How can we understand the book of Revelation and its many interpretations? Four Views of Revelation: A Parallel Commentary covers the traditional views in an even-handed fashion. Four parallel columns present the information you need on these key views, and inform you about outstanding commentators on the book of Revelation. No other book gives such extensive coverage of how the church has understood Revelation over the centuries. The four-column format makes this an easy read for lay people, pastors, and scholars alike. This is a wonderful addition to any Bible study resource library.Features include: Convenient, one-volume format Four parallel columns for easy comparison Complete coverage of the major interpretations of Revelation Extensive coverage of the place of Revelation in church history

The rapture--or the belief that Jesus' living followers will, at some point, join him forever while others do not--is an important but contested doctrine among evangelicals.Scholars generally hold one of three perspectives on the timing and circumstances of the rapture, all of which are presented in this important volume of the Counterpoints series, Three Views on the Rapture: Alan D. Hultberg (PhD, Trinity International University and professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology) explains the Pre-Wrath view. Craig Blaising (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary and president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) defends the Pre-Tribulation view. Douglas Moo (PhD, University of St. Andrews and professor of New Testament at Wheaton College) sets forth the Post-Tribulation view.Each author provides a substantive explanation of his position, which is critiqued by the other two authors.A thorough introduction gives a historical overview of the doctrine of the rapture and its effects on the church. The interactive and fair-minded format of the Counterpoints series allows readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions.

Reclaiming our common hope.Too often discussions about the End Times are fraught with wild speculation or discord. But a biblical view of eschatology places Jesus' return and victory at the center. All Christians hold this hope in common.In Jesus Wins, Dayton Hartman focuses on this common ground to reveal why the way we think about the End Times matters. Christian eschatology should be rooted in biblical orthodoxy to inspire hope and greater faithfulness in the present age. That's the point of eschatology after all! Drawing from his own ministry experience, Hartman testifies to the unifying power of Jesus' victory.

Biblical Eschatology provides what is not found in any other single volume on eschatology: it analyzes all the major eschatological passages (including the Olivet Discourse and the book of Revelation), issues (including the second coming of Christ, the millennium, the rapture, and Antichrist), and positions (including all the major views of the millennium) in a clear, but not superficial, way. The book concludes with a chapter showing how eschatology is relevant for our lives. Biblical Eschatology makes understanding eschatology easier by including chapters on how to interpret prophecy and apocalyptic literature, by showing the history of eschatological thought, and by placing eschatology in the context of the Bible's overall story line and structure. Clarity and understanding are enhanced by the use of comparative tables and appendices. Subject and Scripture indexes are included. The book interacts with the best of Evangelical and Reformed scholarship, and the extensive bibliography (which includes the Web addresses of many resources that are online) provides an excellent source for the reader's further study. This is a perfect resource for intelligent Christians, including pastors, students, and teachers, who desire to understand eschatology and to see how it fits together with the rest of the Bible.

Anthony Hoekema brings to the study of biblical prophecy and eschatology a maturity that is rare among contemporary works on the subject.

Since its first publication in 2001, Revelation and the End of All Things has been a highly readable guide to one of the most challenging books in the Bible. Engaging the questions people most frequently ask about Revelation and sensationalistic scenarios about the end of the world, Craig Koester takes his readers through the entirety of Revelation, offering perspectives that are clear and compelling.In the second edition Koester provides new insights from recent scholarship and responses to the latest popular apocalyptic voices. Study questions make this new edition ideal for use in classrooms and study groups. Revelation and the End of All Things offers an accessible, engaging, and profoundly hopeful interpretation for students and general readers alike.

The Promise of the Future says Sinclair Ferguson, introduces us to the full range of biblical teaching on eschatology (the study of the last things). It rightly stresses that...as Simon Peter pointed out on the Day of Pentecost, the resurrection of Christ and the gift of the Spirit mean that the future has invaded the present, so that we are already living in 'the last days'...I believe that you will find the study on which you are about to embark both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching.

Are these the last days? Could Jesus return at any time to establish his thousand-year reign on earth? What is the nature of Christ’s millennial kingdom referred to in the book of Revelation? What must happen before Jesus returns, and what part does the church play? Three predominant views held by evangelicals seek to answer these and related questions: premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial. This book gives each view a forum for presentation, critique, and defense. Besides each contributor’s personal perspective, various interpretations of the different positions are discussed in the essays. Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond lets you compare and contrast three important eschatological viewpoints to gain a better understanding of how Christianity’s great hope, the return of Jesus, is understood by the church. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.

The book of Revelation has long intrigued, puzzled and even frightened its readers. Surely it is the most misunderstood book in the Bible. And some faulty interpretations of Revelation are so entrenched in the consciousness of Christians that they are regarded as "gospel truth" and provide riveting plot lines for end-time fiction. But behind the ancient multimedia show that is Revelation lies a message both simple and profound. It is told in a language and grammar of faith that was clearly understood by its first Christian audience. Much as a music video would scarcely have been understood by first-century citizens, though it is immediately understood by youthful audiences today, so we are puzzled by and misread Revelation. Paul Spilsbury has studied Revelation in the company of its best interpreters, those who have taken the time to enter the minds of the first-century Christians for whom it was originally written. And what has he found? Within the central images of a throne, a lamb and a dragon lies the answer-- the gospel clearly proclaimed the glory of God awesomely illumined the work of Christ memorably embodied the nature of evil hauntingly disclosedHere is a guide that will help us hear Revelation speak, once again inspiring grateful worship and calling us to costly discipleship.

