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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

A Consolation in the Curse: Reading Genesis 3:16b as Good News

Somewhere below the rim of the Grand Canyon, at some time during the week I spent rafting there last summer, I heard an interpretation of Genesis 3:16 that didn’t sound right. Sitting down each evening to discuss the age of the earth, the creation of all things, and the text Genesis, Bill Barrick (professor emeritus … Continue reading A Consolation in the Curse: Reading Genesis 3:16b as Good News

A Dangerous Calling (pt. 4): Embracing Obscurity and Seeking a Received Ministry

We should not seek positions in ministry; we should seek the righteousness to receive such a place of service. Instead, . . . We should abide by the word, and wait for an invitation to serve. When kingdom-seekers exalt themselves, their ambition follows a discernible pattern. When you see false ‘kings’ exalting themselves, humble yourself … Continue reading A Dangerous Calling (pt. 4): Embracing Obscurity and Seeking a Received Ministry

The Test of Wisdom: Which Path Will You Take?

6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. In Proverbs 6, the Word of God tells us to go to the ant and find wisdom. In the ant, we … Continue reading The Test of Wisdom: Which Path Will You Take?

Of Weddings and Witnessing: The Evangelistic Pressure to Stay Positive in a Negative World

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so … Continue reading Of Weddings and Witnessing: The Evangelistic Pressure to Stay Positive in a Negative World

From Creation to New Creation: A Seven Day Pattern in Genesis 1–3

Both James Jordan and Alistair Roberts have made a case that the literary structures of Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 mirror one another.[1] As evidenced in Genesis 1:1–2:3, creation took place over the course of seven days—six days of work, one day of rest. Equally, Genesis 2:4–25 follows a similar pattern, as observed below, as … Continue reading From Creation to New Creation: A Seven Day Pattern in Genesis 1–3

So You Want to Start a Church: Four Words to Impassioned Church Planters

Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and … Continue reading So You Want to Start a Church: Four Words to Impassioned Church Planters

From Thinking about Israel to Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him: Christ Over All’s January Intermission

Each month, I write editorial transition for the website Christ Over All. These “Intermissions” highlight the past month and introduce the next. Along the way, I offer a few reflections on Christ and Culture. Here is the most recent Intermission: ‘From Thinking about Israel to Thinking God’s Thoughts after Him.’ Read it and pass it … Continue reading From Thinking about Israel to Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him: Christ Over All’s January Intermission

A Dangerous Calling (pt. 3): Humble Yourself and Seek the True King

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! — Psalm 37:7 — But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:33 … Continue reading A Dangerous Calling (pt. 3): Humble Yourself and Seek the True King

Situational Awareness: Restoring Fellowship with Truth and Love (A Sermon on 3 John)

Situational Awareness: Restoring Fellowship with Truth and Love (A Sermon on 3 John) In 3 John, we move from the universal church of 1 John, to the local church of 2 John, to an individual Christian by the name of Gaius. Interestingly, if we titled 3 John the way we title 1–2 Timothy and Titus, … Continue reading Situational Awareness: Restoring Fellowship with Truth and Love (A Sermon on 3 John)

Forgive One Another: A Simple Introduction to a Challenging Command

Those three words are easy to say; less easy to understand; and sometimes nearly impossible to practice. Truly, for as simple as forgiveness should be, seeking and receiving forgiveness is often the things that brings us to our knees. Who knew that sins forgiven in heaven could be so difficult to forgive on earth? Yet, … Continue reading Forgive One Another: A Simple Introduction to a Challenging Command

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