In Christian teaching we do not comment much on the temple. Why is that? Is it because the physical building was destroyed in AD 70? It was, but can that really be the end of the matter? Or maybe we're only looking forward to the new cosmic temple described in Revelation 21-22. Either way, there is significant application of the Bible's temple theology for our lives today. In this symposium from the fall of last year, I lay out a biblical theology of the temple toward understanding the gospel and the nature of the church better.
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In this month’s blog, Dr. Schrock explains that it is through his fulfillment of the Old Testament that, “We come to know Jesus. Or to say better, this is the way that God makes himself know to us. Those who have been made alive by the Spirit not only come to understand how Jesus fulfills all Scripture, but they also delight to know more of God’s Word, so that they can have a truer picture of their Savior and King.” Read why we have such a great reason to be thankful for our perfect, promise-fulfilling Savior.
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This month's blog highlights Dr. Bill Fullilove, the upcoming professor of Poets at ITS this J-Term. In his essay, Dr. Fullilove discusses how to helpfully dive into the Psalms. He shows us the power of the poetry for our hearts along with our minds, and he helps protect our reading of the Psalms from expecting what they never intended to communicate.
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Every Christian loves the Psalms. Even those who do not particularly like poetry, or have the patience to grapple with it, still find moments in the Psalms that resonate within their soul. Our love and enjoyment of the psalms, in turn, lead to prayers seasoned with the words of the psalmist. Yet the Psalms are not merely a collection of pithy one-liners for the spiritually desperate. In this recent essay, Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski shows readers how the psalter is more than a collection of isolated poems, but one epic poem of New Creation.
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I wrote this essay for the Washington Institute at the end of October. Its primary focus is on the nature of apocalyptic literature, but its foil is the sensationalizing of news events in 2020. So while my first aim was to commend a responsible way to read apocalyptic literature (Revelation in particular), my hope was also that the relevance of apocalyptic literature would shine through in shadow of current events and the palpable anxiety leading up to the November election. Well, in the wake of continuing unrest and uncertainty — covid spreading more than ever, controversy with the vaccine, riotous mobs inside the Capitol, the eve of a new presidential administration — I believe these words are still germane. …
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One of the more hotly debated topics in theology among Christians surrounds the study of last times and things, or eschatology. For those who seem so sure of their eschatological view, uncertainty arises when all sides seem to use Scripture to make their arguments. They all agree on the second coming of Christ, but they differ on what it will be like and when it will happen. Yet, one aspect of Christ’s return is sure: who it will involve.
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This past weekend we celebrated the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is not the end of the story, however. He has ascended and rules at the right hand of the Father. Our King has risen, is reigning, and will return. We look forward to Christ’s glorious return. In these last four videos on the book of Revelation, find encouragement “as we await the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). I am happy to share these with you. My hope is you will be encouraged and edified.
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Windows provide light into our homes. They also allow us to look out to see what may be on the horizon. In these three videos, we explore some themes and imagery that invites us to look back into the Old Testament for understanding. When we do this, we can look at Revelation with greater clarity, like looking through a clear window. I am happy to share these with you. My hope is you will be encouraged and edified. If you would like to discuss the content of these videos, then leave a comment or question, and I look forward to responding.
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Recently, I was putting together lectures on the Book of Revelation for the Johannine Theology course I am teaching this semester. This book, more than others, really emphasizes Jesus Christ's sovereignty over history. The point is not that Jesus will become Lord at his return or something, but that he is Lord of all right now, and that he executes his purposes in the course of time. Mystery of mysteries what he is doing sometimes, but it is all for the renown of his name, the good of his people, and for his glorious purposes in redemption. No virus is sovereign. No government. No man. But Jesus alone is able to break the seals and open the scroll. …
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