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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

This is the Day That the Lord Has Made: A Good Friday Reflection

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24 – Like many, I learned this verse not from reading it in the Bible but singing it in church. Les Garrett’s chorus, “This is the Day,” is a popular praise song that sets this verse … Continue reading *This is the Day* That the Lord Has Made: A Good Friday Reflection

What Does It Mean to Be “Weary and Heavy Laden”?

I’ve often thought that the language of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 requires greater specificity. Jesus’ invitation for weary and heavy laden people is not given to the physically beleaguered as much as it is to the spiritually destitute. Jesus gives rest to sinners who have come to feel the weight of their sin. This, I have thought, is the … Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be “Weary and Heavy Laden”?

15 Propositions About Tongues from 1 Corinthians 12–14

What does 1 Corinthians teach about tongues? That’s a question I’ve been wrestling with all year as we’ve preached through 1 Corinthians. In pursuit of understanding these chapters myself, I’ve written a number of blogposts. And here is a culminating post offering 15 propositions to crystallize what Paul says and does not say about tongues in 1 … Continue reading 15 Propositions About Tongues from 1 Corinthians 12–14

Is It Finished? Clarity and Conviction about the Miraculous Gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14)

Is It Finished? Clarity and Conviction about Miraculous Gifts On the cross Jesus exclaimed this glorious truth: Tetelestai! It is Finished! Our eternal security is settled by this truth. And this week we celebrate Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday because Jesus Christ finished his gracious work of redemption on on the cross. Strangely, we are less certain about … Continue reading Is It Finished? Clarity and Conviction about the Miraculous Gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14)

No Other Gospel: Reflections from The Gospel Coalition

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. — Galatians 6:14 — For three days this week, ten of us from Occoquan Bible Church traveled to Indianapolis to join 8,500 other followers … Continue reading No Other Gospel: Reflections from The Gospel Coalition

Finding Life in Leviticus 19: Ten Gospel Notes for Social Justice Warriors

The Ten Commandments are listed twice in the Old Testament—once in Exodus 20; once in Deuteronomy 5. They are also explicated at least twice. After each list (Exodus 21–23 and Deuteronomy 12–25), Moses specifies and applies the Lord’s “ten words.” This means that we do not need to wait for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) to … Continue reading Finding Life in Leviticus 19: Ten Gospel Notes for Social Justice Warriors

Six Lessons on Shepherding: A Pastoral Meditation on 1 Thessalonians 2

In the Bible, leadership is likened to shepherding. In the Old Testament, God shepherded his people; he called shepherds like Moses and David to lead his people; and kings were often likened to shepherds. In the New Testament, the image continues. Elders are commanded to shepherd the people whom God gives them to oversee (1 … Continue reading Six Lessons on Shepherding: A Pastoral Meditation on 1 Thessalonians 2

Speech Therapy: Training Our Tongues to Build Up Others (1 Corinthians 14:1–25)

Proverbs says a soft answer turns away wrath. James 3 says that the tongue is a fire which can set a whole forest ablaze. 1 Corinthians 14 says to not forbid speaking in tongues, yet it also gives a long list of qualifications. With all these words about the tongue and tongues, how should we proceed? Our … Continue reading Speech Therapy: Training Our Tongues to Build Up Others (1 Corinthians 14:1–25)

Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists (pt 2): The Church’s Three Foundational Offices

A few weeks ago I focused on James Bannerman’s treatment of the apostolic office. Today I pick up the next foundational office in the early church—the office of the prophet. In his book, The Church of Christ, he spends a whole chapter on these offices and I have found his insights most valuable in considering the use of … Continue reading Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists (pt 2): The Church’s Three Foundational Offices

Welcome One Another: Five Ways to Show Hospitality at Church

Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. — Romans 15:7 — In the Bible hospitality is no small matter. From Abraham to the Apostles, God called his people to greet one another with love and concern. For instance, in the Old Testament it was more than a cultural faux pas … Continue reading Welcome One Another: Five Ways to Show Hospitality at Church

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