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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

Seeing John 9 with New Eyes: A Few Notes on Literary Structure

As I continue to study John’s Gospel, I grow increasingly amazed at the beloved disciple’s use of literary structure. Here’s a sampling of things to see in John 1–9. The Christological chiasm in John 1:1–18, The Christ-centered chiasms of John 1:19–1:51, The geographical chiasm of John 2–4 (see also here), The literary chiasm of John … Continue reading Seeing John 9 with New Eyes: A Few Notes on Literary Structure

Truth on Trial: Seeing Who You Are By Hearing the ‘I AM’ (John 8:48–59)

Here is a life principle: Trials tell you who you are. How many of us have thought we were strong, smart, and self-sufficient, until the trial came. Likewise, how many continue to believe they are calm, cool, and collected, until the trial. Trials in life can have names like Alice or Anthony, COVID or cancer, … Continue reading Truth on Trial: Seeing Who You Are By Hearing the ‘I AM’ (John 8:48–59)

The Crack in the Cosmos: Letting the Light of John 8:12–59 Expose the Divide in Humanity

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31–32 — I don’t know about you, but when I read lengthy dialogues in Scripture, especially in … Continue reading The Crack in the Cosmos: Letting the Light of John 8:12–59 Expose the Divide in Humanity

On Dobbs and the Growing Rift in America: Why Only a Spiritual Answer Explains the Division

[Photo Credit: Not The Bee] June 24 is a date that all Christians should now mark on their calendar. For nearly half a century, January 22 was the day that remembered the decision to make abortion available throughout America. And since the decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973, January 22 has been a day … Continue reading On Dobbs and the Growing Rift in America: Why Only a Spiritual Answer Explains the Division

Go And Preach No More? Six Contextual Problems With John 7:53–8:11

Few passages in the Bible are more beloved than the story of the adulterous woman being brought to Jesus, condemned by the scribes and Pharisees, and then set free by the wisdom and compassion of Christ. At the same time, few passages in the Bible are more debated. Should John 7:53–8:11 be included in the … Continue reading Go And Preach No More? Six Contextual Problems With John 7:53–8:11

Elections Have Consequences: Why I Am Voting for Tom Ascol in Anaheim

As the cost of gas, milk, eggs, and bread continue to rise, we are reminded, among other things, that elections have consequences. Those who are in office will impact those who voted for him or her, as well as those who did not vote for the officeholder. This is true in nationally, locally, and ecclesially … Continue reading Elections Have Consequences: Why I Am Voting for Tom Ascol in Anaheim

Three Literary Mountains: Seeing the Chiastic Structures of John 7

When I preached through the Five Books of the Psalms a few years ago, I began to see chiasms as “literary mountains” (see below). Which is to say, just as mountains in the Bible serve as meeting places with God, so chiastic structures (literary mountains) do the same. Because chiasms put stress on the high … Continue reading Three Literary Mountains: Seeing the Chiastic Structures of John 7

The Sharp Edges of God’s Sovereign Salvation: 9 Truths about the Doctrine of Election

A number of years ago, I preached a sermon Titus 1:1. In that passage, Paul says, he is “an apostle Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth.” In that sermon it would be impossible and unfaithful to ignore the word “elect” (eklekton) and the way … Continue reading The Sharp Edges of God’s Sovereign Salvation: 9 Truths about the Doctrine of Election

Blessed are the Un-Offended: For They are the Elect of God (John 6:60–71)

Blessed are the Un-Offended: For They are the Elect of God (John 6:60–71) Blessed is he who is not offended by me. — Matthew 11:6 — These are the words Jesus spoke to John the Baptist, when John sent his disciples to Jesus asking this question: Are you the one who is to come, or … Continue reading Blessed are the Un-Offended: For They are the Elect of God (John 6:60–71)

God’s Judgment in John’s Gospel: How a Careful Reading of John 6 Reveals the Wisdom of God’s Judgment

5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. — Psalm 12:5–6 — In John … Continue reading God’s Judgment in John’s Gospel: How a Careful Reading of John 6 Reveals the Wisdom of God’s Judgment

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