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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

Salt and Light: What Y’All Are, When You Are in Christ (Matthew 5:13–16)

Salt and Light: What Y’All Are, When You Are in Christ (Matthew 5:13–16) This little light of mine, I’m goin’ let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. If you have been around church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard this children’s song. It takes it wording from this week’s passage, Matthew … Continue reading Salt and Light: What Y’All Are, When You Are in Christ (Matthew 5:13–16)

The Center of the Sermon on the Mount: Twelve Truths About Our Father in Heaven

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. — Matthew 11:27 — Perhaps of the most surprising (and edifying) aspects of the Sermon on … Continue reading The Center of the Sermon on the Mount: Twelve Truths About Our Father in Heaven

The Old Testament Background of the Beatitudes

Many have observed that Jesus’ Beatitudes did not materialize out of thin air. Rather, they show great continuity with the Old Testament. On this point, Craig Blomberg (in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament) has observed a number key connections between each beatitude and earlier Old Testament passages. In what follows, I share … Continue reading The Old Testament Background of the Beatitudes

The Blessed Christ: How Jesus Exemplifies All His Beatitudes

All the beatitudes that Jesus uttered in the Gospel, he confirms by his example, exemplifying what he taught. — Origen If we want to understand what the Beatitudes look like in action, we should look to Christ. And if we want to embody the Beatitudes, it will require a long and loving gaze at our … Continue reading The Blessed Christ: How Jesus Exemplifies All His Beatitudes

Getting Into the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12)

Getting Into the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) This Sunday we started walking through the Sermon on the Mount. Considering the question of true happiness, we first looked at how we should read Jesus’ words. And then we looked at the nine statements of blessing/happiness known as the Beatitudes. After stating that the Beatitudes are not entrance requirements for … Continue reading Getting Into the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12)

Getting the Atonement Right: Three Important Reviews of Some Popular But Misguided Evangelical ‘Books’

I am concerned that currently evangelical theology is not doing a very good job with the cross of Christ. Why do I say that? Because some of the most popular works on the cross of Christ are distorting, denying, or just plain ignoring the penal substitutionary nature of the atonement. Don’t believe me? Just consider … Continue reading Getting the Atonement Right: Three Important Reviews of Some Popular But Misguided Evangelical ‘Books’

A Mountain, A Map, and a Mercy Seat: An Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4:23–8:1)

A Mountain, A Map, and A Mercy Seat (Matthew 4:23–8:1) This Sunday we started a new series on the Sermon on the Mount. In this introductory message, I sought to outline the whole message and to highlight the center section, where Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer. You can listen to the sermon online. But … Continue reading A Mountain, A Map, and a Mercy Seat: An Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4:23–8:1)

Three Wrong Ways to Read the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is probably the most famous sermon ever preached, and for good reason. Its speaker is the Lord Jesus Christ; its location on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee is unique; and its language is both beautiful and profound. Even non-believers are familiar with many of the words Jesus spoke … Continue reading Three Wrong Ways to Read the Sermon on the Mount

Seeing the Mountain-Like Structure of the Sermon on the Mount

Earlier this week, we considered the way Matthew organized his Gospel with careful literary structures. Today, we look more closely at one part of his work, the Sermon on the Mount. And in that section of Scripture (4:23–8:1), we learn a number of things about how Matthew organized Jesus’ sermon in order to direct our … Continue reading Seeing the Mountain-Like Structure of the Sermon on the Mount

The Significance of the Sermon on the Mount: 10 Reflections from Herman Ridderbos

What is the Sermon on the Mount about? That question has puzzled pastors, theologians, and Bible scholars for centuries. While large volumes have been written on the subject, sometimes a slimmer response is helpful. On that note, one finds great help from the late Dutch New Testament scholar Herman Ridderbos. Writing a chapter on the … Continue reading The Significance of the Sermon on the Mount: 10 Reflections from Herman Ridderbos

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