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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

Why blog (5): For the joy of telling the truth.

This is my last extended reflection on why blogging is a valuable endeavor. (Such a prolegomena could go on infinitum and ad nauseum, so we will conclude with these final remarks). Why blog? For the joy of contending for, expounding, and simply telling others about God’s goodness and truth. John writes: “And we write these things … Continue reading Why blog (5): For the joy of telling the truth.

Why Blog? (4): So that the sparks may fly.

Why blog? If two of the three reasons for blogging listed so far are aimed at conversation with non-Christians (i.e. 1. to explain and expound the gospel of Jesus Christ, and 2. to defend the faith once for all delivered to the saints), the fourth reason is directed towards other believers. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and … Continue reading Why Blog? (4): So that the sparks may fly.

Why Blog? (3): Blogging as the Modern Day Areopagus

Why Blog? Because the Internet and weblogs are the forum for the twenty-first century Aeropagus. In Acts 17, Paul travels from Thessalonica to Berea to Athens. Being run out of the first two cities, he arrives in Athens to mend his wounds and wait for his traveling/ministering companions. Yet, as he walks the streets of … Continue reading Why Blog? (3): Blogging as the Modern Day Areopagus

Why Blog? (Part 2)

Why Blog? Let me suggest another reason: In order to grow in the wisdom of God’s word and to better understand and articulate its Truth. Consider 2 Timothy 2:7 with me. Paul writes, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” This verse has two parts. First, is the … Continue reading Why Blog? (Part 2)

The Value of Land (Joshua 24)

On Sunday I preached a message on YHWH’s covenantal faithfulness and Israel’s continued fickleness as a picture in history of mankind’s need for a better covenant. In the sermon, I began with a reflection on the importance of land in the Bible and in Joshua: In the Bible there is a great deal made of … Continue reading The Value of Land (Joshua 24)

Corn Creek Baptist Church and the Spiritual Gift of Listening

This morning my wife and I had the privilege of worshiping with Corn Creek Baptist Church. Located in the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky just off the Ohio River, it is a church with a long history, as indicated by the cemetery plot in back. The people were so kind and welcoming, and those to whom … Continue reading Corn Creek Baptist Church and the Spiritual Gift of Listening

Why Blog?

For today, let me pose a question that may take a few days to work out. The question is: Why blog? Surely there are many reasons and motivations to avoid and guard against. Snares like diffusing gossip, espousing puffed-up views of our own invention, promoting ones self and their ministry for personal gain, unrighteous proclivities towards argumentation and disagreement, or simple … Continue reading Why Blog?

Via Emmaus

So again, on another website, with the same name. I try my hand again at this thing called blogging. With more humble intentions this time, I write– not trying to write bits-and-pieces of a theological treatise, but rather aiming to simply articulate thoughts on biblical theology, contemporary ecclesiology, and anything else on which the gospel light shines. This … Continue reading Via Emmaus

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