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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

Gender-Specificity and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

When Paul speaks in Titus 2:1 about sound doctrine, he immediately turns to relationships. Rather than expatiating a systematic theology, Paul says that theology is worked out in the context of distinctly masculine and feminine roles, in youthful and elderly stages of life, and in varying spheres of leadership and influence (i.e. masters and slaves). … Continue reading Gender-Specificity and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Psalm 103: What Mick Jagger Could Learn from the Sweet Psalmist of Israel

This week begins my shared responsibility of writing “The Wednesday Word” at wellumscouples.com. This is a weekly summary of the teaching in our sunday school class taught by Dr. Steve Wellum. Here is the intro to my first post which considers Psalm 103. The Rolling Stones once lamented, “I can’t get no satisfaction!” While blaming … Continue reading Psalm 103: What Mick Jagger Could Learn from the Sweet Psalmist of Israel

Live Like You Are Dying

Hat Tip to my brother-in-law, Farid Ali, who wrote a great editorial in the Orland Park Prarie. Writing within the secular paper of his Chicago suburb, Farid boldly challenged believers and unbelievers alike to number their days in order to gain a heart of wisdom (cf. Psalm 90:12), and to secure their perilous futures in … Continue reading Live Like You Are Dying

Walk in the Way of Wisdom: Be Slow to Anger

James, a bond-servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, writes: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires” (1:19-20). Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of teaching the Open Bible Study at my church, Ninth … Continue reading Walk in the Way of Wisdom: Be Slow to Anger

Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 3, OT Fulfillment and Response)

Today is the third part of a message I taught from the book of Acts on the biblical-theological nature of Paul’s sermon in Antioch of Pisidia. There is much to be gleaned from Paul’s method of preaching and much to be believed from the content of his message. Following this canonical explanation, Paul goes back to … Continue reading Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 3, OT Fulfillment and Response)

Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 2, Fall & Redemption)

After Paul addresses his audience and touches on creation, he moves to the heart of the gospel: the desperate lostness of fallen sinners and the compassionate grace of God to provide redemption in Jesus Christ. Here is the second part of my exposition on Paul’s sermon in Acts 13: Redemption is the theme of the Bible, … Continue reading Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 2, Fall & Redemption)

Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 1: Introduction & Creation)

Recently, I had the privilege of teaching in the Senior Saints ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship, i.e. Sunday School) at 9th & O Baptist Church. They have been going through the book of Acts, and my assignment was Acts 13-14. Luke’s account of the church of Antioch and Paul’s first missionary journey are amazing in that … Continue reading Acts 13:13-41 (pt. 1: Introduction & Creation)

Sex tells…the Gospel !?

Everyone knows that sex sells, but not everyone is equally well informed that sex also tells. Indeed, for covenant-keeping married couples, sex tells the story of the Triune God who, though different from us, desires to be united with us. Amazingly, God has ordained that within the matrix of marriage, covenant partners are privy to the delicacies of God’s … Continue reading Sex tells…the Gospel !?

The Complementarian Task: Marriage, Gender Roles, and the Great Commission (pt. 2)

Yesterday, we considered the biblical theological continuity and discontinuity of the creational imperatives of ruling and bearing children and how they are picked up in Jesus’ Great Commission. I concluded by asking how gender roles in marriage impact the presentation and the proclamation of the gospel. In other words, I wanted to get at how gender … Continue reading The Complementarian Task: Marriage, Gender Roles, and the Great Commission (pt. 2)

The Complementarian Task: Marriage, Gender Roles, and the Great Commission

Over the next couple days, I want to consider the subject of gender complementarity and the Great Commission. While reading Reforming Marriage by Doug Wilson, this subject arose, and it prompted some lengthy reflections. I hope you will consider the subject with me. “For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was … Continue reading The Complementarian Task: Marriage, Gender Roles, and the Great Commission

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