J. I. Packer is widely recognized as a pillar of 20th-century evangelicalism and has had a profound impact on millions of Christians living today. Now in his late eighties, Packer still exerts an enormous influence on pastors and laypeople around the world through his many books, articles, and recorded lectures―works that overflow with spiritual wisdom related to the Christian life. In this soul-stirring book, well-known pastor Sam Storms explores Packer’s legacy and profound insights into prayer, Bible study, the sovereignty of God, the Christian’s fight against sin, and more, offering readers the chance to learn from a true evangelical titan.The importance of Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck to Reformed theology is difficult to overstate. Bavinck's comprehensive four volume systematic theology, Reformed Dogmatics, is a modern classic that has influenced countless pastors and theologians over the past 100 years. In Bavinck on the Christian Life, scholar John Bolt brings the great Dutch theologian’s life and work to bear on following Jesus in the 21st century. By practically applying Bavinck's systematic works to the Christian life and looking at the life of the man himself, this book shows the direct connection between robust theology, practical holiness, and personal joy.John Owen is widely hailed as one of the greatest theologians of all time. His many works―especially those encouraging Christians in their struggle against sin―continue to speak powerfully to readers today, offering much-needed spiritual guidance for following Christ and resisting temptation day in and day out. Starting with an overview of Owen’s life, ministry, and historical context, Michael Haykin and Matthew Barrett introduce readers to the pillars of Owen’s spiritual life. From exploring his understanding of believers’ fellowship with the triune God to highlighting his teaching on justification, this study invites us to learn about the Christian life from the greatest of the English Puritans.Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

This clear and comprehensive introduction to apocalyptic theology demonstrates the significance of apocalyptic readings of the New Testament for systematic theology and highlights the ethical implications of the apocalyptic turn in biblical and theological studies. Written by a leading theologian and proponent of apocalyptic theology, this primer explores the impact of important recent Pauline scholarship on contemporary theology and argues for a renewed understanding of key Christian doctrines, including sin, grace, revelation, redemption, and the Christian life.

The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word.How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel.With examples drawn from his forty years of ministry as a pastor and teachers, Storms offers a guidebook that can help pastors, elders, and church members understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts. If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.

Revelation is like no other book in the New Testament. Its bizarre images need explaining even for seasoned Bible readers, but when we turn to biblical scholars we find that they don't all agree.In Revelation Verse by Verse, Grant R. Osborne offers a clear exposition of the book that takes seriously both its first-century context and what it means today. Where he disagrees with other interpretations of particular images, he briefly mentions them but remains focused on the text throughout. Rather than being a book that stirs up fear, Revelation is instead a hopeful and even devotional book, focused on the certainty of God's bringing his plans to completion, the futility of Satan and his plans, and the glory of the Lamb.Revelation Verse by Verse is the first volume in the Osborne New Testament Commentaries, a new series from noted Bible scholar Grant R. Osborne directed toward pastors and committed laypeople.

Amillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism, postmillennialism, preterism. These are difficult words to pronounce and even harder concepts to understand. A Case for Amillennialism is an accessible look at the crucial theological question of the millennium in the context of contemporary evangelicalism. Recognizing that eschatology--the study of future things--is a complicated and controversial subject, Kim Riddlebarger provides definitions of key terms and a helpful overview of various viewpoints. He examines related biblical topics as a backdrop to understanding the subject and discusses important passages of Scripture that bear upon the millennial question. Regardless of their stance, readers will find helpful insight as Riddlebarger evaluates the main problems facing each of the major millennial positions and cautions readers to be aware of the spiraling consequences of each view.

New in the Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries collectionIn this now-classic exposition of Revelation, first published in 1972, George Eldon Ladd offers a clear, engaging, and insightful reading of the Apocalypse that is ideal for the pulpit, classroom, or personal study.In a brief introduction Ladd discusses the subject of authorship, the date and historical setting of Revelation, and the various methods of interpretation (preterist, historical, idealist, and futurist) that have been applied to the book throughout history. He then offers an analytical outline of Revelation’s structure and his verse-by-verse commentary, which reflects a historic premillennial perspective. The entire work is marked by Ladd’s sensitivity to the needs of both scholars and general readers and by his concern for proclaiming the message of Revelation for our time.

The second coming of Christ is a matter of sharp disagreement amongst Christians. Many hold to premillennialism: that Christ’s return will be followed by 1,000 years before the final judgement, a belief popularised in the popular Left Behind novels. However, premillennialism is not the only option for Christians. In this important new book, Sam Storms provides a biblical rationale for amillennialism; the belief that 1,000 years mentioned in the book of Revelation is symbolic with the emphasis being the King and his Kingdom.

Who is the Antichrist and when will he come? Find out with this thorough, biblical examination of the doctrine of the Antichrist. From the author of A Case for Amillenialism.

The book of Revelation has long fascinated and even confused readers and students of the Bible. Yet the Bible is written to be understood, and Revelation is no exception. Who better to help you understand the seals, trumpets, vials, woes, and plagues than John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Mark Hitchcock, today's leading Bible prophecy expert? In this first in a renewed series of commentaries from Dr. Walvoord, he points out that much of the book's symbolism can be interpreted literally. At key points, different views and approaches to interpretation are explored. Walvoord devotes special attention to textual and doctrinal issues while avoiding technical language. Refined, updated with the English Standard Version (ESV), and streamlined, this classic text is set to help you interpret the last book of the Bible and gain a better grasp of current trends and the climax of history!

