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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

Looking at the Old Testament on Good Friday

Although the centerpiece of the Bible—Christ’s cross—is revealed in the New Testament, we cannot understand its meaning without the Old Testament. Indeed, Paul says Christ’s death and resurrection happened “according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), which means according to the Old Testament Scriptures. Similarly, Peter says the prophets were led by the … Continue reading Looking at the Old Testament on Good Friday

Approaching Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday: A Few Video Resources

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” … Continue reading Approaching Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday: A Few Video Resources

On Biblical Theology and Interpretation

“Jesus became the direct and primary source of the church’s understanding of the Old Testament” — David Dockery, “Typological Exegesis” in Reclaiming the Prophetic Mantle, 174 — If reading the Bible well is a passion for you, you will appreciate the reflections of these interpreters of Scripture. The Text, the Whole Text, and Nothing But … Continue reading On Biblical Theology and Interpretation

The Wisdom of the Cross: Paul’s Use of Isaiah in 1 Corinthians 1

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” — 1 Corinthians 1:19 — In 1 Corinthians 1:19 Paul quotes from Isaiah 29:14 to make a case that the cross has destroyed and is destroying the wisdom of the wise. This verse sets the trajectory of … Continue reading The Wisdom of the Cross: Paul’s Use of Isaiah in 1 Corinthians 1

Reading the Bible Better: What Makes a Valid Chiasm?

Structure is not simply artificial device or literary elegance. It is a key to meaning. Oversight of structure may result in failure to grasp the true theme. — Ernst Wendland — This week, I enjoyed participating in my second Simeon Trust workshop. To those who teach the word regularly I can think of few ways … Continue reading Reading the Bible Better: What Makes a Valid Chiasm?

What Does the Bible Say about the Doctrine of Election?

In the Bible, the word “election” is used in a number of ways. For instance, in Matthew 24 Jesus speaks of “the elect” (vv. 22, 24, 31); in Romans 9 Paul explains “God’s purpose of election” (v. 11); and in Ephesians 1:4–6, Paul says the Father “chose us in him before the foundation of the … Continue reading What Does the Bible Say about the Doctrine of Election?

The Cross of Christ Shapes Every Area of Life

Yesterday, I preached on “The Wisdom of the Cross” from 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. While most of the message concentrated on the doctrinal message of the cross and its radical contrast to way the world approaches life (i.e., man’s wisdom), I closed the sermon with a handful of quick applications, listed below. For the church, the cross must … Continue reading The Cross of Christ Shapes Every Area of Life

Playing (and Not Playing) Sports to the Glory of God

Norman Dale: You know, most people would kill to be treated like a god, just for a few moments. Barbara Fleener: Gods come pretty cheap nowadays, don’t they? You become one by putting a leather ball in an iron hoop. I hate to tell you this, but it’s only a game. Growing up, Hoosiers was one of, if not … Continue reading Playing (and Not Playing) Sports to the Glory of God

Waters That Unite: Five Truths About Water Baptism

Too often baptism is seen as waters that divide. In the New Testament, however, baptism publicly identifies Christians with their Lord and one another. Especially in Paul, baptism is appealed to as a means of unity in the church. Those who have died and risen again with Christ are known by their common baptism (Romans … Continue reading Waters That Unite: Five Truths About Water Baptism

The Lord’s Supper is a Segregation-Destroying, Family-Making Meal

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he … Continue reading The Lord’s Supper is a Segregation-Destroying, Family-Making Meal

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