Saturday, October 26, 2013

Book Review: Making Sense of Prophecy

Moody Publishers provided a complimentary copy of the featured book in exchange for an honest review.
     Studying eschatology for the layman can seem overwhelming, interesting at best. Frankly, even after reading Christ's Prophetic Plans: A Futuristic Premillennial Primer by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue that is still where I stand. Although, the matter is not quite as foggy as it once was. This book clearly shows through Scripture and the use of a straight-forward, literal hermeneutical approach to reading thereof, that the Futuristic Premillennial view prevails. The millennial reign of Christ will follow the rapture, tribulation and Second Coming.
     Many wonder why even study or care about prophecy. Truth be known, it shapes and/or compliments a lot of our theological beliefs. Of course, beliefs shape behavior. One interesting factor that separates Futuristic Premillennialism from other prophetic end times beliefs is Israel and its role within that framework. The Futuristic Premillennial view understands that no where in Scripture does the Christian church override the livelihood of Israel. If one does not believe Israel has a place in the future then the support thereof would be relegated to a non-existent issue. As one can see Israel seems to be the hub of political turmoil to this day. Frankly, world events make sense under a scriptural lens and a Futuristic Premillennial view.
     I cannot claim to know the subject matter well, as it is vast and still rather novel to me. However, I cannot praise the writings of MacArthur and Mayhue enough for taking a highly technical topic and breaking it down into more digestible bites. Little by little, page by page I have learned and will continue to with further study.
     Christ's Prophetic Plans is well worth the read. Whether you are a believer and want to further your knowledge or search out your beliefs this book is for you. Pastors and teachers should definitely understand this material for obvious reasons. This volume is a great starting point to jump off into the deep of eschatology.


 

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