What Should I Read to Learn More About the End Times?

Since I write and often lecture in the field of eschatology, I am often asked "what should I read to learn more about the end times?"  In answering this question, I do not recommend books which predict the future in light of current events.  I am not a fan of the "prophecy pundit" genre. 

The resources which follow are primarily biblical-exegetical volumes, which present and defend "Reformed" amillennialism--a view which is biblical, simple and straight-forward.  Reformed amillennialism affirms that the central eschatological event predicted in the New Testament is that Jesus Christ will return bodily at the end of the age to raise the dead, judge the world, and usher in the new heaven and earth.

"Reformed" amillennialism is unique from other varieties of amillennialism, in that an effort is made to understand eschatology in the light of classical Reformed covenant (or federal) theology. 

Comprehensive Studies of Amillennial Eschatology:

Anthony Hoekema's The Bible and the Future is the best place to begin.  Hoekema's book is well-organized and covers the subject thoroughly, including a study of the nature of biblical eschatology (the very essence of biblical revelation), the events surrounding the return of Jesus Christ, the intermediate state ("where did grandma go when she died?"), to comparative eschatology--stating and defending Reformed amillennialism in dialogue with opposing views.  Hoekema's book was important in my journey out of dispensationalism.  It is highly recommended.

Cornel Venema's The Promise of the Future is similar in content and layout to Hoekema's volume (the full range of eschatology is covered).  It too is outstanding, and quite useful in making the biblical/historical case for Reformed amillennialism.

Presentations of Reformed Amillennialism

This is my effort to make the best (and simplest) possible case for the biblical basis for Reformed amillennialism.  Narrower in focus than Hoekema's and Venema's volumes, this book was written in light of my own journey to amillennialism.  My main argument is the "two-age model."  By the way, if you are reading it with proper spiritual understanding, you should get the second blessing by the time you get to chapter three.

A Case for Amillennialism

This book is must reading for anyone who was trained (say, in a Bible college or seminary setting) in dispensational eschatology.  Dr. Storms is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and studied under the landmark dispensationalist theologians (including Walvoord and Pentecost), and knows first-hand the weaknesses and biblical problems with the dispensational system.

I do have a couple of caveats in recommending this book.  Storms does not embrace classical Reformed covenant theology, which I think weakens his case (although overall Storms' case is compelling).  My second caveat is that Dr. Storms holds a rather quirky view of Daniel's fourth kingdom (seeing it as Greece, not Rome).  This undercuts important background to the way New Testament writers view the Roman empire as the beast of Revelation.

Despite the caveats, if you were trained as a dispensationalist, this is must reading.  Kingdom Come

One of the most fascinating sub-plots throughout redemptive history is Christ (the Messiah) versus Antichrist.  This volume is an attempt to apply amillennial eschatology to one of the most controversial (and misunderstood) areas of biblical eschatology.

Will there be an end-times Antichrist?  I say "Yes."  The Man of Sin

Previous Posts in this Series:

What Should I Read to Learn About the Refomed Confessions?

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Reformed Confession? Part One -- The Westminster Confession of Faith

 What Should I Read to Learn More About the Lord's Supper?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Infant Baptism?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Covenant Theology?

The Old Age App

Before

After

This App didn't work at all!

For man about to turn 65 . . . nothing to see here . . . 

But I do think baseball legend, Satchel Paige, was right when he quipped, "if you didn't know how old you was, how old would you be?" 

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Reformed Confessions (The Three Forms of Unity)?

There are a number of great resources which will help you better understand the theology, practical application, and devotional value of the Three Forms of Unity (The Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort).

The URCNA has published a new edition of the Three Forms of Unity--a helpful modernizing and reworking of the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort.  The translations are in crisp modern English and Scripture proofs abound.  This volume includes our liturgical forms, and a number of prayers (both for official church and personal/family use).  The link is to a PDF, so this one is free!  Liturgical Forms and Prayers of the URCNA (PDF)

The Belgic Confession

Rev. Danny Hyde's commentary on the Belgic Confession is a great resource to understand both the content and background of the Belgic Confession.  Arranged as a commentary, the content is easily accessible.  With Heart and Mouth

I have also prepared a series of sermons on the Belgic Confession, which can be found here: Sermons on the Belgic Confession

The Heidelberg Catechism

Kevin DeYoung's book on the catechism is a great place to start if the Heidelberg Catechism is new to you.  The Good News We Almost Forgot

This is an "off the beaten path" kind of book, but is the best single volume I know of on the background and circumstances which led to the production of the Catechism.  Lots of good biographical material on the Catechism's principle authors (Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus).  Don't overlook this one!  It is a gem.  The Church's Book of Comfort

Zacharius Ursinus' "Commentary" on the Heidelberg Catechism is a must read.  But know what you are getting.  The commentary comes to us as the classroom notes taken by David Paraeus from lectures given by Ursinus.  The commentary follows the order of the Catechism, but reads more like a systematic theology.  The translation by G. Willard is dated, and the photo-lithographed type is hard on the eyes. 