"When we receive the key to biblical eschatology, a whole new world opens up to us. The scales fall from our eyes and we see Christ, His covenant, His kingdom, and His people in all Scripture. In The Great End Time Debate, Dean Davis offers us the key." -- Simon WartanianFor the last 150 years the evangelical church has been embroiled in a great debate about eschatology: about the true shape of Salvation History, and about God's plan for the Consummation of all things at the return of Christ. In this book, retired pastor and author Dean Davis seeks to resolve that debate once and for all.He begins at the beginning, asking how it got started and what keeps it going. He answers by suggesting that we have failed to listen to God's Son, who alone can guide us into all truth, including eschatological truth.Making that commitment afresh, and therefore anchoring to the New Testament, Davis invites us on a rich theological journey with Christ in which we listen to the Lord on the four underlying issues of the Great End Time Debate: the Kingdom of God, the interpretation of Old Testament Kingdom prophecy, the meaning of the Millennium, and the Consummation of all things.The journey is no cakewalk, for along the way we must earnestly wrestle with complex issues and honestly consider competing options. But the prize ever beckons: a final ascent to the highest peak of all, the peak where the High King of Heaven grants his beloved Bride a fresh vision of her Blessed Hope, and the winner of the Great End Time Debate.

The most robust and complete end-time prophecy commentary series of our time. Christianity has bought into the myth of multiculturalism out of love…and consequently has started to reap the fruits of that seed. Could modern Christianity have adopted some unbiblical and illogical presumptions that have created a breeding ground for deception? Paul warns that unless Christians cling to the truth, “God shall send them strong delusion” to test if we “love the truth” and if not…be condemned for not believing the truth! This is the crucial exam of our time. Jesus Christ (Yeshua) needed to fulfill the fractal of a seed in two parts; hiddenness (seed) and manifestation (fruit). This is the pattern of creation. Have you wondered why Jesus has been absent for 2,000 years? Do you want a better explanation for your friends that you can show them from the scriptures and nature? Just as a seed fulfills the imagery of death, so must the Messiah…then after being hidden it bursts forth in resurrection and ascended life like a fruit. "The Elijah Calling" is a robust commentary on the patterns of God, nature, and the scriptures. No Theological library is complete without this book!

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most difficult passages in Scripture. Grant Osborne's commentary on Revelation begins with a thorough introduction and the many difficulties involved in its interpretation. He also examines elements that complicate the interpretation of apocalyptic literature.As with all volumes published in the BECNT series, Revelation seeks to reach a broad audience with scholarly research from a decidedly evangelical perspective.

The book of Daniel is key to the entire Old Testament prophetic revelation. Who better to help you understand Daniel's stories, prophecies, and dreams—and give you a brighter hope for things to come—than John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Charles Dyer, a Bible professor and expert on Israel?In this second work of a renewed series of commentaries, Dr. Walvoord addresses alleged historical inaccuracies and considers past and future fulfillments of specific prophecies. At key points different views and approaches to interpretation are explored. Walvoord devotes special attention to textual and doctrinal issues while avoiding technical language.Refined, updated with the English Standard Version (ESV), and streamlined, this classic text is set to help you understand and interpret the book of Daniel and gain a better grasp of what the future may bring.

The Use of Daniel in Jewish Apocalyptic Literature and in the Revelation of St. John

Reading Revelation Responsibly is for those who are confused by, afraid of, and/or preoccupied with the book of Revelation. In rescuing the Apocalypse from those who either completely misinterpret it or completely ignore it, Michael Gorman has given us both a guide to reading Revelation in a responsible way and a theological engagement with the text itself. He takes interpreting the book as a serious and sacred responsibility, believing how one reads, teaches, and preaches Revelation can have a powerful impact on one's own--and other people's--well-being. Gorman pays careful attention to the book's original historical and literary contexts, its connections to the rest of Scripture, its relationship to Christian doctrine and practice, and its potential to help or harm people in their life of faith. Rather than a script for the end times, Gorman demonstrates how Revelation is a script for Christian worship, witness, and mission that runs counter to culturally embedded civil religion.

Concentrate on the biblical author's message as it unfolds.Designed to assist the pastor and Bible teacher in conveying the significance of God's Word, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series treats the literary context and structure of every passage of the New Testament book in the original Greek.With a unique layout designed to help you comprehend the form and flow of each passage, the ZECNT unpacks: The key message. The author's original translation. An exegetical outline. Verse-by-verse commentary. Theology in application.While primarily designed for those with a basic knowledge of biblical Greek, all who strive to understand and teach the New Testament will benefit from the depth, format, and scholarship of these volumes.

Many evangelical readers who have learned the basics of eschatology from popular authors and more recently from novelists assume that dispensational premillennialism, with its distinctive teachings about the pretribulation rapture of the church, is the only reliable view of the end times and the return of Christ.This volume, however, offers a compelling case for an alternative perspective--one that was widely prevalent throughout church history. The contributors, all respected scholars in their respective fields, suggest that classic premillennialism offers believers a more coherent and viable approach to understanding eschatology. Their studies, which examine eschatology from biblical, theological, historical, and missiological approaches, provide a broadly accessible argument for returning to the perspectives of historic premillennial eschatology.

