Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 33:65 (Autumn 2020)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JOTGES 33:65 (Autumn 2020) p. 101

Book Reviews

Answers to the Most Important Questions about the End Times. By John Hart. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2016. 189 pp. Paper, $10.99.

Τhis easy to read book on eschatology starts off by asking the question: “Why should I be interested in Bible Prophecy?” (chapter 1). Hart points out that around 25% of the Bible contains predictions, and half of them have not been fulfilled yet (p. 12). Jesus’ teachings about prophecy “probably” cover more space than any other single topic He addressed (p. 16). Hart says if we study NT eschatology, it can impact us in many different ways. It can give us comfort, make us more generous, and help us avoid a judgmental attitude (p. 19).

Hart accurately explains how the “coming” of Christ involves a series of events. It starts with no signs and the Rapture of the Church. This event happens before the seven-year Tribulation that will engulf the world. At the end of the seven years, Christ will return to earth and set up His kingdom. He points out that those who try to set a date for the Rapture are in error (pp. 25–32).

The book has a good discussion on Daniel’s 70th Week. Hart follows a premillennial, dispensational framework on this important prophecy, as he does throughout the whole book. He also points out how the first 69 weeks in Daniel’s prophecy have already been fulfilled exactly as foretold. We can expect that the last week of the prophecy will be as well (pp. 42–48).

When it comes to the Book of Revelation, Hart says that we can indeed understand it. Many times the book interprets itself, and we should follow the principle that the correct interpretation is usually the plain, normal way of understanding the text. In addition, Rev 1:19 gives us an outline of the book (pp. 64–73).

Hart gives his opinion of issues about eschatology in which there are areas of disagreement. He believes that the Antichrist will be a Gentile from the area of the old Roman Empire. This person is also called the Beast and the Man of Sin in the Bible, and some believe that another man in the future, the False Prophet, is the one the New

JOTGES 33:65 (Autumn 2020) p. 102

Testament labels as the Antichrist. Whether the Beast or the False Prophet is the one called the Antichrist, the Beast will rule over this revived empire. Hart also thinks that this future world leader will actually be killed and raised from the dead (pp. 82–86).

According to Hart, there is a difference between Israel and the Church. The Tribulation period will be a time when the Jewish remnant will be purified and prepared to call upon the name of the Lord. A...