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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

Why Non-Pastors Should Study the Pastoral Epistles

This Sunday our church begins a new series in the book of 1 Timothy. In six chapters, 1 Timothy contains a great deal of instruction about the gospel, false teaching, men and women, life together in the church, and how to recognize godly leaders. 1 Timothy is often grouped with two other Epistles– 2 Timothy … Continue reading Why Non-Pastors Should Study the Pastoral Epistles

Via Emmaus Podcast: Episode 4

Two new episodes of the Via Emmaus Podcast are now available. EPISODE 04 (NT): Matthew 16–25 | January 30, 2019 | Anton Brooks & David Schrock In this episode we Peter’s confession and confusion, Jesus cleansing the temple, the Olivet Discourse, and more. For more resources on these chapters, see A Hole in Our Holy Temple? … Continue reading Via Emmaus Podcast: Episode 4

Jesus and ‘Those Who Are With Him’: 1 Samuel, Mark 2, and Two Kinds of Typology

In his illuminating study Jesus the Priest, Nicholas Perrin argues for a priestly reading of Mark 2:23–28, the passage where “those who were with [Jesus]” (repeated twice in vv. 25 and 26) ate grain on Sabbath. In his commentary, Perrin argues for a deep typology between 1 Samuel and Mark’s Gospel. That Mark intends a general comparison … Continue reading Jesus and ‘Those Who Are With Him’: 1 Samuel, Mark 2, and Two Kinds of Typology

Genesis 24 and God’s Plan for the World

Genesis 24 is the longest chapter in Genesis. And rather than recounting some revelation about God or some aspect of his covenant with Abraham, it spins a tail of how Isaac got a wife. Indeed, the longest narrative event in Genesis is a love story, one that seems Dickens-like in its profusion of extraneous information. Certainly, … Continue reading Genesis 24 and God’s Plan for the World

A Family of Believers Centered on the Gospel (Galatians 1:6–10)

A Family of Believers Centered on the Gospel On Sunday our elders proposed a new church mission statement. At its core is the commitment is to be a “Family of Believers Centered on the Gospel.” In preparation for that “roll out,” I preached a sermon on Galatians 1 and the importance of protecting and proclaiming … Continue reading A Family of Believers Centered on the Gospel (Galatians 1:6–10)

The Lord’s Reign: Herman Bavinck on the Scriptural Sense of God’s Transcendence

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. — Psalm 103:19 — For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and … Continue reading The Lord’s Reign: Herman Bavinck on the Scriptural Sense of God’s Transcendence

Via Emmaus Podcast: Two New Episodes (Genesis & Matthew)

We are still working out the bugs on our new podcast, but here are two new podcasts that discuss passages of Scripture in Genesis and Matthew. This podcast was begun to help our church and anyone else read the Bible better. If you have any questions for this podcast, feel free to ask here. NEW EPISODES … Continue reading Via Emmaus Podcast: Two New Episodes (Genesis & Matthew)

A Biblical View of the Body

So glorify God in your body. — 1 Corinthians 6:20 — Last night our church discussed the book Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality by Nancy Pearcey. I cannot stress how important this book is. In a room of 30 church-going men and women, few could remember a time when a pastor or … Continue reading A Biblical View of the Body

The Four Seeds of Abraham: Natural, National, Christ, and “In Christ”

Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. — Galatians 3:16 — Who is Abraham’s offspring? Or is it, Who are Abraham’s offspring? Is it one or many? Or both? In the Bible … Continue reading The Four Seeds of Abraham: Natural, National, Christ, and “In Christ”

Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

In our recent podcast on Genesis and Matthew, we considered how various aspects of the ancient Near East inform our understanding of Genesis. Indeed, there are many reasons to compare the Old Testament to the ancient Near East (and the New Testament to Second Temple Judaism). In both testaments, the historical background give us insight … Continue reading Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

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