Justin Dillehay

Hartsville

Contributing Editor and Writer at The Gospel Coalition

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Articles

A Field Guide to the Beast of Revelation 13

4 weeks ago | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

“The beast” in Revelation 13 has been the subject of endless speculation—especially with regard to his “mark” (is it a barcode? a tattoo? a vaccine?). Seen rightly, the beast is such a recurring character that it’s hard to narrate salvation history without it. C. S. Lewis even featured a beast character (Shift) in the final book of The Chronicles of Narnia. Revelation 13 actually features two beasts (v. 11). Together with “the dragon” (v. 2), they make up the ultimate unholy trinity.
The Gospel According to Mephibosheth

1 month ago | theaquilareport.com | Justin Dillehay

It wasn’t David’s love or pity for Mephibosheth that prompted this kindness—not originally. It was his love for someone else. Ultimately, God doesn’t show us kindness for our sake but for the sake of Jesus and the covenant they made long before we were born. In his days as a young monk, Martin Luther struggled to love God. His words looking back were, “Love God? I hated him!” This isn’t surprising, since all Luther had seen at that point was God’s severity; he’d yet to behold his kindness.
The Gospel According to Mephibosheth

1 month ago | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

In his days as a young monk, Martin Luther struggled to love God. His words looking back were, “Love God? I hated him!” This isn’t surprising, since all Luther had seen at that point was God’s severity; he’d yet to behold his kindness. It’s hard to love someone you think is unkind. Perhaps this is why Satan’s goal from the beginning has been to call God’s kindness into question. But that’s why chapters like 2 Samuel 9 are in the Bible. This is a story of David’s kindness. The words “show. .
When Paradise Welcomed Its Lord

2 months ago | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

Today has traditionally been referred to as “Holy Saturday,” the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We all know what happened to Jesus’s body after he died. For the remainder of Good Friday and all of Holy Saturday, it was laid in a borrowed tomb, where it kept Sabbath for a brief time before being raised on Easter Sunday. But as with all other human beings, there was more to Jesus than just his body. What about his soul (or spirit)?
The Hero Who Set His Face

2 months ago | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

Most people run from danger. After all, what could be more instinctive than self-preservation? That’s why we usually reserve words like “hero” for those who deliberately walk into danger for the sake of others. Firefighters. Soldiers. Police officers. People who know they might suffer—even die—but who answer the call anyway because it’s what they signed up for. But this Holy Week, we celebrate the Hero of all heroes on his final journey to Jerusalem.
‘Raised for Our Justification’: Is It Enough That Jesus Died?

Feb 12, 2025 | theaquilareport.com | Justin Dillehay

Our justification depends not only on Christ’s death for its foundation but also on his life for its continuation (Romans 5:10). The reason you can’t be condemned is that you not only have a bleeding atonement, but you also have a living Advocate (1 John 2:1–2). There’s a well-known hymn by E.E. Hewitt called “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.” You’ve probably sung it.
‘Raised for Our Justification’: Is It Enough That Jesus Died?

Jan 28, 2025 | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

I need no other argument,I need no other plea,It is enough that Jesus died,And that he died for me. It’s a statement that’s glorious and beautiful—and false if misunderstood. Do we have no other argument? Is there nothing else Jesus did that provides our faith with a resting place? Don’t get me wrong. Rightly understood, the chorus is perfectly biblical. From the cross, we hear Jesus say, “It is finished” (John 19:30). And Romans 5:9 tells us we’re “justified by his blood” (cf. 1 Cor. 2:2).
The Gospel According to Hebrews

Jan 23, 2025 | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

When we think of “Gospel narratives,” we naturally think of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. After all, they’re the main accounts we have of Jesus’s life. For sustained focus on Jesus and his ministry, there’s nothing like the four Gospels. But one book comes close: Hebrews. It’s not written as a narrative, yet it recounts so many stages in the story of Jesus that at times it’s almost like having a fifth Gospel.
Review: ‘To Gaze upon God’ by Samuel G. Parkison

Nov 20, 2024 | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay

When you think about heaven, what do you most look forward to? Having your body redeemed and being free from pain and suffering? Being reunited with friends and family? Or perhaps finding out what it’s like to “ride a drop of rain” (as one country song muses)? Scripture has much to say about the joys that await those who love God.
Holy Haggling: Learn to Pray like Abraham

Jun 3, 2024 | thegospelcoalition.org | Justin Dillehay |Tim Keller |Edmund P. Clowney |Matt Lietzen

At first glance, Abraham’s conversation with God in Genesis 18 may seem like one of the oddest stories in Scripture. Abraham haggling with God over the destruction of Sodom—and God negotiating the terms of judgment with a mere man? It’s a story I’d never have been bold enough to make up. On reflection, however, I suggest this scene (like all Scripture) is profitable for training in righteousness, particularly in the area of prayer.