Blog

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 Genealogy of Jesus Christ: A Christmas Meditation (Matthew 1:1-17)

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he says that the cross of Christ is a stumbling block for Jews (1:23). Due to the Law’s instruction, it is clear that law-abiding Jews would take offense at anyone hung on tree. As Moses announced in Deuteronomy 21:23, such a man was accursed by God. Understandably, the … Continue reading The Genealogy of Jesus Christ: A Christmas Meditation (Matthew 1:1-17)

The Word of God Made Possible: What the Reformation Teaches Us About Reading the Bible

From the time of Moses until now, God’s people have always been a people of the Book. At times, such Word-centeredness has been lost, as in the Late Medieval period or the Modernist era, but in its healthiest moments the church has prioritized God’s Word and has been blessed as a result. Today, as we … Continue reading The Word of God Made Possible: What the Reformation Teaches Us About Reading the Bible

The Seed of the Woman is Born: A Sermon on Matthew 1–2

When you preach a sermon, you never know exactly how it will be received or what responses it will generate. And this week, in response to last week’s message about serpents and serpent slayers, I received two pictures. Apparently, adding a few snakes to the Christmas decor works out well, as it celebrates the victory … Continue reading The Seed of the Woman is Born: A Sermon on Matthew 1–2

The Coming of Christ is the Fulfillment of the Pentateuch: A Christmas Meditation on Matthew 1–7

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. — Matthew 5:17 — When we say that Jesus fulfilled the law, we often abstract what the law means. That is, instead of letting “the Law” be the five books … Continue reading The Coming of Christ is the Fulfillment of the Pentateuch: A Christmas Meditation on Matthew 1–7

Putting First Things First in the Study of Last Things: Or, How to Find Eschatological Unity in Church

Eschatology, by its etymology, is “the study (logos) of last things (eschatos).” Yet, when we let the Bible, instead of the Bible dictionary, define eschatology, we find a different priority and wider application than just fixing our attention on the end of time. As G. K. Beale helpfully reminds us, “The apostles understood eschatology not … Continue reading Putting First Things First in the Study of Last Things: Or, How to Find Eschatological Unity in Church

So You Want to Go to Seminary: Seven Words for Aspiring Pastors

In recent months I’ve had the joy of talking to a few young men who are thinking about seminary. With that in mind, I want to share seven words of advice that come from my own experience, which inlcudes choosing a seminary, going through seminary, helping found a seminary, and now teaching at that seminary—Indianapolis … Continue reading So You Want to Go to Seminary: Seven Words for Aspiring Pastors

The Seed of the Woman Has Come: The Real Reason for the Season (Genesis 3:15)

15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”— Genesis 3:15 — When we lived in Indiana, our parsonage was located next to the church. The church sat at 1200 North Ewing, our home was next … Continue reading The Seed of the Woman Has Come: The Real Reason for the Season (Genesis 3:15)

Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl: A Short Introduction to the Bible

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.— Genesis 3:15 — In one sentence, can you give the message of the Bible? A few years ago, Dane Ortlund asked this question and received answers from a … Continue reading Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl: A Short Introduction to the Bible

The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God: Book Announcement

If the Lord wills . . . — James 4:15a — James 4:13–16 reminds us that the future is in the Lord’s hands, not our own. But that doesn’t mean we can’t plan or set dates. It just means we do so with a strong sense of the Lord’s sovereignty, not our own. With that … Continue reading The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God: Book Announcement

Avoiding Monsters in the Apocalypse: Three Requirements for Reading Revelation

“Though St. John the Evangelist saw may strange monsters in his vision, he saw no creature so wild as one of his own commentators.” — G. K. Chesterton — Few books are more mysterious, more difficult, or more confusing than the book of Revelation. Simultaneously, because of its sensational imagery and more than a few … Continue reading Avoiding Monsters in the Apocalypse: Three Requirements for Reading Revelation

150
Page 14