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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

Herman Bavinck on the Importance and Difference between Dogmatics and Ethics

What is theology? And what is it good for? These are questions Christians ask and theologians attempt to answer. In his various works on theology, Kevin Vanhoozer has attempted to explain doctrine in terms of drama (e.g., The Drama of Doctrine). More recently, he has argued for the place of doctrine and drama in the … Continue reading Herman Bavinck on the Importance and Difference between Dogmatics and Ethics

Revealed Worship (Deuteronomy 4:1–14)

Revealed Worship (Deuteronomy 4:1–14) On Sunday we began a new sermon series considering what Scripture teaches about worship. Over the summer we will learn from Moses, David, and Paul, but this first Sunday we began by hearing what Moses said about God’s pattern for worship at Sinai. While our worship is not at Mount Sinai, but Mount … Continue reading Revealed Worship (Deuteronomy 4:1–14)

Ten Things About Deuteronomy 4:1–14

In preparation for Sunday’s sermon on worship, here are ten observations from Deuteronomy 4:1–14. 1. Deuteronomy 4 is the last chapter of Deuteronomy’s covenantal introduction. In Deuteronomy Moses follows (and reformulates) a covenant structure identifiable by anyone living in the ancient Near East. Just as covenants made between kings and their servants (i.e., Suzerains and … Continue reading Ten Things About Deuteronomy 4:1–14

Worship By the Book: Or, Why Sincerity Is Insufficient for True Worship

In his illuminating book, A Secular Age (summarized here), Charles Taylor argued the unbelief handed down to us from the Enlightenment, coupled with new religious expressions in the 19th century, and accelerated by the sexual revolution of the “Sixties,” has resulted in many and competing spiritual longings that live somewhere between belief and unbelief. In short, we are living … Continue reading Worship By the Book: Or, Why Sincerity Is Insufficient for True Worship

Hope, Help, and Holding Fast: Storing Up Future Treasure with Present Riches (1 Timothy 6:17–21)

Hope, Help, and Holding Fast: Storing Up Future Treasure with Present Riches (1 Timothy 6:17–21) On Sunday we finished the book of 1 Timothy. Since February, we have enjoyed learning about what it means to be a church made alive by Christ and directed by his Spirit. As we finished the series, we reminded ourselves … Continue reading Hope, Help, and Holding Fast: Storing Up Future Treasure with Present Riches (1 Timothy 6:17–21)

Glorifying God in the Grind of Life

Q. What is the chief end of man? A. To glorify God and know him forever. — Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 1 — There is nothing more important than knowing why you exist. And nothing provides a better answer than this: You were created to glorify God. Speaking to the people he was redeeming from … Continue reading Glorifying God in the Grind of Life

Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith by Following the Good Lord and Fixing Our Eyes on the Invisible God (1 Timothy 6:11–16)

Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith (1 Timothy 6:11–16) Flee wickedness. Pursue righteousness. Fight the Good Fight. Take Hold of Eternal Life. These are the commands that Paul gives Timothy as he finishes his letter to his true son in the faith. They are good for us today too. Scripture calls us to run … Continue reading Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith by Following the Good Lord and Fixing Our Eyes on the Invisible God (1 Timothy 6:11–16)

Getting Our Deacons in a Row: A Collection of Resources

During the month of June, our church has been thinking about deacons during our Sunday School hour. And to help collate some of the documents and data presented, I’m putting them up here. (I’m also sharing them because the Internet at our church is down — Sigh!). When our study of deacons is done, I’ll … Continue reading Getting Our Deacons in a Row: A Collection of Resources

Ten Truths About the Hidden God Who Reveals Himself

In evangelical theology, the doctrine of God’s revelation is primary. Man does not ascend into the heavens, nor pull God down to earth (Romans 10:5–17). Rather, we find in creation and in Scripture that God has spoken and that he is a speaking God (Psalm 19). That said, there is a corollary doctrine that must … Continue reading Ten Truths About the Hidden God Who Reveals Himself

Two Ways to Crave: Quarreling for More vs. Contentment in Christ (1 Timothy 6:2b–10)

Two Ways to Crave: Quarreling for More vs. Contentment in Christ (1 Timothy 6:2b–10) A. W. Tozer once said that what you think about when you think about God is the most important thing about you. In his statement, this Chicago pastor captured the way our thinking drives our living. If we could only order … Continue reading Two Ways to Crave: Quarreling for More vs. Contentment in Christ (1 Timothy 6:2b–10)

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