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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

Rhythms of Grace: Three Reflections on Worship

[This post is written by Matt Wood with a little help from me. Matt is a member at Occoquan Bible Church, where you will often find him engrossed in discussion about theology and leading our congregation in song.] Do you find yourself in God’s gospel story week to week? How does the gospel inform worship? … Continue reading Rhythms of Grace: Three Reflections on Worship

Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Six Old Testament Lessons for the New Testament Church

When the Western tribes of Israel heard that Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh built an altar near the Jordan River, they were ready to go to war (Josh. 22:10–12). This altar threatened God’s favor on Israel, and the obedient sons of Israel were ready to act. Fortunately, before they took up swords … Continue reading Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Six Old Testament Lessons for the New Testament Church

Old Testament Instruction for the New Testament Church: 10 Things About Joshua 22

When we think about finding help for practical matters in the church, 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy are books that come to mind. However, Joshua should be added to the list of places we go to find help for practical ecclesiology. In this list of ten, we will see how Joshua 22 fits into the … Continue reading Old Testament Instruction for the New Testament Church: 10 Things About Joshua 22

The Problem with All Critical Theories of the Bible

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which … Continue reading The Problem with All Critical Theories of the Bible

A City on a Hill: What the Levitical Cities Teach the Church About Glorifying God Together (Joshua 20–21)

A City on a Hill: What the Levitical Cities Teach the Church About Glorifying God In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called his followers a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14–16). This title has often been used to speak of America, as well as other institutions of moral influence. Yet, it is most appropriately … Continue reading A City on a Hill: What the Levitical Cities Teach the Church About Glorifying God Together (Joshua 20–21)

The Wisdom of God at Work in Israel and the Church: 10 Things About Joshua 20–21

After seven chapters about dividing the land, Joshua 20–21 focuses on two types of cities in Israel—cities of refuge (ch. 20) and cities of Levites (ch. 21). From the role of these cities, we learn a great deal about God and his plans for his people—both in Israel and today. Here are ten things about … Continue reading The Wisdom of God at Work in Israel and the Church: 10 Things About Joshua 20–21

Give Thanks For the Gifts Jesus Gives You: A Thanksgiving Meditation on Ephesians 4

7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” — Ephesians 4:7–8 — As we approach Thanksgiving, it is good to remember that thanksgiving is more than a … Continue reading Give Thanks For the Gifts Jesus Gives You: A Thanksgiving Meditation on Ephesians 4

Learning About and Letting Go of Keswick Theology

Keswick theology. The name may be unknown, but it views are ubiquitous—and most unhelpful! In yesterday’s Sunday School lesson I mentioned the half-truth contained in Keswick theology—namely, that Christians need to submit themselves to God. However, the other side to Keswick’s equation, which is the untruth, is that this view of the Christian life devalues … Continue reading Learning About and Letting Go of Keswick Theology

God’s Treasure Map: An Invitation to Imagine Your Inheritance (Joshua 13–19)

God’s Treasure Map: An Invitation to Imagine Your Inheritance (Joshua 13–19) As the famed Puritan, Matthew Henry, begins his commentary on Joshua 13:1, he writes, “We are not to skip over these chapters of hard names as useless and not to be regarded.” Why? Because “ where God has a mouth to speak and a hand to write … Continue reading God’s Treasure Map: An Invitation to Imagine Your Inheritance (Joshua 13–19)

Imagine . . . : 16 Observations on Imagination, Theology, Discipleship, and the Church

“Imagine there’s no heaven.” — John Lennon — “Many churches are suffering from malnourished imaginations, captive to culturally conditioned pictures of the good life.” — Kevin J. Vanhoozer — In seminary I took a class called “The Worshipping Church,” where one of our assignments included visiting churches outside our denomination. In one of those visits, … Continue reading Imagine . . . : 16 Observations on Imagination, Theology, Discipleship, and the Church

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