With extreme care and faithfulness to Scripture, Peterson sets forth the case for eternal punishment and refutes four alternative views. A timely response to current denials of the historic position.

In this landmark commentary, Craig R. Koester offers a comprehensive look at a powerful and controversial early Christian text, the book of Revelation. Originally written for Christian communities in Asia Minor, Revelation depicts scenes of cosmic conflict in which God, the creator of the world, overcomes the forces of destruction and makes all things new. This often misunderstood portion of the New Testament repeatedly surprises readers by warning that judgment is imminent, only to interrupt the visions of terror with messages of hope and redemption.Koester provides richly textured descriptions of the book’s setting and language, making extensive use of Greek and Latin inscriptions, classical texts, and ancient Jewish writings, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. While Revelation has often been viewed as world-negating, this commentary focuses on its deep engagement with social, religious, and economic issues. It also addresses the book’s volatile history of interpretation and its cultural impact over the centuries. The result is a groundbreaking study that provides powerful insights and sets new directions for the continued appreciation of this visionary religious text.

This commentary series is established on the presupposition that the theological character of the New Testament documents calls for exegesis that is sensitive to theological themes as well as to the details of the historical, linguistic, and textual context. Such thorough exegetical work lies at the heart of these volumes, which contain detailed verse-by-verse commentary preceded by general comments on each section and subsection of the text.An important aim of the NIGTC authors is to interact with the wealth of significant New Testament research published in recent articles and monographs. In this connection the authors make their own scholarly contributions to the ongoing study of the biblical text.The text on which these commentaries are based is the UBS Greek New Testament, edited by Kurt Aland and others. While engaging the major questions of text and interpretation at a scholarly level, the authors keep in mind the needs of the beginning student of Greek as well as the pastor or layperson who may have studied the language at some time but does not now use it on a regular basis.

Winner of the Word Guild Award for best book in Biblical Studies (2014).In recent years, more and more Christians have come to appreciate the Bible's teaching that the ultimate blessed hope for the believer is not an otherworldly heaven; instead, it is full-bodied participation in a new heaven and a new earth brought into fullness through the coming of God's kingdom. Drawing on the full sweep of the biblical narrative, J. Richard Middleton unpacks key Old Testament and New Testament texts to make a case for the new earth as the appropriate Christian hope. He suggests its ethical and ecclesial implications, exploring the difference a holistic eschatology can make for living in a broken world."Richard Middleton plunges boldly into a most-treasured misreading of the Bible. He shows the way in which 'other-worldly' hope of 'going to heaven' is a total misread of gospel faith. In a demanding, sure-footed way he walks the reader through a rich deposit of biblical texts to make clear that the gospel concerns the transformation of the earth and not escape from it. Middleton summons us to repentance for such a mistaken understanding that has had disastrous practical implications. This is a repentance that he himself avows. When his book catches on, it will have an immense impact on the way in which we think and act about our common future in the gospel, a common future with important socioeconomic, political derivatives."--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary"It is no small irony that the majority of serious, Bible-believing Christians subscribe to a view of life in the eschaton that is fundamentally unbiblical. Middleton provides a much-needed corrective in his perceptive exposition of 'holistic eschatology,' which effectively unites the Old and New Testaments in stressing God's commitment to the flourishing of the created universe of which we are a part. This book is so comprehensive, so exegetically based and theologically rich, that it could serve admirably as a basic textbook on biblical theology. I cannot recommend it highly enough."--Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary"Richard Middleton has been one of my most important teachers. Every encounter with him changes me. This book is no different. Helping us see all the bad hermeneutical habits we've acquired (perpetuated by our hymns and choruses!), Middleton invites us to read the Scriptures afresh and see, perhaps for the first time, the biblical hope of a new earth. If read as widely as I hope, this book would transform North American Christianity."--James K. A. Smith, Calvin College; author of Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works"Middleton's vision of the renewal of all things is comprehensive, learned, accessible, and exciting. As an additional advantage, it is true. This is a stellar piece of work."--Cornelius Plantinga Jr., author of Engaging God's World

What does the Bible teach about the role of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel today? What is God's plan for the future of Israel and the neighboring countries? How can believers in Jesus be part of God's peace process in the Middle East?The People, the Land, and the Future of Israel walks through the Bible's account of the role of Israel and the Jewish people—both now and in the future. Each contributor offers a profound insight into God’s unfolding plan and purpose for the nation of Israel as the Scripture depicts them. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of both current and future events in the Middle East as described in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.Features an extensive foreword by best-selling author Joel Rosenberg who addresses the question, Will there ever be peace for Israel and her neighbors? Each chapter includes a scannable QR code that links to a short video introduction by the author of that chapter, introducing its topic. Discussion questions in each chapter aid book group and classroom discussion.

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.

Did Jesus claim to be the "bridegroom" If so, what did he mean by this claim? When Jesus says that the wedding guests should not fast "while the bridegroom is with them" (Mark 2:19), he is claiming to be a bridegroom by intentionally alluding to a rich tradition from the Hebrew Bible. By eating and drinking with "tax collectors and other sinners" Jesus was inviting people to join him in celebrating the eschatological banquet. While there is no single text in the Hebrew Bible or the literature of the Second Temple Period which states the "messiah is like a bridegroom" the elements for such a claim are present in several texts in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea. By claiming that his ministry was an ongoing wedding celebration he signaled the end of the Exile and the restoration of Israel to her position as the Lord's beloved wife. This book argues that Jesus combined the tradition of an eschatological banquet with a marriage metaphor in order to describe the end of the Exile as a wedding banquet.

