Book Reviews -- By: Matthew S. DeMoss
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 163:650 (Apr 2006)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Matthew S. DeMoss
BSac 163:650 (April-June 2006) p. 239
Book Reviews
By The Faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary
The Last Things: Resurrection, Judgment, Glory. By Donald G. Bloesch. Christian Foundations. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004. 336 pp. $27.00.
In this volume on eschatology Bloesch completes his series of seven books on the major theological topics. This final work is a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise commendable set. Bloesch’s stated intention in this volume is to pursue theological novelty. In the preface he explains that he will “explore themes that are generally overlooked in the contemporary discussion on eschatology” (p. 13). These include the communion of saints, “the interaction between the communities of faith on this side and on the other side of death,” the proposal that the “underworld is not beyond the reach of God’s grace but instead is invaded by the light of his grace,” and the theory of “divine perseverance based on the belief that God continues to pursue fallen humankind even in its sin and depravity, even beyond the barrier of death” (pp. 13–15). On the millennium and hell, Bloesch promises that he will “offer new and sometimes controversial interpretations, which I nevertheless believe stand in continuity with the biblical message” (p. 14).
He certainly delivers on the promise to deliver new and controversial views, and that is the major problem with this book. His novel views are often difficult to understand and sometimes are inconsistent with the teaching of the Scriptures and Christian tradition.
After an introductory chapter in which Bloesch correctly notes the connection between ecclesiology and eschatology, he moves into a discussion of “controversial themes in eschatology” in the second chapter. A chapter on angels, which Bloesch asserts belongs here since “sacred tradition has consistently discerned the inseparable relationship of eschatology to angelology and demonology” (p. 47), is followed by successive chapters on the Day of the Lord, the millennium, the resurrection, the future of Israel, the triumph of grace, and the eternal state.
Several unsubstantiated yet strong statements make Bloesch’s work confusing and difficult to understand. He rejects a millennial reign of Christ on the earth. “Scripture seems clear that there will be no visible reign of Christ within earthly history” (p. 57). There is no discussion of Revelation 19–20 in this context. Although he does later give an interpretation of Revelation 20 (pp. 88–90), he has already rejected the possibility that an earthly millennium might be in view. Bloesch criti...
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