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The final wordThe Book of Revelation simply explainedWarm, winsome punches!THE FINAL WORD This book does precisely ‘what it says on the tin’ — Revelation simply explained. In less than 300 pages, we are given a magnificent overview of this potentially most mysterious of Bible books. An introductory chapter provides the necessary orientation to the kind of material we find in Revelation — apocalyptic. A great scholar from a previous generation, R.H. Charles, said that once the symbols of Revelation are understood, the book is easier to interpret than the epistle to the Romans. Steve Wilmshurst helps us understand those symbols, giving us a handle on the meaning and purpose of Revelation for Christians ancient and modern. The book has three great strengths. First, it is well written and accessible to the ‘ordinary’ reader. You won’t need a doctorate in ‘inter-testamental apocalyptics’ (pardon?). Repeatedly, we are reminded that primarily a grasp of the Old Testament itself helps us interpret the symbols of Revelation. In addition, each chapter is illustrated by some telling analogy or story that introduces the section under consideration — a gold mine for preachers looking for fresh windows on the Word. Secondly, it is warmly written, with the needs of real people clearly in view. Indeed, it does not hide the fact that the book is based on a series of sermons first delivered at Kensington Baptist Church, Bristol. So, we occasionally overhear the sermonic note as the reader is addressed directly as ‘you’, with evangelistic and pastoral application being to the fore. Too many commentaries can feel like theology on ice; here it is often on fire. Thirdly, it is winsomely written. Inevitably, we will not agree with all the author’s interpretative conclusions. However, even when dealing with topics such as the highly debated ‘millennium’, he handles the material sensitively and other opinions graciously. Nevertheless, he does not pull his punches when addressing the Church in the world or the world and its ideologies sometimes found in the Church. Finally, The Final Word confronts us repeatedly with God’s final word, not only Scripture itself but the Word himself, Jesus Christ our Lord. Highly recommended. Steve Brady, © Evangelicals Now - January 2009 |