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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

Last Things First: Three Ways Christ’s Birth Fulfills An End Times Prophecy

The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and … Continue reading Last Things First: Three Ways Christ’s Birth Fulfills An End Times Prophecy

The Servant-King Who Brings Peace to Earth: An Advent Message on Isaiah 49–54

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.– Isaiah 53:4–5 – I heard the bells on Christmas Day / Their old, familiar carols play,and wild and sweet / The words repeat / Of peace … Continue reading The Servant-King Who Brings Peace to Earth: An Advent Message on Isaiah 49–54

Faith, Hope, Love, and a True Savior: Four Questions of Life and Death (Isaiah 36–39)

Faith, Hope, Love, and a True Savior: Four Questions of Life and Death (Isaiah 36–39) In Isaiah, the middle of the book presents us with a series of questions: Will you trust God when you are under threat? Will you turn to God when your life is in peril? Will you see God’s discipline as … Continue reading Faith, Hope, Love, and a True Savior: Four Questions of Life and Death (Isaiah 36–39)

Trust in the Lord, the Promises of God Incarnate (A Sermon on Isaiah 28–35)

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas Carols upon us, the holiday season is now here. And with the holidays comes the making of many lists. Santa has his list. And I am sure many readers of this blog have theirs. Whether it is a list of things to get done for Christmas or a list … Continue reading Trust in the Lord, the Promises of God Incarnate (A Sermon on Isaiah 28–35)

Salvation and Judgment From Zion to Zambia: An International Comedy (A Sermon on Isaiah 13–27)

Salvation and Judgment From Zion to Zambia: An International Comedy (Sermon Audio for Isaiah 13–27) Sermon Handout: Isaiah 13-27 PDF Slides Has the Bible ever made you mad? Have you ever stopped reading the Bible because you couldn’t understand it? Are there parts of the Bible that you have avoided because they are too difficult … Continue reading Salvation and Judgment From Zion to Zambia: An International Comedy (A Sermon on Isaiah 13–27)

Pressing Deeper into Isaiah 1–12: Seven Chiasms in Seven Sections

In so many ways, the book of Isaiah is like a set of Russian Stacking Dolls. You know, the ones pictured above that share the same shape but not the same size. Similarly, the book of Isaiah is composed of countless chiastic structures that fit within one another. Already, we have something of this in … Continue reading Pressing Deeper into Isaiah 1–12: Seven Chiasms in Seven Sections

The Dramatic Arc of Isaiah 1–12: How Seeing Literary Structure Unveils the Glory of God

“This is an unusual and fascinating book.” One might think this commendation describes the Bible, or at least the book of Revelation. But in fact, these words come from Richard Averbeck’s endorsement of David Dorsey’s book about the Bible, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament (Baker, 1999). Indeed, his full endorsement reads as follows, … Continue reading The Dramatic Arc of Isaiah 1–12: How Seeing Literary Structure Unveils the Glory of God

The Story of Isaiah’s Immanuel: An Advent Reading Plan

On Sunday, November 13, our church will begin a six week series on the book of Isaiah. You know, the one that is 66 chapters long and contains some of the most memorable verses in the Bible. Isaiah 6:1–3. In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high … Continue reading The Story of Isaiah’s Immanuel: An Advent Reading Plan

The Ripple Effect of the Resurrection: How Resurrection Shockwaves Produce Unshakeable Faith (A Sermon on John 11:45–12:11)

The Ripple Effect of the Resurrection: How Resurrection Shockwaves Produce Unshakeable Faith (A Sermon on John 11:45–12:11) When Jesus died and rose again, rocks cracked open, tombs emptied, and creation shook. As Matthew reports it, there was an earthquake associated with Christ’s death and resurrection. And that earthquake not only shook creation, it also raised … Continue reading The Ripple Effect of the Resurrection: How Resurrection Shockwaves Produce Unshakeable Faith (A Sermon on John 11:45–12:11)

John’s Chiasm Highlights the Mission of Christ: Six Observations from John 11:45–12:11

Throughout John’s Gospel, we have observed chiastic structures. Not surprisingly then, it appears John 11:45–12:11 is another place where the action is laid out in a seven step chiasm. Here’s my structure. Below, I have listed some of the interpretive ramifications of this outline. Six Observations from John 11:45–12:11

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