But if you love the Catechism, this is must reading:  Ursinus' Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism 

The Canons of Dort

Matthew Barrett's book is an important look at the theology of the Canons, especially in light of the Arminian controversy (then and now).  This one is very helpful in spelling out the biblical basis for the Five-Points.  The Grace of Godliness

Dr. Godfrey's new book is absolutely must reading.  The history and background to the Canons are discussed in a compelling fashion, but Dr. Godfrey's focus is upon seeing the Canons as an important practical, even devotional document.  This book is worth the price just for Godfrey's translation of the Canons.  Buy this one!  Saving the Reformation

Previous Posts in this Series:

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Reformed Confession? Part One -- The Westminster Confession of Faith

 What Should I Read to Learn More About the Lord's Supper?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Infant Baptism?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Covenant Theology?

Best Bible Commentaries Interview on My First Corinthians Commentary

I was recently interviewed by Daniel Christensen, who owns and operates the website Best Bible Commentaries, regarding my First Corinthians Commentary in the Lectio Continua Series of expositional commentaries, now published by Reformation Heritage Books.

Here's the link to the interview:  Best Commentaries -- Interview with Kim Riddlebarger

Best Commentaries is an invaluable resource with reviews and publisher information for pretty much every commentary in print. 

Bookmark this one and check it out if you are looking for a commentary on any book of the Bible:  Best Bible Commentaries

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Reformed Confessions? Part One -- The Westminster Confession of Faith

People who are new to Reformed theology, find that the writings of our doctors, "divines," and professors, are very wonderful and valuable statements, expositions, and defenses of Reformed doctrine--rich in biblical breadth, and theological wisdom.  These writings are the usual points of contact, and provide the names and resources with which most people are familiar.

But Reformed and Presbyterian pastors and elders (and in some cases, church members) do not subscribe to any of the writings of our well-known theologians (i.e., John Calvin).  Instead, church officers must subscribe to that system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Standards (Presbyterian) or found in the Three Forms of Unity (Reformed).

It is vital for anyone interested in Reformed theology to read and become familiar with these documents, because they constitute our "official" doctrine as confessed by the churches.

The place to start is with Carl Trueman's defense of Creeds and Confessions.  Trueman -- Creedal Imperative

This is an important book for anyone coming from the "Bible church" tradition, and who may not understand, nor appreciate, why creeds and confessions (doctrinal standards) are so vital to the life and health of Christ's church.

Rather than confessing a bare-bones (and usually poorly written) statement of basic doctrines, often hidden away deep in the church's website, the Reformed believe and confess an entire system of doctrine. 

Is this practice biblical?  And why should churches embrace and defend a "creedal" theology.

The Westminster Confession of Faith

 The best edition of The Westminster Confession and Catechisms is this one.

 This is a wonderful introduction to the Westminster Confession of Faith.  Highly recommended.  Van Dixhoorn -- Guide to WCF

Dr. Van Dixhoorn's wife has also prepared a companion study guide.

John Fesko's The Theology of the Westminster Standards

Provides a good summation of background and historical material, as well as a systematic treatment of the confession's theology, doctrine by doctrine.

Previous Posts in this Series:

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Lord's Supper?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Infant Baptism?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Covenant Theology?

What Should I Read to Learn More About the Lord's Supper?

At Christ Reformed Church, we celebrate the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day. 

Reformed people often ask me, "how come so frequently?"

Visiting Evangelicals will ask, "what is a sacrament?  Isn't that a Roman Catholic notion?"

I am also asked, "why do you fence the table?"  Some visitors see this practice as judgmental, and are offended when told they need the permission of our elders to join us at the table.

So, when people have questions about the Lord's Supper that go deeper than a quick explanation, I recommend the following resources (note:  there is a real need for a basic introductory book on the subject -- I hear several are in the works).

Keith Mathison's book lays out the biblical basis for understanding the Lord's Supper as the "real presence" of Christ, whose body and blood are truly received through faith (a "spiritual eating" -- to use Calvin's term).

Mathison covers the historical development of the Reformed view of the elements (bread and wine) as "sign and thing signified."  Mathison also discusses the Roman, Lutheran, Zwinglian views of the Supper, in dialogue with Calvin's notion of "real presence." 

Practical matters (i.e., frequency of the Supper) are also discussed.

This is the best single book on the Supper to date.

Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper

Calvin's view of the Lord's Supper is well worth taking the time to read and digest. 

This volume (an anthology) contains two of Calvin's most important treatises on the Supper ("A Short Treatise on the Lord's Supper" and "The Clear Explanation of Sound Doctrine Concerning the True Partaking of the Flesh and Blood of Christ in the Holy Supper"), along with a number of other important works (the Genevan Catechism, Calvin's "Reply" to Cardinal Sadolet, The Necessity of Reforming the Church).

It is always good to read Calvin!  But he is especially helpful on the Lord's Supper.  John Calvin: Theological Treaties

This is perhaps my favorite book from Mike (his recent two volume set on justification is also a contender).  Mike discusses the "means of grace" (word and sacrament) in dialogue with a number of contemporary competitors (i.e., Rome and Orthodoxy). 

Mike develops and defends of idea of a "word and sacrament" church--the foundation of all that we do on the Lord's Day.

This is must reading!  (note:  it is not as technical as earlier volumes in this series)

Mike Horton -- People and Place

I wrote an essay defending the frequent celebration of the Lord's Supper in Always Reformed (a festschrift for Dr. Godfrey)

Reforming the Lord's Supper

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Previous Posts in this Series:

What Should I Read to Learn More About Infant Baptism?

What Should I Read to Learn More About Covenant Theology?