Dear Chad, Just a thought regarding the quote below: A couple of weeks ago I read a paper on Dispensationalism written by the one of my early theology professors, Dr. John Master, now a professor at PBU. At any rate, he was trying to predict the next step in the developement of dispensational theology. Part of his argument concerned what I would call a pan-hermeneutic, i.e and over-riding principle or telos of Scripures and history, to wit, redmeption. (I cannot recall if he out it in so many words, I just recall that I thought he was setting that forth. I also remember my history professor (You likely remember Dr. McGoldrick) saying that history was redemptive. However, as I considered that, it occured to me that redemption is not the over-arching hermeneutical principle of scripture and history. Rather, all things are to be interpreted in the light of the God's glorification of Himself in His Son the Lord Jesus. Redemption is subservient to that goal, as are all other things. This serves to enhance your point that eschatolgy precedes soteriology, for it does preced soteriology as a motivating principle in the decrees of God. The fulfillment of that goal (God self-glorification) IS eschatology, in fact, it would be good if all eschatological statements were tested and framed teleologically: that is, how does my view of things to come conform to the ultimate glorification of God in Jesus Christ. Sadly, most eschatological systems have little to do with Christ and his glory. They have more to do with setting dates or ordering events or describing future creation. At any rate, I think we will understand history and Scriptures better if we keep that telos in mind. BTW, one way in which this telos has been acheived in the fullness of the gospel is the way in which Jesus fulfills all the mediatorial offices of messiah: He is more than just the prohet, priest and king of his people: He is prophet, AND the message; Priest AND the sacrifice, King AND law. All things, indeed, have joined in him. He is the perfection of God;s purpose. I know this is a bit rambling, but I'm writing fast! Joe T BTW, if you want to read the papaer by Master, it can be found at: http://www.etsjets.org/meetings/2002/future-of.PDF ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chad Richard Bresson" <breusswane@...> To: <soundofgrace@...> Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 3:28 PM Subject: Re: [soundofgrace] inferred deeper meanings > Redemption is the central thought/reason for revelation.