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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

How the Spirit and the Word Prepare You for the Lord’s Supper

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and … Continue reading How the Spirit and the Word Prepare You for the Lord’s Supper

Introducing “How” To Do Biblical Theology: Fifteen Axioms from Graeme Goldsworthy

This week our Sunday School classes begin a summer-long study of According to Plan: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. It is not hyperbole to say Graeme Goldsworthy’s book was revolutionary in my understanding of Scripture, theology, hermeneutics, and preaching. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience with him; I know many friends and ministers of the … Continue reading Introducing “How” To Do Biblical Theology: Fifteen Axioms from Graeme Goldsworthy

Discipleship 101: What is a Disciple?

What is a disciple? The answer may not be as easy as it might first appear. First, there is a shift in the meaning of the term ‘disciple’ from the Gospels to the book of Acts. For instance, in John 6 many of Jesus’ ‘disciples’ leave him. These are the ones who followed him to … Continue reading Discipleship 101: What is a Disciple?

Being and Building a Better Church: Temple Language in Paul

In Jesus the Temple Wheaton professor and New Testament scholar, Nicholas Perrin, makes an important correction on the way we read “temple language” in the letters of Paul. He writes, “When we come to the apostle Paul, we find a corpus of literature permeated with temple imagery” (65). What Perrin observes is the way Paul’s Second Temple Judaism forms … Continue reading Being and Building a Better Church: Temple Language in Paul

Made Alive By the Spirit: The Pneumatology of Galatians (pt. 1)

In Galatians Paul spends a great amount of time explaining justification. That is to say, he argues that people are declared “right with God” as they place their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. In this way, Paul lays the ground work for the Reformation doctrine of Sola Fide: By Faith Alone are … Continue reading Made Alive By the Spirit: The Pneumatology of Galatians (pt. 1)

Preaching a Definite Atonement

Sometimes people ask “Why did you write your dissertation on limited atonement?” To which I have two answers. The academic answer is “because I wanted to apply a biblical theological approach to a contentious doctrine.” I believe that only by approaching the extent of the atonement with the whole canon of Scripture in view is it … Continue reading Preaching a Definite Atonement

Indianapolis Theological Seminary at Together for the Gospel

This week thousands gospel-minded ministry leaders will gather in Louisville, Kentucky at an event called Together for the Gospel. Accomplishing many things, the conference reminds us of the importance of the gospel, its place in ministry, and its power to bring hope to a lost and dying world. At the same time, this gathering of gospel-minded brothers and sisters provides … Continue reading Indianapolis Theological Seminary at Together for the Gospel

Enlarging Our Missions Footprint

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” – Isaiah 52:7 – How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in … Continue reading Enlarging Our Missions Footprint

What Demonstrates the Power of God? Miraculous Signs or Spiritual Resurrection

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. — 1 Corinthians … Continue reading What Demonstrates the Power of God? Miraculous Signs or Spiritual Resurrection

The Making of a ‘Theologian’: Twelve Ways to Grow in Grace and Knowledge of the Lord

A few weeks ago I wrote a blogpost, “Theology is not Just for Theologians.” This week Edmond Sanganyado ran a post (“Becoming a Better Theologian“) on the same subject, where he queried more than twenty theologians on how to grow in knowing and loving God (i.e., theology). He received responses from Jonathan Leeman, Kevin Vanhoozer, Tim Challies, … Continue reading The Making of a ‘Theologian’: Twelve Ways to Grow in Grace and Knowledge of the Lord

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