The forward of this book explains that this originated as a series of expository sermons delivered to the congregation at Asbury Road Bible Chapel in Dubuque, Iowa. They first appeared in abridged form as journal articles in Bibliotheca Sacra, and now in their current format.
The Seven Last Things examines chapters 19 to 21 in John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ which detail the culminating events of human history. The seven “Last Things” referred to in the title are the second coming of Christ, the defeat of Antichrist, the binding of Satan, the millennial Kingdom of Christ, the release of Satan and man’s final rebellion, the last judgment and the end of the world, and finally, the new heaven and the new earth.
Each of the seven chapters bears the mark of a very capable expository preacher. MacLeod begins the chapter with an introduction of one of the Seven Last Things, highlighting the big idea (his term) behind each event. This is followed with a careful, well-documented and colorfully illustrated exposition of the text. His exposition is aided by a solid grasp of the original language and a vast exposure to Christian writings. He concludes his look at each event with several direct challenges, both to the believer and to the unbeliever. The reader cannot help but be stirred with MacLeod’s presentation of Christ as He is revealed to us in these end time events.
In addition to the exposition of the text, MacLeod also takes time to explain several of the peripheral matters relating to the book. For example, as a self-professed “literalist” in his approach to the book of Revelation, he provides a very helpful discussion on how a literalist deals with symbolic and figurative language. He addresses as well the erroneous concept of annihilationism and demonstrates why there must be eternal punishment.
The timeliness of this book is significant, considering the growing segment of evangelical Christendom that rejects the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ. David MacLeod believes that “we must not join the conspiracy of silence in the churches and neglect this doctrine.” Although the Revelation has often been described as symbolic and therefore difficult for the average reader to grasp, he suggests that “there is much in the Revelation that is clear and about that we must clearly speak out.”
One of the refreshing aspects of this book was MacLeod’s willingness to firmly yet gently present a scholarly defense of the premillennial advent of Christ. His chapter on the millennial reign of Christ begins with brief but helpful definitions of the pre-, a-, and postmillennial views before moving on to say that “our passage will be expounded from the premillennial point of view because I believe that interpretation is the true one and the only one that is theologically meaningful.”
This book will awaken your spiritual senses as you are reminded of God’s complete and sovereign control over His universe, and will motivate you as you consider the climactic events surrounding our Saviour’s imminent return.