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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

Male Maturity in an Age of Adolescence

I love Biblical Theology that informs daily living, and I love my son, so I have two great reasons to commend Owen Strachan’s three-part series on “A Biblical Blueprint for Manhood.” Owen, a good friend who I greatly respect, traces out biblical wisdom for raising young men who are strong, on the alert, standing firm in the faith, acting like … Continue reading Male Maturity in an Age of Adolescence

Intimate Allies (pt. 4): A Biblical Theology of Marriage

Intimate Allies: A Biblical Theology of Marriage The Bible speaks of marriage from Genesis 1 to the end of the book of Revelation… We will conclude our meditation on the Bible’s vision of marriage by exploring God’s design for marriage and sexuality as it unfolds in the narrative of Scriptures. As we do this, we … Continue reading Intimate Allies (pt. 4): A Biblical Theology of Marriage

Biblical Theology Visualized!!!

For all those who love seeing the intra-canonical connections of the Bible, this visualized cross reference is for you! See the description below: This diagram arose from a collaboration between a Carnegie-Mellon Ph.D student and a Lutheran pastor to create a grand map of Biblical cross-references: “We wanted something that honored and revealed the complexity of … Continue reading Biblical Theology Visualized!!!

DA Carson on Biblical Theology and Preaching

While speaking at a conference this weekend at Omaha Bible Church on the topic of suffering, D. A. Carson gave a trenchant overview of Biblical Theology and Preaching. His points are worth pondering and applying. 1. Biblical Theology directly addresses massive biblical illiteracy now prevalent in many of our hearers. Preachers who only preach small portions of … Continue reading DA Carson on Biblical Theology and Preaching

Colossians 1.6: Bearing Fruit and Growing!!!

The gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing– as it also does among you… (Col. 1:6) This Sunday I am preaching at Kenwood Baptist Church in South Louisville. I am tremendously excited about the opportunity and about the chance to proclaim the message of … Continue reading Colossians 1.6: Bearing Fruit and Growing!!!

Intimate Allies (pt. 3): A Call for Christian Maturity

Discipleship: Maturation Through Marriage In addition to bolstering evangelism, Dan Allender and Tremper Longman posit the integral role that marriage has in discipleship. Consider their words: The purposes of our marriages are to create life and to shape life to maturity. A marriage is no better than the vision we have for one another and the … Continue reading Intimate Allies (pt. 3): A Call for Christian Maturity

Intimate Allies (pt. 2): Marriage and Evangelism

Evangelism: Marriage Depicts the Mystery of Christ and the Church In Intimate Allies, Dan Allender and Tremper Longman show how marriage reflects to the watching a world a picture of the gospel, while at the same time for those Christian couples committed to growing in Christ-like conformity, it provides powerful opportunities for discipleship and sanctification. … Continue reading Intimate Allies (pt. 2): Marriage and Evangelism

Intimate Allies (pt. 1): Marriage Means War

Why does the bridegroom stand on the right side of the bride? The legend goes: Long ago, the right arm was considered the sword arm of most fighting men. If a man had to protect his bride, he would hold her with his left hand, and fight off attackers with his right arm. The reason … Continue reading Intimate Allies (pt. 1): Marriage Means War

Christ-centered, Old Testament Resources

This week Drs. Duane Garrett, Peter Gentry, and James Hamilton discussed the relationship of the Old Testament to the New Testament and the interpretation of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. The lively conversation was well-attended on the campus of Southern Seminary and the discussion raised a number of nuanced issues concerning sensius plenior, typology, … Continue reading Christ-centered, Old Testament Resources

Hapax Legomena? Six Resources to Help Read Biblical Literature Better

This weekend, September 26-28, Bethlehem Baptist Church will be hosting Desiring God’s National Conference for Pastors. This years plenary sessions will discuss “The Power of Words and the Wonder of God.” This is a grand subject and one that I look forward to considering more as the MP3’s become available. Why? Because the Words of God are … Continue reading Hapax Legomena? Six Resources to Help Read Biblical Literature Better

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