Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church

by Benjamin L. Gladd, Matthew S. Harmon, Gregory K. Beale (Introduction)

Many people think eschatology refers to events occurring at the end of history. In this book, two scholars with expertise in biblical eschatology argue that God's kingdom breaking into this world through Jesus Christ has inaugurated a new creation, a reality that should shape pastoral leadership and be reflected in the life and ministry of the church. Brief and accessibly written, this book articulates the practical implications of G. K. Beale's New Testament Biblical Theology and features an introductory chapter by Beale. Each chapter concludes with practical suggestions and a list of books for further study.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church, Leadership

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2016

About the author

Benjamin L. Gladd (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.

Reviews

[Colby Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book. Should be read alongside practical ecclesiology books from NineMarks, especially for those who have not been introduced to how the already not-yet kingdom impacts the life of the church.

[Jeff Wiesner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, Gladd and Harmon have provided a basic guide to understanding how inaugurated eschatology ("already/not yet") shapes the life and ministry of the church. Conceptually, the reader won't find anything here that one can't find in a host of other biblical theologies, especially those written by Beale. But the authors' application of the already/not yet to pastoral ministry provides a unique service for pastors like myself. I was especially helped by chapter 5 on "Guarding the Flock" (most notably, the section titled, "Elders and Eschatological Tribulation"). Not necessarily a re-read, but will likely come of my shelf from time to time for reference.

[Derrick Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful! This book clarified how Christ inaugurated the kingdom in his first coming and how he will bring it to completion in his second coming. This book also helps believers understand their life and ministry in the already/not yet kingdom of God. Overall, I really liked the book.

Since this book is written by Harmon who is a dispensationalist and Gladd who is a covenantalist, there were a few sections that felt a little schizophrenic, especially on Harmon’s section on the future for Israel. I also was surprised they didn’t talk about over-realized eschatology in their third section. Regardless, this was a great book!

[Steve Irby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church," by Benjamin L. Gladd and Matthew S. Harmon (Intro chapter by G.K. Beale).

Rather than a common Eschatology this book addresses the question "what is the life of the Church supposed to look like if we are in the 'already/not yet'?"

Beal intros the book by stating Eschatology shouldn't be the last chapter in a systematic theology but rather the lens through which every aspect of theology is viewed. He also plants his flag--successfully--on "last times/days/hours." Interestingly he shows how John in The Revelation says that he, John, was in the tribulation (1:9).

This chapter shows that the church is the eschatological people of God foretold in the OT. These are Jewish and gentiles from the promise of Abraham. Moses and the law were interruptions in the Abrahamic covenant where the Jewish failed but Jesus succeeded as a representative Israel.

"The promised restoration of God's people has begun [at the ministry of Jesus] through the one who obeys where Adam, Israel and all of God's people failed. That is the heart of the Good News the Church is called to preach," p 25.

Jesus Kingdom and Ethical teaching are fulfillment of OT prophecy and point to "then" as the beginning of the end.

These first three chapters lay the groundwork for the rest of the book.

I bought this book for the above. I wanted to have a better understanding of Inaugurated Eschatology.

The following 6 chapters are the practical or applied part of Inaugurated Eschatology.

" Therefore preaching must explane what God has already done for us in Christ (indicative) and call people to grow in areas where they do not yet fully reflect Christ (imperative)," p 74. Or 'preaching the already/not yet.'

The next three chapters are Leading the flock: feeding, guarding and guiding in the light of the already/not yet-ness of the Kingdom.

The last three chapters are on ministry: worship, prayer and missions in the already-not yet Kingdom.

A very good book.

#MakingAllThingsNew #BenjaminLGladd #MatthewSHarmon #InauguratedEschatology #LifeOfTheChurch # Ecclesiology #Eschatology #AlreadyNotYet #Kingdom #KingdomTheology #GKBeale

[Ben K · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are living in the end times. The “latter days” promised in the OT when god would establish his kingdom, pour out his Spirit, conquer sin, and recreate the world have arrived. But contrary to expectation, it hasn’t all happened at once. While the old things are fading away, God’s kingdom is being established, and so we find ourselves living in the overlap of these two ages.

This idea is what many have come to call "inaugurated eschatology,” including G.K. Beale. The authors of this book, former students of Beale, begin with their mentor’s scholarship on this topic (Beale himself offers the first chapter) and carefully apply it to pastoral ministry and the church. The result is a stirring vision for what the church is called to be in this overlap of the ages. This book is a great example of how careful scholarship and precise theology can positively shape and inform our beliefs and practices. Every application presented is firmly rooted in exegetical and theological insights from Scripture. The primary audience for this book is pastors and those in church ministry, but I think that anyone committed to the church would benefit from this material as it presents a great picture of the church and its purpose in these latter days.

