In today’s world, there is a piqued interest in “the end of days.” TV documentaries and movie dramas portray what is supposed to transpire during the Rapture and the Tribulation. People make comments about leaders being like the “antichrist.” Many have a strong superstition of avoiding the number 666. In the Christian community, we have differing arguments on exactly how, and possibly when, the end is going to happen.
The Armageddon Code by Billy Hallowell isn’t just another book discussing end-time doctrine. It is the author’s thorough reporting after interviews with well-known Bible teachers and scholars discussing Bible prophecies in the book of Revelation, Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. There is a discussion on the Rapture (is it even biblical?), the Tribulation (why there are the views of “pre, post, and mid-trib”?), the Millennial period and other issues. Israel’s role, along with a more in-depth discussion of past church history as it relates to Revelation is also discussed.
The main topics of the end-times are debated, not in as much detail as some readers may want, but even the author states in the book’s conclusion of the “limited lens through which I present each chapter of the book. After all, some of the topics warrant – or at least invite – the potential for volumes of exploration.”
In my opinion, it is important when studying bible prophecy not to continually pursue the path most comfortable but to inspect and dissect theories of both sides, even if you return to the viewpoint that you deem is correct. Readers of this book will receive a good perspective of the main end-time prophecy topics, along with the different arguments, to make informed decisions.
After reading the book, have my current views of the end times changed? I would have to say no. While I can understand the thought processes from those with opposing views (especially the view that the events of Revelation have already occurred in the first century), I personally believe that we can expect to see events from Revelation coming to fruition soon.
Why do I believe that? Let me get on the soapbox.
1. We are taught that ALL Scripture is applicable to Christ-followers TODAY.
Although we no longer follow the laws given to Moses in the Old Testament because of Christ’s sacrifice for us, it does not mean that we should no longer read, study, and apply the Old Testament lessons to our lives. In the Bible, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (emphasis mine)
And in Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (emphasis mine)
2. There is no “due date” on Scripture.
The Bible is a forever, absolute document of God’s Word. Hebrews 13:8 says: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And Psalm 33:11: the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (emphasis mine)
With hundreds of prophecies already fulfilled (300 fulfilled with Jesus’ first coming alone), why would we assume that God has stopped fulfilling prophecy when we are instructed to study prophecy? Revelation 1:3 reveals: Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Even if Revelation was written to the seven churches (Revelation chapters 1-3) and other prophetic events have already been fulfilled, this book was certainly included in the Bible for a specific purpose. In the first chapter of Revelation, God says: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (emphasis mine)
And as we know, Jesus has not yet come for the second time.
Knowing and understanding Bible prophecy is not something that should be discouraging — it gives us hope for the future. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
God has not yet completed his master plan. We know from Scripture that Jesus is coming again — the interviewed Bible teachers and scholars with conflicting views all agreed that He is indeed coming back. The important thing, aside from reading prophecy, is to live with readiness because Jesus himself said: the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24:44)
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review. As an Amazon Affiliate, there may be links in this post, which if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You are in no way obligated to use these links.