Blog

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

The Last Battle: Five Portraits of Warfare for Life in an Embattled World (Joshua 11–12)

The Last Battle: Five Portraits of Warfare for Life in an Embattled World Sometimes reading the Old Testament is difficult because it is so far away and so different from today. But other times, we see in the struggles of Israel and actions of God experiences that mirror (or even foreshadow) our own. On Sunday, … Continue reading The Last Battle: Five Portraits of Warfare for Life in an Embattled World (Joshua 11–12)

The Strength That God’s Sovereignty Supplies and the Judgment God’s Sovereignty Justifies

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! — Psalm … Continue reading The Strength That God’s Sovereignty Supplies and the Judgment God’s Sovereignty Justifies

The Last Battle: 10 Things About Joshua 11–12

In Joshua 11–12 we come to the close of the first section of Joshua. Here are ten things about those two chapters. 1. Joshua 11 repeats the same pattern as Joshua 10 . . . but faster. Joshua 11:1 begins just like Joshua 5:1; 9:1; and 10:1. In each chapter, kings from Canaan “heard” of … Continue reading The Last Battle: 10 Things About Joshua 11–12

The Lord is a Warrior (Joshua 10)

The Lord is a Warrior (Joshua 10) Standing on the shores of the Red Sea, with Pharaoh’s army buried under the water, Moses leads Israel to praise God for his powerful victory. And in Exodus 15:1–3, he sings, 1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, “I will sing to … Continue reading The Lord is a Warrior (Joshua 10)

Under His Feet: 10 Things About Joshua 10

As we prepare for Joshua 10, here are ten things about this powerful chapter. 1. The Battle of Gibeon Joshua 10 can be summarized as the battle for Gibeon or the Battle in the Valley of Gibeon (Isa. 28:21). In this chapter, the Gibeonites are attacked by their neighbors because of their peace-making with Israel. … Continue reading Under His Feet: 10 Things About Joshua 10

For Disciples and Disciplers . . . A Short Biblical Survey of Beauty

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. . . . In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to … Continue reading For Disciples and Disciplers . . . A Short Biblical Survey of Beauty

His Mercy is More: God’s Surprising Kindness to Liars and Self Reliars (Joshua 9)

His Mercy is More: God’s Surprising Kindness to Liars and Self Reliars Lies and liars. Our world is filled with them, and we often struggle to know what to do with them. This is true when are deceived, but it is also true when we are the deceiver. On Sunday we saw another deception story … Continue reading His Mercy is More: God’s Surprising Kindness to Liars and Self Reliars (Joshua 9)

His Mercy is More: 10 Things about Joshua 9

After a week away from outlining the details of Joshua, we return to see in Joshua 9 ten things about God’s mercy. 1. The theme of Joshua 9 is mercy. While geographical and personal details, not to mention extended dialogue, fills Joshua 9, the main message is one of God’s mercy. This is mildly surprising … Continue reading His Mercy is More: 10 Things about Joshua 9

What is the Bible? And What Does It Do?

Whenever we talk about inerrancy, we must begin by defining what the Bible is. In philosophical parlance, this discussion relates to the nature or ontology of the Bible. Defining the Bible rightly matters because Scripture is more than a functional handbook for religious followers of Jesus. The Bible it is the very Word of God. Yet, even … Continue reading What is the Bible? And What Does It Do?

Inerrancy and Interpretation: Kevin Vanhoozer on Map-Making and the Meaning of God’s Word

What is inerrancy? And what does it mean for a picture to be true? And what does it mean for the Bible, which is filled with pictures (similes, metaphors, parables, etc.) to be inerrant? For those who affirm biblical inerrancy, as I do, questions like these enter into a wide-ranging debate about Scripture and hermeneutics. … Continue reading Inerrancy and Interpretation: Kevin Vanhoozer on Map-Making and the Meaning of God’s Word

150
Page 34