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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

Serving Two Masters: Does Ephesians 6:5 Contradict Matthew 6:24?

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. — Matthew 6:24 — Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would … Continue reading Serving Two Masters: Does Ephesians 6:5 Contradict Matthew 6:24?

Seven Ways to Glorify Christ in Your Work

In Ephesians 6:5–9 Paul finishes his “household codes” by addressing slaves/bondservants and masters and how they ought to work as unto the Lord. In fact, in five verses Paul makes five explicit references to Christ. Thus, as with marriage (Ephesians 5:22–33) and parenting (Ephesians 6:1–4), he gives hyper-attention to the way Christ motivates Christians in … Continue reading Seven Ways to Glorify Christ in Your Work

The Final Days of Jesus: A 40-Day Reading Guide

This week marks 40 days until Resurrection Sunday. While some celebrate with Lent and others do not, we should all prepare our hearts to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. To help in that endeavor, let me encourage you to pick up and read The Final Days of Jesus by Andreas Köstenberger and … Continue reading The Final Days of Jesus: A 40-Day Reading Guide

Reading Proverbs Wisely

In Proverbs the ideas of wisdom, righteousness, and reward are prevalent. And as I highlighted here and here, these three ideas are developed together under the old covenant. Therefore, they cannot be directly applied to the new covenant believer—at least, not without showing how they apply to us in Christ. That said, they are important for … Continue reading Reading Proverbs Wisely

Wisdom, Righteousness, and Reward: Four Reflections on Proverbs 8

In Proverbs 8 we find wisdom personified, a woman speaking who is sometimes called Lady Wisdom. In church history, this chapter has raised all sorts of exegetical and theological questions with respect to eternal deity of Christ—Did God “possess” (ESV), “make” (HCSB), or “create” (LXX) wisdom in verse 22? Is wisdom speaking of Christ directly … Continue reading Wisdom, Righteousness, and Reward: Four Reflections on Proverbs 8

“In the Lord”: Children, Obedience, and the Gospel (Ephesians 6:1–3)

“In the Lord”: Children, Obedience, and the Gospel (Ephesians 6:1–3) In Ephesians Paul calls the church to walk in wisdom by the power of the Spirit. This includes children. And in this week’s sermon, we saw how children in the Lord (believing children) are motivated to obey and honor their parents. Indeed, in only three … Continue reading “In the Lord”: Children, Obedience, and the Gospel (Ephesians 6:1–3)

Living Long in the Land: Reading Ephesians 6:1–3 through the Lens of the New Covenant

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” — Ephesians 6:1–3 — In preparation for this Sunday’s sermon on Ephesians 6:1–3, I have … Continue reading Living Long in the Land: Reading Ephesians 6:1–3 through the Lens of the New Covenant

How to Apply the Land Promise to Children: A Case Study in Ephesians 6:1–3

In Ephesians 6:1–3 Paul calls believing children (i.e., children in the Lord) to obey (v. 1) and honor (v. 2) their parents. In verse 1, Paul gives the motivation, “for this is right,” and in verses 2–3, he motivates children with the fifth commandment, ‘the first commandment with a promise.’ And importantly, the promise says, “that it … Continue reading How to Apply the Land Promise to Children: A Case Study in Ephesians 6:1–3

Six Marks of True Repentance

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, … Continue reading Six Marks of True Repentance

The Drama of Marriage: What Christ and the Church Teaches Husbands and Wives (Ephesians 5:22–33)

The Drama of Marriage: What Christ and the Church Teaches Husbands and Wives Few things in life are more delightful and more difficult than marriage. And this week, as our church, returned to the book of Ephesians we picked up Paul’s Christ-centered teaching on marriage. You can find the sermon online. Below there are discussion … Continue reading The Drama of Marriage: What Christ and the Church Teaches Husbands and Wives (Ephesians 5:22–33)

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