This 500-page volume is an overview of Bible prophecy for the twenty-first century reader. Hitchcock discloses his own views at the beginning of the book, so the reader knows what to expect. After explaining why prophecy is so important (27% of the Bible is prophecy), he then covers opposing views as well as his own. Hitchcock makes the case for his futuristic, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture interpretation, citing Scripture and rebutting other views with a combination of humility and scholarship.
Dr. Hitchcock wants the reader to understand why he holds his views, so the book includes an introduction to sound hermeneutics. He explains principles of biblical interpretation while applying them to three key passages in prophecy: Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and the Revelation. He reveals patterns and sequences in these passages that give a chronology of the end times.
Short, meaty chapters address signs of the times, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Judgments and Heaven/Hell. This book does not disappoint. As the cover says, it is "A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days." The appendices include recommendations for further reading and plenty of notes.
I recommend this as a great resource for serious laity and for beginning college students in Christian Studies programs. Hitchcock's writing is clear and complete. He covers deep subjects without overwhelming the reader with "seminary speak." My one small gripe was his use of the New Living Translation, which is a bit too casual in tone for my taste, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of this enlightening book.
I received a free copy of The End from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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