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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

Say What, Paul? Six Things 1 Timothy 2:8–15 Does Not Mean

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess … Continue reading Say What, Paul? Six Things 1 Timothy 2:8–15 Does Not Mean

Faith: The Greatest Gift (1 Timothy 1:12–20)

Faith: God’s Greatest Gift (1 Timothy 1:12–20) On Sunday we saw how Paul shares the story of his salvation and what God’s grace in his life teaches us about the gospel. Amazingly, God’s grace does not come in response to Paul’s repentance and faith. Rather, God’s grace is the source and start of Paul’s faith. … Continue reading Faith: The Greatest Gift (1 Timothy 1:12–20)

From Law to Gospel: Seeing the Literary Structure of 1 Timothy 1

In his chapter “Cohesion and Structure in the Pastoral Epistles,” Ray Van Neste argues for literary cohesion in 1 Timothy (in Entrusted with the Gospel: Paul’s Theology in the Pastoral Epistles, 84–104). While many critical scholars have denied this unity and declared 1 Timothy is a patchwork letter (not written by Paul), Van Neste shows … Continue reading From Law to Gospel: Seeing the Literary Structure of 1 Timothy 1

The Good News of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8–11)

Reading the Law Lawfully (1 Timothy 1:8–11) (Sermon Audio) This Sunday we considered 1 Timothy 1:8–11 and the good news of God’s law. If there is anything in church history that has puzzled and divided Christians it is the relationship between the law and the gospel. Yet, in this passage we are given a clear … Continue reading The Good News of the Law (1 Timothy 1:8–11)

Reading the Law Lawfully: A Primer on the Three Uses of the Law

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully — 1 Timothy 1:8 — In his classic Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhof outlines three uses of the law,[1] [The Civil Use of the Law] The law serves the purpose of restraining sin and promoting righteousness. Considered from this point of view, the … Continue reading Reading the Law Lawfully: A Primer on the Three Uses of the Law

Via Emmaus Podcast: Reading the Joseph Story with Sam Emadi (Extra Inning Episode 01)

Here’s the latest Via Emmaus Podcast, one where I get in the driver’s seat and ask my friend and biblical scholar Sam Emadi questions about Genesis, Joseph, and Jesus. Reading the Joseph Story with Sam Emadi (Extra Inning Episode 01) In this first ‘extra inning’ episode, I interview Dr. Samuel Emadi, Senior Editor of the … Continue reading Via Emmaus Podcast: Reading the Joseph Story with Sam Emadi (Extra Inning Episode 01)

Entrusted with the Gospel, We Can Speak With Confidence of What We Know

How do you know what you know? Few questions may be more important for standing firm in a world full of competing voices and conflicting views. Yet, the follower of Christ does not need to fear the truthfulness of his or her faith, when that faith has been grounded in God’s revealed Word. In contrast … Continue reading Entrusted with the Gospel, We Can Speak With Confidence of What We Know

Take Care of the Truth, For We Are All False Teachers in Training (1 Timothy 1:3–7)

Take Care of the Truth, For We Are All False Teachers in Training (Sermon Audio) All the Scriptures, but especially the Pastoral Epistles, talk a lot about false teaching. This shouldn’t surprise us. If the gospel is the priceless message of salvation in Christ, then false teaching and false teachers are the gospel’s greatest threat. Yet, false teaching … Continue reading Take Care of the Truth, For We Are All False Teachers in Training (1 Timothy 1:3–7)

Mercy: The Theme Song for God’s Household (1 Timothy 1:1–2)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. — 1 Timothy 1:1–2 — Mercy: The Theme Song for God’s Household (1 Timothy … Continue reading Mercy: The Theme Song for God’s Household (1 Timothy 1:1–2)

Christ is a Superior High Priest: Three Reasons Why Jesus Is Greater Than Aaron

It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in … Continue reading Christ is a Superior High Priest: Three Reasons Why Jesus Is Greater Than Aaron

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