospel to all … Continue reading The Gospel and Wisdom: Learning to Apply the Gospel to All of Life

Why then the Law? : Counter-Intuitive, Gospel Logic

“Why then the law?” In Galatians 3:19, Paul poses that question, and in the rest of the chapter, he sets out to explain the purpose of the law. To answer his own question he says that the law came to increase sin (v. 19; cf. Rom 5:20; 7:7ff) and to imprison all mankind under sin … Continue reading Why then the Law? : Counter-Intuitive, Gospel Logic

Think Well!

Desiring God has put up a new video challenging American evangelicals to think and to think well. The first two minutes are worth a look (and so is the rest, as it begins to promo their upcoming conference: Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God). John Piper reminds us that our … Continue reading Think Well!

Redemption in the Key of D(avid): A One-Page Guide To Reading the Psalms Canonically

Yesterday I taught through the Psalms. 150 Psalms in about an hour. It was a fast-paced survey of how the Psalter moves… from the suffering and glory of the historical David in Psalms 1-72… to fall of David’s house and Israel’s exile because of their covenant breaking in Psalms 73-89… to a YHWH-centered interlude in … Continue reading Redemption in the Key of D(avid): A One-Page Guide To Reading the Psalms Canonically

Pre-Engagement: 5 Questions to Ask Yourselves (RCL Booklet 1)

What could be more delightful than answering questions with and about the one that you love? To the young couple dreaming about a life together, few things would make them happier than to answer questions about their love. Yet too often, too many couples go into engagement and marriage unprepared because they did not know … Continue reading Pre-Engagement: 5 Questions to Ask Yourselves (RCL Booklet 1)

Responsibly Submitting to God’s Sovereignty

I was not convinced of God’s “exhaustive, meticulous sovereignty” (to borrow Bruce Ware’s phrase) until September 11, 2001. I had been wrestling with the matter all summer. Conversations piled up. Readings on God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility proliferated. I had entered the summer as an ignorant open theist, had been confronted by a number of … Continue reading Responsibly Submitting to God’s Sovereignty

Why Should I Read My Bible?

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is composed of 22, 8 verse stanzas. In the original Hebrew, the Psalm follows the Hebrew alphabet, so that verses 1-8 all begin with “A” (or aleph), verses 9-16 begin with “B” (bet), and so one. All together, Psalm 119 contains 176 verses extolling the … Continue reading Why Should I Read My Bible?

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