Biblical Foundations Award Finalist and Runner UpFor many readers of the Bible, the book of Revelation is a riddle that fascinates and frustrates. Scholars and teachers have proposed different keys to its interpretation, including the "futurist" and historical-critical approaches. However, none of these adequately demonstrates the continuing, vital relevance of the Apocalypse to the contemporary church. Brian Tabb stresses the importance of the canonical context of the book of Revelation and argues that it presents itself as the climax of biblical prophecy. He shows how various Old Testament prophecies and patterns find their consummation in the present and future reign of Jesus Christ, who decisively defeats his foes, saves his people, and restores all things. Tabb considers key biblical-theological themes: the triune God; Christ's followers and foes; God's plan for salvation, judgment, and restoration; and God's word. He also explores how the book's symbolic visions shape believers' worldviews in accordance with what is true, good, and beautiful according to God's revealed standards. These visions motivate them to live obediently and counter-culturally in the world as faithful witnesses to Jesus. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.

Giants are real. The small-g gods of the pagans are real. Dragons are real.And they're preparing for the final war with God.Giants, Gods, and Dragons is a fresh look at the end of days, drawing on the worldview of the prophets and apostles, who understood that the spirit realm is far more real than we've been taught.In this book, you'll discover:The identities of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse The connections between Babel, Babylon, and what's in your wallet The dragons who will walk the earth in the last days The name of the first spirit to rebel against God (hint: it wasn't Satan) The connection between the reptilian figurines of ancient Sumer and the practice of human headshaping The link between the fallen angels of Genesis and the Titans of Greek mythology The identity of Nimrod and the true location of Babel The identity of Gog of Magog (hint: he's not Russian) Why the wild beasts with the deadly Rider on the Pale Horse may be disease-causing viruses Why Jews of Jesus' day and the early Christian church believed that fallen angels and the Antichrist were the giant, dangerous Titans of Greek myth Historic and prophetic links between the Watchers, Mount Hermon, the prophet Daniel, Jack the Ripper, the destroying angel called Apollyon, and the locust-like things that swarm out of the abyss during the Great Tribulation! Derek P. Gilbert and Sharon K. Gilbert connect the dots between history, archaeology, and Bible prophecy to reveal long-lost information about the imminent, end-times showdown between the fallen realm and the Kingdom of God.

One of the Old Testament’s most enigmatic prophecies is Ezekiel’s vision of a new, restored temple in Jerusalem. What would a restored temple be like? How would it operate? And when might it be built? These and many other intriguing questions are addressed in this newly updated and expanded work based on extensive research and discussions with leading Jewish leaders and rabbis in the United States and Israel. Messiah’s Coming Temple provides a thorough vision of this future center of worship during the coming messianic kingdom. Along with biblical interpretation of the key prophecies of Ezekiel regarding Messiah’s coming temple, the work includes photos and descriptions based on a unique and detailed model of the future temple constructed by author John Schmitt.

Already? / Michael Goulder -- Mighty Acts And Rule Of Heaven : God Is With Us / Birger Gerhardsson -- Matthew's Eschatology / Donald A. Hagner -- The Synoptic 'son Of Man' Sayings In The Light Of Linguistic Study / I. Howard Marshall -- Male And Female In Creation And New Creation : Interpretations Of Galatians 3.28c In 1 Corinthians 7 / Judith Gundry-volf -- The Eschatological Outlook In 2 Corinthians 4.7-15 / Jan Lambrecht -- Eschatological Structures In Galatians / Moisés Silva -- The 'body' In Colossians / James D.g. Dunn -- Everything That Rises Must Converge : Paul's Word From The Lord / J. Ramsey Michaels -- Pneuma And Eschatology In 2 Thessalonians 2.1-2 : A Proposal About 'testing The Prophets' And The Purpose Of 2 Thessalonians / Gordon D. Fee -- The Three Witnesses And The Eschatology Of 1 John / D.a. Carson -- 'and The Sea Was No More' : Water As People, Not Place / Thomas E. Schmidt. Edited By Thomas E. Schmidt And Moisés Silva. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes.

The Thessalonian epistles are probably best known for what they reveal about the last days. But there is much more to these letters than just end times prophecy. In this devotional commentary, John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Mark Hitchcock, a leading Bible prophecy expert, guide you through the prophecy and exhort believers on practical matters such as moral purity, disciplined living, church relationships, prayer and church discipline.Walvoord's stalwart writing has been greatly expanded upon by Hitchcock, with additional introductory and background material, charts, and in-depth explanations at key points. Now also updated with the Bible content in the English Standard Version (ESV), this volume in the renewed Walvoord Commentary Series stands ready to reach a whole new generation with the spiritual insights the apostle Paul had for the Thessalonians.

