The Apocalypse Code
With all of the excitement over the past few months about the Mayan calendar and the end of the world predictions heard in the news, television and internet, it made good sense for me to gain a clearer understanding of what the Bible says about the end times. Not surprising, there are quite a few different interpretations of the scriptures and specifically the book of Revelation. Most of my adult Christian life I had been taught the “pre-tribulation” view. As a young Christian I remember watching the movie series “Left Behind” at youth gatherings. This topic has always been confusing to me. Were the locust mentioned in Revelation really helicopters? Does the scriptures really talk about the atomic bomb? Will Christ followers be taken up to heaven while non-believers are “left behind” to live during the apocalypse? Will non-believers have a second chance to accept Christ as Lord? The popular “Pre-Tribulation” position as written about by Tim LaHaye (left behind) speaks about these things.
I recently read the book “The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible REALLY Says About the End Times…And Why it Matters Today”. The author is Hank Hanegraaff, host of the radio talk show “The Bible Answer Man”. His book claims to answer many of the questions that people like me had about the end times & the book of Revelation. As a matter of fact, he devotes the beginning of his book explaining the various positions held by many popular authors, evangelists and scholars. I can tell you that after reading his book, I am no longer confused by much of the prophetic writings found in the Bible including Revelation. I have a clearer understanding to whom, why and when the book of Revelation was written.
The author says that we cannot understand Revelation and Scriptural (New Testament) prophecy unless we view the entire Bible as a whole. Many of the New Testament passages are actual quotes from the Old Testament. I agree 100%. Reading through the entire Bible has changed my understanding and appreciate for God in many ways. The Old Testament lays out the foundation of God’s relationship with mankind (His Creation). We must be comfortable understanding the Old Testament in order for us to understand and really appreciate the New Testament including Revelation.
Just to clarify, the Apocalypse Code does not narrate or outline Revelation nor is is a commentary. The author gives the reader tools to understanding scripture in the context it was written. I enjoyed the book very much. I would recommend this book for any Christian who is interested in learning more about the Bible and how to “read it for all it’s worth”.