[Nate Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my reading experience, this is a rather unique book targeted to pastors / elders / church leaders. It is a theologically rich book with the actuated goal of being tethered to the life of the church in a practical way. Gladd and Harmon carry forward Beale's life-long work of presenting God's Kingdom in an eschatological perspective from beginning to end. As the subtitle says, they pay special attention to how this applies to the church today.

Overall they did a good job seeing this through, however, I felt several times the scales tipped too far towards continuity and an amillennial approach. For folks who lean towards dispensationalism, they will have to squint at a few of the ways some of the biblical texts are handled. However, I believe it is worth it to consider the book's premise.

One other minor weakness in my opinion is that the book can be a little choppy as rich theological concepts are applied to the life of the church. A lot of detail is given to bringing Beale's premise to this book in a practical way. It is just hard to do that in a short book. It is hard to move from depths of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and how that applies to the practical daily life of the church.

[Bo Cogbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine Overview of Redemptive Historical Amillenialism

I was initially intrigued by the title, particularly the Inaugurated Eschatology piece, and while the authors did a fine job of showing how Christ indeed inaugurated the last days, I'd hoped for more emphasis on how the eschaton is more and more already and less and less not yet. Little attention was paid (one reference, if I remember) to AD 70 and the significance of Jerusalem's destruction as it pertains to Redemptive History.

All in all, it was a fine introduction to how the gospel began in seed form and blossomed with the resurrection of Christ. They give a surface treatment of biblical typology and do a good job presenting Jesus as the One to whom all things point. Likewise, they show how God's new covenant people are caught up in the reality of the resurrection now, though more time could have been spent on the importance of union with Christ as the tie that binds.

Given the short length and density of topic though, Making All Things New is worth a read.

[Jimmy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take time for recharge your ministry batteries and reground yourself in God.

This book is a rich and insightful exploration of how eschatology—the “already-not yet” tension of the end times—shapes every aspect of church life and leadership. Rather than treating eschatology as something distant or speculative, the authors show how the New Testament views it as central to Christian identity and ministry today. Each chapter unpacks how this theological lens impacts preaching, discipleship, leadership, worship, and spiritual formation. The writing is theologically deep yet pastoral, making complex ideas accessible for both scholars and church leaders. Especially compelling is the emphasis on corporate worship as a reflection of God’s covenant faithfulness and future promises. This isn’t just a book about theology—it’s a call to live and lead with eternity in view. If you’re a pastor, teacher, or thoughtful Christian seeking to understand how the future shapes the now, this book is both timely and transformative. Highly recommended.

[Aeromama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining: 5/10
Transformational: 8/10

A good nerdy vacation read! If you have read the Bible in themes or keywords or with intentional mental "lenses," this book pulls those layers together in an eschatological framework. It provides an argument and then practical implications, structured a little like Paul's letters actually.

I find myself looking at verb tenses and a few key phrases afresh, based on the author's assertion that Jesus inaugurated the latter days of history.

Biggest takeaway: that Jesus had to walk out what the chosen Israel had failed, mirrored in Matthew 4. He had to personally backtrack and walk out their failures, and THEN he could continue as the suffering servant and bringer of the "days to come" predicted through the OT.

I may pick up another read by Baker Press. I haven't been as resonant with IVP Academic in the last few years . . .

[Joshua Molden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read if you are looking to get a synopsis about inaugurated eschatology (aka the "already and not yet"). One thing I appreciated about this book was that it was written by two people who ultimately have different eschatological views, but they came together to show the commonality between their two views in this book. I appreciate the willingness to do that!

[James R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

Detailed study on eschatology. Insightful guide through Old Testament to discern eschatological arch between Testaments. I highly recommend for Bible teachers and pastors

[Dennis Erwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful reflection on eschatology, through the work of G. K. Beale, and how that applies to our lives in the church. Their writing often lead me to stop and worship, or to write excitedly about some implication. I'm very grateful. It doesn't break new ground, but it's a good book.

[Noah Buresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The already-not yet is too often cliché in our Christian nomenclature. This book contributes toward the discussion of inaugurated eschatology through its biblical reflection on the intersection of pastoral leadership and the practices of the church with the already-not yet.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book about thinking through how the already not yet frame work should shape your church and leadership.

[Nicole]

Interesting introduction into Inaugurated Eschatology. Gave me a lot to think about. Putting it down for now, though.

[Will Imfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful in clarifying how the “already-but-not-yet” nature of the time between Christs two advents informs the identity and actions of the church, and role of pastor/elder/overseers.

[Brian Bement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal summary of inaugurated eschatology. And incredibly practical for church leaders. Loved it!

[Jordan Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

If everything is already and not yet. Then at some point, nothing is already and nothing is not yet.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything in the church has to do with eschatology. This book reveals both the theological and the practical sides of that well.

[Ian Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theological rich. Enjoyable read.