In general, Revelation studies continue to favour going outside or behind the text (in search of its context of origin, via the historical-critical paradigm) or, more recently, in front of the text (to investigate the book's reception history, past and present). To date, relatively little synchronic exegetical work inside the text has been undertaken, with the aim of understanding the text as we have it and on its own terms. To facilitate such work, narrative criticism has supplied some much-needed tools and methods, although these are mainly used to explore the mechanics of how a text 'works' via an examination of its moving parts. Campbell uses this methodology in a way that respects Revelation's narrative verve, adjusting and supplementing it so as to take account of the book's sophisticated thematic content. The result is a coherent and satisfying account of how Revelation's complex parts fit together into a meaningful whole. Throughout, the author is motivated by the conviction that the Church requires a biblical-theological appreciation of Revelation's story, developed from inside the text. This involves relating Revelation adequately to the rest of Christian Scripture - both to the Gospels and Epistles and to the Old Testament, to which it so frequently alludes.Table of ContentsTable of Contents:Introduction to Part 11. Divinity and pseudo-divinity2. True sovereignty and usurped claims3. Legitimate adoration and bogus worshipConclusion to Part 1Introduction to Part 24. Genuine testimony and counter-proclamation5. Faithful belonging and counter-allegiance6. Bride-city and whore-cityConclusion to Part 2Introduction to Part 37. Broken covenant and new covenantConclusion to Part 3Epilogue

The authors show how to how to preach the bible's apocalyptic texts while avoiding the most common pitfalls and mistakes.

How can we understand the book of Revelation and its many interpretations? Four Views of Revelation: A Parallel Commentary covers the traditional views in an even-handed fashion. Four parallel columns present the information you need on these key views, and inform you about outstanding commentators on the book of Revelation. No other book gives such extensive coverage of how the church has understood Revelation over the centuries. The four-column format makes this an easy read for lay people, pastors, and scholars alike. This is a wonderful addition to any Bible study resource library.Features include:Convenient, one-volume formatFour parallel columns for easy comparisonComplete coverage of the major interpretations of RevelationExtensive coverage of the place of Revelation in church history

Through a discussion of Biblical texts, this book presents four perspectives on the role of works at the final judgment including:Robert N. Wilkin: Works will determine rewards but not salvation: At the Judgment Seat of Christ each believer will be judged by Christ to determine his eternal rewards, but he remains eternally secure even if the judgment reveals he failed to persevere in good works (or in faith).Thomas R. Schreiner: Works will provide evidence that one actually has been saved: At the final judgment works provide the necessary condition, though not the ground for final salvation, in that they provide evidence as to whether one has actually trusted in Jesus Christ.James D. G. Dunn: Works will provide the criterion by which Christ will determine eternal destiny of his people: Since Paul, Jesus, and the New Testament writers hold together "justification by faith and not by works" with "judgment according to works", we should not fall into the trap of playing one off against the other or blend them in a way that diminishes the force of each.Michael P. Barber: Works will merit eternal life: At the final judgment, good works will be rewarded with eternal salvation. However, these good works will be meritorious not apart from Christ but precisely because of the union of the believer with him.

The Apocalypse and Semitic Syntax presents the results of a close study of features of the Greek syntax of the New Testament Apocalypse which arguably reflect the influence of the Hebrew and Aramaic languages. It opens with a discussion of the use of differing manuscript readings of the Apocalypse in weighing Semitic influence, then moves to an examination of selected Greek verbs in the Apocalypse which seem to demand the meaning of their Hebrew/Aramaic counterparts, rather than their conventional Greek meaning. The heart of the study consists of suggested Semitic influence in numerous places where the verbal syntax in the Apocalypse departs, sometimes quite strikingly, from conventional Greek syntax. The study then suggests Hebrew/Aramaic influence on the syntax of several types of clauses in the Apocalypse. The author concludes that cumulative evidence supports the hypothesis that the Apocalypse was composed in a variety of Greek that was intended to evoke biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, providing yet another link between his work and that of the Torah, Prophets and Writings of the Hebrew Bible.

Dr Lincoln sees three main factors contributing to the Pauline picture of heaven: Paul's Jewish conceptual background and knowledge of Old Testament and other traditions about heaven; the effect on that inherited background of Paul's encounter with the risen Saviour and his later visions and revelations of the heavenly Christ; and his apostolic task in moulding the thought and practice of the converts in the churches for which he felt responsible, countering what lie considered to be distorted views or false options. The author analyses passages in Paul's letters where the concept of heaven plays a significant role, and discusses the relation of the concept to the background of his thought, his views of history, of the cosmos, of the destiny of humanity, and of the nature of Christian existence. As a uniquely full treatment of a neglected aspect of Paul's thought this monograph makes an important and contemporarily relevant contribution to New Testament studies.

Many evangelicals have come to embrace a populist eschatology that has neither the support of the historical church, nor of the scholarly world today. For some, this has led to a disillusionment with eschatological speculations. For others, the results are apathy and a failure to understand the mission of God's people. This is tragic! For when the entirety of the New Testament is read and understood from an eschatological perspective, the grand narrative of Scripture and its fulfillment in Jesus comes clearly into focus. A proper framework for understanding eschatology directly correlates to a proper understanding of the mission of God's people, who are themselves carrying forth the biblical story as we approach the New Jerusalem. To fail to comprehend eschatology is to fail to comprehend our mission.This book has two objectives: First, to provide a proper hermeneutical framework from which we may discern a biblical eschatological worldview. Second, to demonstrate that a proper eschatological framework relates to the mission of God's people and the demand for holiness. Thus, eschatology matters!

Written a century ago, Bavinck's stately theology of "the last things"--from death to the parousia--offers sound exegetical guidance.

