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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

Getting Into the Poetry of Isaiah 5, So That Isaiah 5 Can Get Into You

Isaiah is one of the most beautiful books of poetry ever written, but it takes work to follow his verse. This means that to understand his message means following his train of thought—poetic thought. If you are like me, reading poetry may not come easy. If you are a reader of poetry, who loves to … Continue reading Getting Into the Poetry of Isaiah 5, So That Isaiah 5 Can Get Into You

How Royalty Changes the Abortion Debate

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly … Continue reading How Royalty Changes the Abortion Debate

Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament: More Than 120 Notes on the Book of Joshua

This week we finished up our series on the book of Joshua. Here is a run down of all the notes, sermon, and related resources that we put together for that marvelous book. 120 Notes on (Almost) Every Chapter of Joshua Getting to Know Joshua, Son of Nun, and Joshua, Son of God: Or, 10 … Continue reading Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament: More Than 120 Notes on the Book of Joshua

Keep Zion in View: Help for the Beleaguered Reader of Isaiah

If you have started the Via Emmaus Bible reading plan, you may be thinking about now: Isaiah a big book—a big, confusing book. If so, have no fear, you are not alone. One of the first times I read Isaiah—Isaiah 13–19 in particular—I just gave up. This post is written so that you won’t follow … Continue reading Keep Zion in View: Help for the Beleaguered Reader of Isaiah

Covenant Life: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Joshua 24)

Covenant Life: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Joshua 24) On Sunday we looked at Joshua 24, the last chapter in Joshua, and concluded our series on this Jesus-centered book. In Joshua 24, the soon-to-be-departed leader of Israel called Israel to renew their covenant with God. By reminding Israel of God’s grace in their past and calling … Continue reading Covenant Life: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Joshua 24)

Fifty Sermons on Isaiah

As we approach the first Sunday in January and the first Sunday in Via Emmaus Bible reading plan, here are 50+ sermons on Isaiah, ordered in three ways. The first section includes sermon overviews by Mark Dever (1 message) and Trent Hunter (5 messages). They will help you get the big picture of the book. … Continue reading Fifty Sermons on Isaiah

Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament: 10 Things about Joshua 24

In the last chapter of Joshua, we see Joshua leading Israel to renew their covenant with God before he dies. In this final act of faithfulness, Joshua finishes what he started—bringing Israel into the land—and receives the honorific title Servant of the Lord. Here are 10 things about this covenant renewal and the close of … Continue reading Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament: 10 Things about Joshua 24

When Did the Kingdom of God Begin?

“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are … Continue reading When Did the Kingdom of God Begin?

Seeing Christ in All of Scripture: A Few Words from Herman Bavinck

Thus the whole revelation of the Old Testament converges upon Christ, not upon a new law, or doctrine, or institution, but upon the person of Christ. — Herman Bavinck — As Herman Bavinck closes out a section on special revelation in Our Reasonable Faith, he reminds us that the goal of Scripture is not a … Continue reading Seeing Christ in All of Scripture: A Few Words from Herman Bavinck

The Vexation of Vanity: A Word from Richard Sibbes about New Year’s Resolutions

Vexation always follows vanity, when vanity is not apprehended to be where it is. — Richard Sibbes — In his treatise The Soul’s Conflict with Itself, Richard Sibbes, notes many causes of despair. Among them is vainglory, the pursuit of passions which are intended to elevate the soul with earthly things. On the first day … Continue reading The Vexation of Vanity: A Word from Richard Sibbes about New Year’s Resolutions

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