Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology

This is a priceless foundation for anyone interested in, or embarking upon a study of Biblical prophecy.This book has correctly been described as being of encylopaedic proportions. Indeed, comprising of over 600 pages, it is as comprehensive a study in Biblical prophecy as there is currently available.I was first drawn to the works of Dwight Pentecost through his excellent book entitled "Your Adversary The Devil". The manner of his approach to the latter subject and the provision of such a well written and in-depth discussion really impressed me.Having studied Biblical prophecy for many years, I was thrilled to discover that Pentecost had also written a comprehensive study on Bible prophecy as well. Having now acquired this work, I have not been disappointed.Other reviewers here have commendably outlined in detail the topics covered in this study so I will not go along that path. Suffice to say that the content is exemplary.Pentecost approaches Biblical prophecy and the ?End Times' from the perspective of a ?Pre-Tribulation' Rapture of the Church. He eloquently presents his own interpretation of what many see as perhaps the controversial subject of the timing of the Rapture itself.I have read a number of books where individual authors disagree about the latter aspect of prophecy. Taking everything into consideration, I personally feel that this ?controversial' issue should be approached and discussed prayerfully and in love, not allowing the matter to prove divisive and thus giving ground to the Adversary.With the latter in mind, may I respectfully suggest that students of Biblical prophecy also make reference to another excellent, encyclopaedic study, (itself exceeding 500 pages) by Robert Van Kampen, entitled "The Sign". Van Kampen's study is also a thorough, in-depth study, yet approaches the Rapture with a slightly different interpretation which places it within the Tribulation itself. Anyone basing their studies on these two books will find an absolute wealth of information at their fingertips to assist them with their research.In closing perhaps I could also suggest another extremely useful aid to study, in the book by John F. Walvoord entitled "Every Prophecy Of The Bible". Thank you.

In this master work by J. Dwight Pentecost, the author analyzes the alternative interpretations and then presents the premillennialist perspective. This book is much more academic than the writings of Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey. I have read and heard amillennialists argue that the premil school of thought was a recent invention. Dr Pentecost demonstrates that premillennialism was the school of thought in the first and second century of Christianity and that is was not until the rise of St Augustine's allegorical interpretation of Scripture that brought the rise of amillennialism. The only draw back with this work is it's academic emphasis; this book is heavy reading. As an added bonus this book is available in Spanish as Eventos Del Porvenir (ISBN: 0-8297-1410-3) by Editorial Vida.

Pentecost begins with a thorough examination of the methods of interpretation to be employed in a study of eschatology. He then proceeds to discuss the four eschatological covenants and their implications on the end times from a premillennial pretribulational point of view. He cites several authors representing all views and defends his own preference quite well. He assumes some (but not much) prior knowledge of the amillennial, premillennial and postmillennial views, but no one interested in eschatology should allow that to stop them from reading this book. In fact, when I began this book I had no idea what eschatology was. I was confused for a while, but I soon caught on, and I have now benefitted greatly from reading this very biblically sound, informitive book on God's plan for bringing justice to the world. I would recommend it to any serious student of the Bible.

This is not a book I'd reccommend someone just read from cover to cover as you would a novel but it sure is an excellent reference book for your library. I'm not saying "don't" read it in this way - if you are relatively new to eschatology you sure will learn a ton if you do but seasoned students will find this book more useful as a reference.

As a whole, I did not find the book difficult or too technical for the average student of the Bible. Though some of the extensive input from other sources used archaic and technical language. I found reading the entire book enriching but it could also serve as a reference book on eschatological issues. Personally I prefer the writings of Thomas Ice on this subject but I do not believe Ice has ever written a book this exhaustive. Many consider Pentecost's work the definitive textbook on the subject. Among pre-mill, pre-trib student of the Bible, this book is a classic. I highly recommend it.