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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

Repentance as a Gift in the Old Testament

Testamentum Imperium, an online international journal, just published a copy of a paper I wrote called “Repentance as a Gift in the Old Testament.” It traces the idea of repentance throughout the Old Testament and argues that God’s grace precedes and enables repentance, as it explicitly does in the New Testament (cf Acts 3:26; 2 Tim … Continue reading Repentance as a Gift in the Old Testament

Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church: An Interview with Michael Lawrence

John Starke interviews Michael Lawrence at TGC Reviews, senior pastor (to-be) of Hinson Church (Portland, OR) about his newly published book, Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church: A Guide to Ministry. In the interview, Michael helpfully defines biblical theology as a mediating discipline, which helps properly interpret and apply the Bible. Thus, he … Continue reading Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church: An Interview with Michael Lawrence

What does it mean to be a member?

What does it mean to be a member of a local church? John Piper gives a succinct answer that pushes against our Western individualistic impulses. Here is how he begins: What I mean by “member” is somebody who, whether by a signature or a word of commitment or promise, says, “I’m committed to a people, … Continue reading What does it mean to be a member?

Beware of “Do-It-Yourself Christianity”

Yesterday I preached on Galatians 2:17-21, and in my sermon I emphasized the dangers of “Do-It-Yourself Christianity.” I described it as the kind of Christianity that arises from a debtor’s ethic, one where someone saved by grace tries to ‘repay’ God for his grace. Paul adamantly opposed to this grace-nullifying kind of Christianity (Gal 2:21) … Continue reading Beware of “Do-It-Yourself Christianity”

A Word-Driven Ministry

On Wednesday night, I taught through the book of Nehemiah as a part of our year long journey through the Bible–Via Emmaus: A Christ-Centered Walk Through the Bible. My aim was to show the redemptive-historical features of the book and patterns of salvation that are extant in the book. However, the book also provides an … Continue reading A Word-Driven Ministry

The Self-Sacrificial Mission of the Law

We know that Christ was sent to earth to die for sinners. The Bible is clear on that matter: For God so loved the world that he gave his only son (John 3:16)… But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under Law, so that … Continue reading The Self-Sacrificial Mission of the Law

Holy Subversion in Your Worship Service

Trevin Wax offers some provocative thoughts on how we should order our worship services. He considers the place of national holidays for God’s multi-national church and ‘hallmark’ holidays for the people marked out by God. His comments arise from a recent article in Christianity Today, which offered a variety of opinions on Mother’s Day. He … Continue reading Holy Subversion in Your Worship Service

What is a Christian?

In his Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther has a number of choice statements about the gospel, faith, and conversion. Commenting on Galatians 2:16, hear how this Reformer defines a ‘genuine Christian’: (For those not familiar with King James English, please forgive the hath’s and saith’s) We therefore make this definition of a Christian: a Christian … Continue reading What is a Christian?

Gospel Reflections

Preaching through Galatians and attending Together for the Gospel have caused me to think a lot about the gospel lately–what it is, what it is not, how to preach it to those who “know the gospel,” how to speak of it gravity and glory to those who don’t know it. I have put down a … Continue reading Gospel Reflections

Wise Words on Pastoral Leadership

Tom Schreiner, New Testament professor at SBTS and prolific author, has some poignant words for young pastors. In his article on speaking the truth in love, he gives counsel to pastors on how to shepherd their flock with grace and truth. Pastors must speak the truth in love with Spirit-wrought patience, kindness, and endurance (cf … Continue reading Wise Words on Pastoral Leadership

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