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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

Three Views on the NT Use of the OT: Peter Enns

In Three Views on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, Peter Enns, Darrell Bock, and Walter Kaiser present three different approaches to biblical interpretation. They address questions concerning sensius plenior, typology, Jewish methods of interpretation, matters of contextual interpretation, and whether or not we today can interpret the Bible like the New Testament authors. … Continue reading Three Views on the NT Use of the OT: Peter Enns

Irenaeus of Lyons: A Faithful Church Father

A Man Worthy of Consideration and Imitation (Heb. 13:7) After surveying Irenaeus Against Heresies it is evident that the Bishop of Lyons is a man committed to Scriptures and thus worthy of emulation in many ways. His vehement opposition to Gnostic heresies, his unwavering commitment to the Word of God as authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient, … Continue reading Irenaeus of Lyons: A Faithful Church Father

Irenaeus’ Typology: Specificity and Predictive Prophecy [6]

[This is the second part of Irenaeus’ view of typology (Part 1), the sixth part of a series examining the hermeneutics of the Bishop of Lyons]. Yesterday we argued that Irenaeus’ typology was rooted in history and attempted to ground all typical references in the text. Today we will consider two more features of his typology, that … Continue reading Irenaeus’ Typology: Specificity and Predictive Prophecy [6]

Irenaeus’ Typology: History and Textual Warrant [5]

[Thus far we have introduced Irenaeus, considered his view of Scripture, and his biblical theology; today and tomorrow we will look at how Irenaeus used typology. Enjoy]. An Evaluation of Irenaeus’ Typology In reading Against Heresies, it becomes apparent that typology is a primary means by which he explains the OT and NT. Appealing to … Continue reading Irenaeus’ Typology: History and Textual Warrant [5]

Lucifer, a Type of Christ? Michael Haykin answers a puzzling quote from Jonathan Edwards

[This is for Chip Dean who started the whole thing]. On his Church History blog at The Andrew Fuller Center (SBTS), Dr. Michael Haykin has answered a question today concerning Jonathan Edward’s view of Lucifer as a type of Christ in his post “Jonathan Edwards on Christ and Lucifer.” The question arose from Edwards’ miscellanies … Continue reading Lucifer, a Type of Christ? Michael Haykin answers a puzzling quote from Jonathan Edwards

Piper at ETS: Stealing God’s Glory, Steals the Joy of Others

For nearly three decades, John Piper has preached a message of God-centered exultation (and exaltation). He has traveled the country proclaiming that God’s greatest interest is…God. And if you have read him, you know of his passion for expository exaltation of this singular truth–white-hot worship of the all-glorious God. Most recently, Piper took his message … Continue reading Piper at ETS: Stealing God’s Glory, Steals the Joy of Others

The Biblical Theology of Irenaeus [4]

[This post is the fourth in a series on the biblical theology of Irenaeus of Lyons found in Against Heresies]. Working against an atomistic reading of Scripture, Irenaeus appeals to the variegated testimony of the Old Testament that finds unity in Christ (cf. Eph. 1:10).[8] Drawing on these OT witnesses, Irenaeus vindicates the virgin conception … Continue reading The Biblical Theology of Irenaeus [4]

Irenaeus Upholds Sola Scriptura [3]

Long before Paul Tillich, men like Valentinus were engaging in theological accommodation and “methods of correlation.”[1] David Dockery says of Valentinus, “His hermeneutical approach was more sophisticated than Marcion, beginning with a simple literal interpretation of the biblical passages and moving to a more esoteric instruction on ethical and spiritual truth.”[2] In response, Irenaeus excoriates … Continue reading Irenaeus Upholds Sola Scriptura [3]

Irenaeus’ Against Heresies: A Brief Overview [2]

In Against Heresies, Irenaeus spends the first two books understanding the Gnostics and refuting them at every turn.[1] His arguments are logical, but more importantly they are biblical. In contradistinction from Justin Martyr and Origen, who baptize philosophy with Christian truth and nomenclature, Irenaeus is a biblical apologist in the purest sense. The Gnostic Christians … Continue reading Irenaeus’ Against Heresies: A Brief Overview [2]

Irenaeus: Against Heresies

[For the next week, I am going to post a series on Irenaeus’ and his view of Scripture, his use of biblical theology, and his employment of typology in his polemic work: Against Heresies. The content is not ground-breaking, but a simple attempt to understand how this Apostolic Father read Scripture and put the two … Continue reading Irenaeus: Against Heresies

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