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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

Are You Equipped? Announcing OBC’s EQUIP Conference (Sept 23–25)

. . . to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ . . .”– Ephesians 4:12 – In the 1980s edutainment games were coming of age and infiltrating American schools. Leading the way was a game called Oregon Trail. Perhaps you remember playing the game, shooting Buffalo, … Continue reading Are You Equipped? Announcing OBC’s EQUIP Conference (Sept 23–25)

What is the Kingdom of God Like?

If there is one chapter in the Bible which best describes the kingdom of heaven (in other places, the “kingdom of God”), Matthew 13 is it. Through seven parables, Jesus spoke to the crowds who came to see him (v. 1). In these parables, he laid out aspects of the kingdom that were both hidden and … Continue reading What is the Kingdom of God Like?

Seven Truths about the Doctrine of Vocation

In 1 Corinthians 7:17–24 Paul speaks of our calling before God. In all of his writings, this may be one that most directly deals with the doctrine of vocation. On Sunday, we will consider this subject at length. In preparation, here are seven truths that relate to “vocation” and our calling to live for and … Continue reading Seven Truths about the Doctrine of Vocation

Answering the Call: Toward a Biblical View of Vocation (1 Corinthians 7:17–24)

Eight times in eight verses the apostle Paul speaks to the Corinthians about understanding their various vocations in light of God’s effectual “call.” These instructions about one’s calling before God broaden Paul’s focus in chapter 7 from marriage, singleness, and sexuality to matters concerning circumcision (Jew vs. Gentile) and slavery (bondservant and free). All in all, … Continue reading Answering the Call: Toward a Biblical View of Vocation (1 Corinthians 7:17–24)

God at Work: Learning About the Doctrine of Vocation from Gene Veith (and Martin Luther)

“Vocation” is a word that comes from the Latin word for “calling” (vocare). In modern vernacular it often is an unimpressive synonym for work, i.e., vocational training. However, in Scripture, the word is filled with significance, even dignity. God calls us to himself, out of darkness and death, into the life and love of his … Continue reading God at Work: Learning About the Doctrine of Vocation from Gene Veith (and Martin Luther)

Discipleship in the Local Church: What Has Preaching to Do With Discipleship?

Discipleship programs. Discipleship pastors. Discipleship pressure. Following Jesus means obeying the Great Commission, with its command to make disciples of all the nations. But what does that mean? And how do we do it? In a few other posts I’ve answered what it means to be a disciple and who makes disciples. But today, I want to … Continue reading Discipleship in the Local Church: What Has Preaching to Do With Discipleship?

‘Married for God, Divorced for Good?’ (1 Corinthians 7:10–16)

First Corinthians 7:10–16 brings us to one of the most heart-wrenching passages in Scripture. As it deals with marriage, divorce, and remarriage, it gives counsel to Christian marriages (vv. 10–11) and “mixed marriage” (vv. 12–16) that are looking into the teeth of divorce. In the context of a horribly sad week (#AltonSterling, #PhilandoCastille, and #DallasPoliceShooting), I bookended … Continue reading ‘Married for God, Divorced for Good?’ (1 Corinthians 7:10–16)

On Religious Liberty and the Freedom to Worship

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. — Jeremiah 29:7 — Today marks the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a day that marks the birth of our … Continue reading On Religious Liberty and the Freedom to Worship

From Capital Punishment to Christ’s Propitiation: What Leviticus 20:13 Means for Christians Today

In the wake of the Orlando shooting, our summer intern (Timothy Cox) and I drew up a biblical response for our church. Our hopes were to clarify the differences between the Bible and the teachings of Islam. Although one Bible verse (Leviticus 20:13), taken out of context, calls for the death of gays and lesbians, Christians … Continue reading From Capital Punishment to Christ’s Propitiation: What Leviticus 20:13 Means for Christians Today

How the Lord’s Table Defines Its Dinner Party

A number of years ago, as I ate dinner with friends at an outdoor café, I was wrongly identified as a famous race car driver. It was more than a little awkward, as the mistaken gentleman belted out: “Dale!! Dale Earnhardt, Jr.?!? Is that you? Awww . . . I love you, man!” With … Continue reading How the Lord’s Table Defines Its Dinner Party

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