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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

The Bible Doesn’t Say ‘Join a Church,’ So Why Should I?

I have a friend who has been attending church regularly but is unconvinced about the need for church membership? He challenges, “Show me where it says in the Bible, ‘ Thou shalt become a church member.’” And truthfully, I cannot point to verse that says that one must become a church member. Nevertheless, I am … Continue reading The Bible Doesn’t Say ‘Join a Church,’ So Why Should I?

Gospel Themes in the Book of Leviticus

Reading Leviticus can be heavy sledding, but once you get familiar with the terrain, it can be incredibly profitable and encouraging. For instance, this morning I was reading about the Feasts recorded in Leviticus 23. For New Testament Christians, you should be able to see how these feasts, which were a part of Israel’s yearly … Continue reading Gospel Themes in the Book of Leviticus

9 Purposes of a Healthy Church: Reflections from Ephesians

The Church exists… To Display the Glory and Grace of God (Ephesians 3:9-12) To Unify the Saints of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6) To Equip the Saints for the Work of Service (Ephesians 4:7-11) To Grow Together in Grace & Truth (Ephesians 4:13-16) To Learn How to Walk Together in Love (Ephesians 4:25-5:2) To Walk Together … Continue reading 9 Purposes of a Healthy Church: Reflections from Ephesians

Church Discipline?

This Sunday, our church will meet to discuss a new church constitution and covenant. One of the additions to the constitution is the inclusion of the important and biblical, but often misunderstood, practice of church discipline. This Sunday morning I will be preaching on 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, addressing church discipline and why it is so important … Continue reading Church Discipline?

Ten Ways to Help You Read Leviticus

What is the Bible about? Well, if you are reading through the Bible this year, during the month of February, the Bible is all about food laws, leprosy inspections, and instructions about bodily discharges. Exciting stuff! For twenty-first century readers, understanding the significance of Leviticus, the book of the Bible where these things are found, can … Continue reading Ten Ways to Help You Read Leviticus

Thinking about the Atonement?!

Currently, I am taking a hiatus from my doctoral studies. Having recently moved to a new city, with a baby on the way, and learning what the daily life of a pastor looks like, I thought it best to ‘interrupt’ my studies for one semester. Which means I have less assigned reading, but more opportunity … Continue reading Thinking about the Atonement?!

Typology in Exodus and in Exegesis

Gareth Crossley, in his accessible and Christ-centered book on the Old Testament, The Old Testament: Explained and Applied, provides a sampling of just some of the typological features of Exodus. With a few adjustments, I find that his list helps us discern the way that the OT prepares the way for Jesus Christ’s greater exodus (Luke 9:31) … Continue reading Typology in Exodus and in Exegesis

Image-Bearers Make Peace

Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) The Bible says that those trusting in Jesus Christ are being conformed into his image on daily basis. Consider: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might … Continue reading Image-Bearers Make Peace

Worshiping in, through, and by the Word

Kevin DeYoung gives twenty-five compelling ‘words’ on why the Word of God is central in Christian worship. Against emotionalism, subjectivism, mysticism, and other forms of individualistic worship that is easily misguided, God’s Word leads us to worship our Christ in Spirit and in Truth. Consider DeYoung’s culminating word: The Scriptures cannot be broken (John 10:35). … Continue reading Worshiping in, through, and by the Word

The Living Church

The Living Church by John Stott is an excellent book for pastors and would be a helpful read for many congregations. It is an accessible book on the life of the church, where John Stott shows again why he has influenced evangelicalism for decades. His writing is clear, biblical, and urges strategic risk-taking for Christ’s mission of making … Continue reading The Living Church

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