When my church asked me to teach “the end times” to a class of new Christians, the approach I would take came almost instantly to mind. This book is an outgrowth of that original outline. Which is to say—I really didn’t work at organizing the material in this book; it just fell into place. Only later did I realize the approach I had taken was unique. I could find nothing else like it.

The study material is thorough, but not dogmatic. Its purpose is to help you confront and interpret the Scriptures for yourself, not to promote a doctrinal grid. Don’t look for an end-time chart; you won’t find one. Charts have a way of preempting their readers’ conclusions—and they can be wrong. Your only sure guide to truth is the Bible itself (which came by revelation). And nowhere is the principle, “Scripture interprets Scripture,” more crucial than in a study of the end of the age and what follows.

It is important, at the outset of this study, to clarify two things: first, many Christians, myself included, believe the apocalyptic events described in the prophets, gospels, epistles and Revelation culminate in a reign of Christ on earth; and second, other Christians hold other views. This means there is NO single orthodox interpretation of the end times. There are, however, orthodox tenets on which all major views agree—namely, the return of Christ, the resurrection and reward of believers, the judgment of the wicked, and the creation of a new heaven and earth. That said, it is incumbent on those undertaking this study not only to base their opinions on careful study of the Scriptures, but also to hold them humbly.

This book is divided into two sections: (a) Bible text and commentary, and (b) study and discussion questions (recommended for in-depth comprehension). Please read the highlighted Bible passages (which are printed in the text) before examining the related commentary. The Bible—not the commentary—is the repository of truth. Each day will require one to two hours of study time.

A word of advice and a word of caution: If you want the promised blessing (Revelation 1:2-3) stay the course. And do not attempt to jumpstart your journey by launching into Revelation; it will only befuddle you.