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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

Twelve Ways to Order Your Week by the Son (Part 2)

Last week, in application of a recent sermon, I outlined six ways to set your watch by the Son. In order, these included. Start your day with God. Consume God’s Word on the way and make plans to feed on his faithfulness. Pray without ceasing. Make a midweek gathering a priority. Preserve and protect the … Continue reading Twelve Ways to Order Your Week by the Son (Part 2)

Leaving ‘Left Behind’ Behind: Sixteen Ways to Read Matthew 24 with the Grain of Scripture

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the … Continue reading Leaving ‘Left Behind’ Behind: Sixteen Ways to Read Matthew 24 with the Grain of Scripture

Twelve Ways to Order Your Week by the Son (Part 1)

Last Sunday I preached a sermon entitled, “Keeping Time at the Altar By Setting Your Watch by the Son.” That sermon was part two of series of sermons explicating Genesis 8:20–9:7. You can find the introduction here. In all, my aim is to help members of my church, who are new creations in Christ (2 … Continue reading Twelve Ways to Order Your Week by the Son (Part 1)

On Earth, As It Is in Heaven: Making Plans That Please the Lord

Welcome to Quitter’s Day. Until this week, I didn’t even know that such a day existed. Sure, I was familiar with the fact that the gym seems a lot less crowded by the end of January. But I didn’t know that we coronated the breaking of New Year’s resolution with an unofficial holiday. But some … Continue reading On Earth, As It Is in Heaven: Making Plans That Please the Lord

Via Emmaus On the Road: A Brief Introduction

** Yes, this first episode only comes out one speaker. The next one will be better. And the one after that even more so. Or at least, that’s the plan. Introduction In 2025, I am putting together a Bible reading plan for my family and a few others in my church. I am hosting that … Continue reading Via Emmaus On the Road: A Brief Introduction

5 x 52: A New Testament Bible Reading Plan for 2025

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! — Psalm 119:103 — But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4 — Did you know that there are 260 chapters in … Continue reading 5 x 52: A New Testament Bible Reading Plan for 2025

What is an Election Sermon? An Example and An Argument

On Sunday I preached an election sermon in two parts. Expounding Psalm 2, I considered four vital truths about God’s sovereignty from God’s promise to give his son the nations, and in response I outlined five practical steps to exercising our political stewardship. In this sermon, I did not endorse a candidate or commend a … Continue reading What is an Election Sermon? An Example and An Argument

To Whom Will You Give the Sword? Seven Moral Arguments for Donald Trump

How should I vote for the glory of God? That is a question that Christ Over All answered in a variety of ways in September of this year. And it serves as the background to this article, where I want to offer a more personal word regarding something that has changed in my own thinking … Continue reading To Whom Will You Give the Sword? Seven Moral Arguments for Donald Trump

Rejoicing in Christ’s Royal Priesthood: The 2024 Bauman Lectures (Toronto Baptist Seminary)

In 2022, I wrote a book entitled The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God. This book clarified, synthesized, and streamlined my doctoral dissertation. In 2013, I finished a biblical theology of the priesthood which sought to answer the question: For whom did Christ die? Looking at the priesthood from Genesis to Revelation I argued for a … Continue reading Rejoicing in Christ’s Royal Priesthood: The 2024 Bauman Lectures (Toronto Baptist Seminary)

Guard the Flock and Contend for the Faith: An Introduction to 2 Peter and Jude

This summer, when the Southern Baptist Convention met in Indianapolis, Daily Wire reporter, Megan Basham, spoke to a packed room of 1000 people. In her speech, which you can now find online, she revealed various ways that pastors, churches, and other ministries have been targeted by well-funded political activists. More recently, Megan’s book, Shepherds for … Continue reading Guard the Flock and Contend for the Faith: An Introduction to 2 Peter and Jude

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