In this study, Sarah Harding examines Paul's anthropology from the perspective of eschatology, concluding that the apostle's view of humans is a function of his belief that the cosmos evolves through distinct aeons in progress toward its telos. Although scholars have frequently assumed that Paul's anthropological utterances are arbitrary, inconsistent, or dependent upon parallel views extant in the first-century world, Harding shows that these assumptions only arise when Paul's anthropology is considered apart from its eschatological context. That context includes the temporal distinction of the old aeon, the new aeon, and the significant overlap of aeons in which those "in Christ" dwell, as well as a spatial dimension that comprises the cosmos and the powers that dominate it (especially sin and the Holy Spirit). These eschatological dimensions determine the value Paul attaches to any particular anthropological "aspect." Harding examines the cosmological power dominant in each aeon and the structures through which, in Paul's view, these influence human beings, examining texts in which Paul discusses nous, kardia, and soma in each aeon.

This probe into Paul's theology argues that in his eschatological thinking there is a conceptual overlap between Jesus and God. As in several pseudepigraphical texts, there is in Paul a certain identification of the roles of God and the messianic figure. Especially in Paul's doctrines of the parousia and the final judgment this overlap features the Old Testament idea of the Day of the Lord Yahweh becoming transposed into the Day of the Lord Christ. In examining Paul's teaching on the messiah and the Kingdom, Kreitzer offers a penetrating analysis of how Paul balanced theocentricity and christocentricity within his eschatology, and how the theme of Christ's subordination to God is interjected into his doctrine.

The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview of Revelation.

Prevailing theories of apocalypticism assert that in a world that rebels against God, a cataclysmic battle between good and evil is needed to reassert God’s dominion. Emma Wasserman, a rising scholar of early Christian history, challenges this interpretation and reframes Paul’s apocalyptic texts as myths about politics in the world of divinity. Wasserman argues that the most dominant historical-critical theories about Christian apocalypticism are ahistorical and tend to work with apologetic formulations of Christ’s victory and the uniqueness of Christianity. Assessing Paul’s claims about immanent war, divine enemies, and the transformation that will accompany Christ’s return, Wasserman sees him as envisioning a single, righteously ruled cosmic kingdom, the true nature of which will soon be revealed to all. A major scholarly contribution that ranges across Mediterranean and West Asian religious thought, this volume has broad implications for understanding Paul’s myth of heroic submission as well as his most distinctive ethical teachings.

This book seeks, on the basis of Scripture, to inform believers about heaven (the new heavens and the new earth), to form them further into the image of Christ, and to assure them of their place in heaven. It establishes a biblical-theological framework through which we can better understand heaven--and shows how it produces changes in our everyday lives (not simply when we face death or experience suffering).The Explorations in Biblical Theology series addresses the need for quality literature that attracts believing readers to good theology and builds them up in their faith. Each title in the series combines solid content with accessibility and readability--a valuable addition to the library of any college student, thoughtful lay reader, seminarian, or pastor.

This extensive analysis compares Paul with the author of 4 Ezra against the background of a form of Jewish covenantalism prominent in the first century. The apocalyptic author of 4 Ezra and the apocalyptic thinker Paul share a common displacement from the covenantal "pattern of religion" evidenced in the texts of many of their contemporaries. Both authors went far beyond common perceptions of the ways of Israel's God and arrived at completely different solutions to the problem of the human condition.

Heaven. Eternity. The Afterlife. When you mention any of these concepts, people of all ages and from all walks of life are certain to have opinions. How can we know for sure what heaven will be like? According to New Testament scholar and popular author Scot McKnight, all we need to do is turn to Scripture to answer our questions. McKnight helps you examine God’s Word in order to discover what awaits you on the other side of the grave and find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding heaven, including: 1. What about Near Death Experiences? 2. What about Rewards in Heaven? 3. Who Will Be in Heaven? 4. Is God Fair? 5. Will There Be Families in Heaven? 6. What about Children Who Die? 7. What about Cremation? 8. What about Purgatory? 9. Will There Be Pets in Heaven? 10. Why Believe in Heaven? Heaven isn’t the construction of a fairy tale or some mystical narrative. It’s very real; it’s very good; and it’s very much the fulfillment of God’s promise to you.

Biblical Eschatology provides what is not found in any other single volume on eschatology: it analyzes all the major eschatological passages (including the Olivet Discourse and the book of Revelation), issues (including the second coming of Christ, the millennium, the rapture, and Antichrist), and positions (including all the major views of the millennium) in a clear, but not superficial, way. The book concludes with a chapter showing how eschatology is relevant for our lives.Biblical Eschatology makes understanding eschatology easier by including chapters on how to interpret prophecy and apocalyptic literature, by showing the history of eschatological thought, and by placing eschatology in the context of the Bible's overall story line and structure. Clarity and understanding are enhanced by the use of comparative tables and appendices. Subject and Scripture indexes are included. The book interacts with the best of Evangelical and Reformed scholarship, and the extensive bibliography (which includes the web addresses of many online resources) provides an excellent source for the reader's further study. This is a perfect resource for intelligent Christians, including pastors, students, and teachers, who desire to understand eschatology and to see how it fits together with the rest of the Bible Jonathan Menn is the Director of Equipping Church Leaders-East Africa,after having served as East Africa Director of Equipping PastorsInternational for six years. He travels regularly to East Africa, wherehe teaches pastors and church leaders. His extensive written teachingmaterials on biblical subjects are available at eclea.net. He may becontacted at jonathanmenn@yahoo.com.

