The Bible and the Future

many books about the bible and end times stuff (eschatology), are goofy, fanatical and just not worth the time to read. However, this one is a gem. It is sane, well researched, well thought out and really does a great job of interpreting this biblical subject with sobriety and intelligence. This book has a commanding reputation amongst more level headed bible scholars and theologians. Even if you end up disagreeing with some of the book's material, you will learn an immense amount on the subject either way. This book will educate you on this subject. It's just packed with material. Forget the popular "prohecy" books about doomsday soothsayers and world war III, and instead read this one by a scripture honoring, intelligent theologian. I would rate it six stars if there were a six star option.

Put simply, Hoekema's book is simply a classic. Whether one agrees with him or not, one cannot find a better introduction to eschatology available from an amillennial perspective. There are a few unique contributions that this book contains:(1) It shows how one can and should apply the already/not yet tension in eschatology. One cannot find this emphasis in many lay accessible books.(2) It is not sensationalistic. While passionate about the things to come, he is careful not to fall prey to making prognostications.(3) It does a good job of surveying the various millennial (and other eschatological) options in Christianity today without being overly simplistic and/or misrepresenting another position other than his own. This being so, he fairly and irenically shows why he holds his position.(4) It represents a particular brand of amillennialism that understands the earthly prophecies of the OT not to refer to spiritual fulfillment in the church today (as many amills do), but in the new heavens and the new earth. In fact, his emphasis on the new earth in his book is surprisingly insightful.(5) It also gives a very nice appendix which surveys the more recent developments in eschatological discussion (e.g., Cullman, Moltmann, Bultmann, Schweitzer, et al). I do not agree with Hoekema on many issues. For instance, I am a partial preterist, and so I see a few passages in the past that he sees as still future. Also, I am a postmillennialist, thus seeing a more prosperous future for the pre-Advent church. Despite these differences, however, I gained a tremendous amount from reading Hoekema's book -- insights which I hope to help my own eschatological understanding to become more fully biblical. Let's all face it -- none of us probably has all our eschatology completely right. We need each other to appreciate all the variations and viewpoints the bible offers (see Poythress' "Symphonic Theology" for more on that subject).In conclusion...Whoever you are and whatever position you hold, it is doubtful that you can NOT benefit tremendously from a good reading of this book. If anything, it may just correct a misunderstanding of the amillennial position that many have today.Happy reading!

This is the best book on eschatology I have ever read. I keep turning to it again and again. It contains in-depth exegesis of most of the major passages. There are places where Hoekema seems to be too much of a slave to the Dutch Reformed tradition (such as his interpretation of Romans 11:26), but overall his exegesis is very sober and balanced. The writing is excellent and very easy to read. Hoekema interacts with other positions in a very fair and irenic manner. Even if you aren't amillenial, you need to read this book.

Hoekema has done the Church a service in his trilogy (Made in God's Image, Saved By Grace, and now the Bible and the Future). He has done solid exposition, exposed erroneous doctrinal systems such as Premillenial Dispensationalism, and sent believers and non-believers alike back to the Scriptures and back to the worship of the Saviour. His explanation of amillenialism is clear and convincing. Read this before any of the sensationalist end-times/rapture/tribulation genre.

Hoekema delivers a very comprehensive, articulate, and biblical presentation. For Christians who are familiar with the different views of the millenium, his view is one of Amillenialism. Even if one does not agree with his disposition one will agree that his is well stated and honestly biblical in approach (whether completely accurate or not only God can reveal...and He will). Using his model of "already/not yet" for the Kingdom of God, the reader is in for an illuminating ride through the Scriptures in an attempt to come to a well-balanced eschatology. For anyone interested in Christianity of the Reformed ilk this is a classic work on the issue. Consistent, readable, and incredibly insightful, "The Bible and the Future" will instruct and inspire all Christians and offer hope and grace to those who aren't....yet.