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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

How God’s Judgment upon Achan’s Sin Teaches Us to Find Grace in Christ: 10 Things about Joshua 7

Achan’s sin has often been used and misused to identify sin in the life of Christians today. But what does it mean in its original context? And how should we apply it today? Here are ten things about Achan, his sin, God’s wrath, and God’s grace, all found in Joshua 7. 1. Joshua 7 is … Continue reading How God’s Judgment upon Achan’s Sin Teaches Us to Find Grace in Christ: 10 Things about Joshua 7

A Text Filled with Types: 10 Things About Joshua 5–6

As we continue to work our way through the book of Joshua, here are ten things about Joshua 5–6. 1. The structure sets the action. In every passage, the structure of the narrative sets the direction for the action. So far in Joshua, we have observed multiple chiastic structures (“narrative arcs”) that have organized the … Continue reading A Text Filled with Types: 10 Things About Joshua 5–6

The Lord is a Warrior: Reading Joshua with Revelation and Revelation with Joshua

In his illuminating book Gospel Typology in Joshua and Revelation: A Whore and Her Scarlet, Seven Trumpets Sound, A Great City Falls, [1] Warren Gage makes a sevenfold comparison between the books of Joshua and Revelation. In particular, he compares the destruction of Jericho to the destruction of Babylon. What follows is a summary (with biblical … Continue reading The Lord is a Warrior: Reading Joshua with Revelation and Revelation with Joshua

What Hath the Lord’s Supper To Do with Baptism (pt. 2)

Yesterday, I began to consider the necessary unity of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, or to put it differently, why baptism is the necessary prerequisite for the Lord’s Supper. Today, I will make a biblical-theological case for why this unity should be believed and practiced. By looking at how the whole Bible sets the stage … Continue reading What Hath the Lord’s Supper To Do with Baptism (pt. 2)

What Hath the Lord’s Supper To Do with Baptism (pt. 1)

But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. – 1 Corinthians 6:11 – Few gospel truths are more essential than this one: there are only two kinds of people in the world—those in Christ and those in Adam, … Continue reading What Hath the Lord’s Supper To Do with Baptism (pt. 1)

Remembering Baptism: Israel’s, Jesus’s, and Yours (Joshua 3–4)

Remembering Baptism: Israel’s, Jesus’s, and Yours (Joshua 3–4) So far in Joshua, we have seen connections between Joshua and Jesus, as well as Rahab and the Church. These connections remind us how this book of history is written for us on whom the end of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11; cf. Romans 15:4). … Continue reading Remembering Baptism: Israel’s, Jesus’s, and Yours (Joshua 3–4)

Baptism in the Jordan River: 10 Things about Joshua 3–4

Joshua 3–4 is about Israel crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land, which is to say it is about a baptism into and with Joshua. Seeing that “baptism,” however, will take a little cross-referencing. To get to that interpretation, here are 10 things about Joshua 3–4. 1. The literary structure puts the center … Continue reading Baptism in the Jordan River: 10 Things about Joshua 3–4

Did Rahab Lie? An Exegetical Answer

Here’s my preliminary answer to the question, Did Rahab lie? It comes from a larger consideration of Joshua, “Ten Things About Joshua 2.” Admittedly this answer does not deal with all the passages that relate to bearing false witness or speaking truth in love. Rather, it seeks to understand how we might read Joshua 2 … Continue reading Did Rahab Lie? An Exegetical Answer

A Harlot’s Hope: The Gospel in One Chapter (Joshua 2)

A Harlot’s Hope: The Gospel in One Chapter (Joshua 2) Tamar and Judah. Rahab and Salmon. Ruth and Boaz. Bathsheba and David. The Church and Jesus. What do these couples have in common? They are all in the Bible? Yes. They are all in Jesus genealogy? Yes. And most astoundingly, each had a history with … Continue reading A Harlot’s Hope: The Gospel in One Chapter (Joshua 2)

Rahab’s Redemption: 10 Things About Joshua 2

Joshua 2 is filled with exegetical, ethical, and biblical theological challenges. Here are ten things that begin to wade into the richness of Joshua 2. 1. Joshua 2 appears to be an “unnecessary” story in the framework of the book. Nothing is unnecessary in Scripture. Every jot and tittle is inspired by God and useful for … Continue reading Rahab’s Redemption: 10 Things About Joshua 2

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