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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

“But Now”—Learning to Live in the Newness of Christ

It has often been observed that the “last days” are not just some future event of tribulation and doom but are instead the days of Christ’s church, inaugurated by his resurrection. Thus, as Acts 2:17 and Hebrews 1:2 teach us, the last days have begun with the finished work of Christ and will culminate when … Continue reading “But Now”—Learning to Live in the Newness of Christ

God’s War Memorial: The Church of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:11–22)

God’s War Memorial: The Church of Jesus Christ (pt 1) This Sunday marks our fifth sermon in Ephesians and with it the consideration of the fifth sola. As our church remembers the Protestant Reformation this fall, we have sought to highlight the five solas from the text of Ephesians. After considering the material principles of … Continue reading God’s War Memorial: The Church of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:11–22)

Marveling at the Lord’s Teaching: A Meditation for Bible Teachers

Marveled. Astonished. Amazed. In Luke 4, these three words are used to describe the effect Jesus’ teaching had on people. First, in response to Jesus’ reading of Isaiah 61, coupled with his announcement that “this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21), Luke record, “all spoke well of him and marveled at the … Continue reading Marveling at the Lord’s Teaching: A Meditation for Bible Teachers

Temple-Building and Divine Warfare: Two Important Themes to Understand Ephesians 2:11–22

In his illuminating book Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology, Jeffrey J. Niehaus argues convincingly that a regular and repeating pattern of salvation occurs in the ancient Near East (ANE). This pattern follow this basic order: A god works through a man (a royal or prophetic figure, often styled a shepherd) to wage war against … Continue reading Temple-Building and Divine Warfare: Two Important Themes to Understand Ephesians 2:11–22

Lordship from the Start: A Meditation on Saving Grace

Updated: I’ve included a few quotes from Charles Ryrie and Robert Wilkin to demonstrate my concerns with their truncated understanding of faith. Although it has been some time since John MacArthur’s The Gospel According to Jesus launched a biblical salvo into the Free Grace Movement, every now and again I come across people who believe in Non-Lordship … Continue reading Lordship from the Start: A Meditation on Saving Grace

By Grace, Through Faith: Getting Into God’s Grammar about Salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10)

By Grace, Through Faith: Getting Into God’s Grammar about Salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10) When it comes to understanding the heart of the gospel, Ephesians 2:8–10 is an anchor passage. And this week I had the privilege and the challenge of preaching it. The privilege comes in the fact that, this verse encapsulates so much gospel truth. … Continue reading By Grace, Through Faith: Getting Into God’s Grammar about Salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10)

Looking Forward to Jesus, and Not Some Date on the Calendar (Guest Post by Ben Purves)

Since the world did not end last Saturday (September 23), David Meade has designated a new date (October 15). But since Jesus said, “No man knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36), I am convinced that this prediction is equally absurd. Absurd, and yet a snare to be addressed. Just two weeks ago, we … Continue reading Looking Forward to Jesus, and Not Some Date on the Calendar (Guest Post by Ben Purves)

Screwtape in 280 Characters

Circa 2006 Screwtape: “What’s new, nephew?” Wormwood: “Nothing, uncle. Just a couple guys in California starting something with 140 characters.” Screwtape: “You moron! This is what our research department has been working on for years.” Wormwood: (puzzled look) Screwtape: “With only 140 characters, we will enshrine banality . . . . . . engender hate … Continue reading Screwtape in 280 Characters

Straight Talk about the Church: A Biblical Meditation on Church Membership

For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. — Acts 11:26 — For the last year I have spent a lot of time thinking about the church. Consequently, when I read books like Acts I am primed to observe ecclesial … Continue reading Straight Talk about the Church: A Biblical Meditation on Church Membership

Our Mission Trip to Iceland: A Sunday Morning, Coffee House Update

On Facebook, I’ve had a chance to share a few updates from our mission trip. Today, as we get ready to go to church (at 2pm UTC), we are stopping in a local coffee shop—the Flagship Coffee House of the North Atlantic—and stopping to give a brief update on our trip. So, here are six … Continue reading Our Mission Trip to Iceland: A Sunday Morning, Coffee House Update

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