Stefanos Mihalios examines the uses of the hour in the writings of John and demonstrates the contribution of Danielic eschatology to Johns understanding of this concept. Mihalios begins by tracing the notion of an eschatological time in the Old Testament within expressions such as in that time and time of distress, which also appear in the book of Daniel and relate to the eschatological hour found in Daniel. Mihalios finds that even within the Jewish tradition there exists an anticipation of the fulfillment of the Danielic eschatological time, since the eschatological hour appears in the Jewish literature within contexts that allude to the Danielic end-time events. Mihalios moves on to examines the Johannine eschatological expressions and themes that have their source in Daniel, finding evidence of clear allusions whenever the word hour arises. Through this examination, he concludes that for the Johannine Jesus use of the term hour indicates that the final hour of tribulation and resurrection, as it is depicted in Daniel, has arrived.

The culmination of Kärkkäinen's multivolume magnum opusThis fifth and final volume of Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen's ambitious five-volume systematic theology develops a constructive Christian eschatology and ecclesiology in dialogue with the Christian tradition, with contemporary theology in all its global and contextual diversity, and with other major living faiths—Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.In Part One of the book Kärkkäinen discusses eschatology in the contexts of world faiths and natural sciences, including physical, cosmological, and neuroscientific theories. In Part Two, on ecclesiology, he adopts a deeply ecumenical approach. His proposal for greater Christian unity includes the various dimensions of the church's missional existence and a robust dialogical witness to other faith communities.

What does the first book of the New Testament teach?As the first gospel, the book of Matthew is a bridge between the Old Testament and the New. It presents Jesus as the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament, but also as the Savior whose death was necessary for the salvation of mankind. Yet Matthew also describes the future Kingdom of Jesus when He will reign on earth at His Second Coming. In this fourth volume of the renewed Walvoord Commentary Series, renowned biblical scholar and prophecy expert John Walvoord, along with Dr. Charles Dyer, walks readers through the gospel of Matthew chapter by chapter and unfolds his message of Jesus’ Messianic identity, teachings, miracles, and future return as victorious King. Revised and updated throughout and based on the text of the English Standard Version (ESV), this new edition of Walvoord’s commentary will serve a whole new generation of pastors, leaders, and laypeople.

Discover Different Christian Views on What Heaven Will Be Like Christians from a variety of denominations and traditions are in middle of an important conversation about the final destiny of the saved. Scholars such as N. T. Wright and J. Richard Middleton have pushed back against the traditional view of heaven, and now some Christians are pushing back against them for fear that talk about the earthiness of our final hope distracts our attention from Jesus. In the familiar Counterpoints format, Four Views on Heaven brings together a well-rounded discussion and highlights similarities and differences of the current views on heaven. Each author presents their strongest biblical case for their position, followed by responses and a rejoinder that model a respectful and irenic tone toward those with whom they disagree. Positions and contributors include: Heaven: John S. Feinberg. This traditional view says our destiny is to leave earth and live forever in heaven where we will rest, worship, and serve God. We cannot say much about what heaven is like because its pleasures and glory will far surpass anything experienced here. We will be perfect in every way, both morally and in our knowledge. This heavenly vision may seem boring, but only because we are considering heaven from our earthly perspective. Earth: J. Richard Middleton. This position counters the popular Platonic notion of heaven by emphasizing that the saved will live forever with Jesus on this restored planet. Worshiping Jesus will be the climax of our experience, but we will also enjoy ordinary human activities in our redeemed state. Heavenly Earth: Michael Allen. Increasing number of Protestant theologians disagree with the otherworldly Platonic vision of our final destiny but also suspect that Kuyperians have swung too far in the other direction. His view sounds like a Protestant version of the beatific vision. We will be on earth, but totally locked into Jesus in unceasing praise. This view seeks to highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the heavenly and earthly views. Roman Catholic Beatific Vision: Peter Kreeft. The beatific vision is the ultimate direct self communication of God to the individual. A person possessing the beatific vision reaches, as a member of redeemed humanity in the communion of saints, perfect salvation in its entirety, i.e. heaven. The notion of vision stresses the intellectual component of salvation, though it encompasses the whole of human experience of joy, happiness coming from seeing God finally face-to-face and not imperfectly through faith. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.

How Sanctification Transforms Christians Into Glorified BeingsFacing sin, suffering, and an uncertain future, it’s easy to become pessimistic, but believers in Christ know the best is yet to come. God promises that one day he will redeem his image bearers and renew the earth. Few books are written on the doctrine of glorification, but its promise of restoration brings urgent hope for Christ followers.In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Graham A. Cole examines the concept of divine glory as well as God’s plan for redeeming individual believers, the church, and the universe. Identifying two phases of glorification―one in this life and a final transformation into Christlikeness―Cole defines the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the sanctification process. Through careful study of Scripture, he shows Christians how their future identity as glorified beings should impact their perspective today. Thoughtful and Theological: Walks through the plotline of Scripture to explain redemptive history, the Trinitarian work of glorification, and the future of unbelievers Thorough Introduction: Studies the Old and New Testaments to explain God’s divine glory, including the stories of Moses, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, as well as the topics of creation, the incarnation, transfiguration of Jesus, and the picture of the new earth in Revelation Great for Theologians, Pastors, and Students: This concise study dives deep into an overlooked area of eschatology and includes suggested resources for further reading