Understanding End Times Prophecy: A Comprehensive Approach

by Paul N. Benware, Charles C. Ryrie

Many Christians think of end times prophecy as a gigantic, intimidating puzzle -- difficult to piece together and impossible to figure out. But every puzzle can be solved if you approach it the right way. Paul Benware compares prophecy to a picture puzzle. Putting the edge pieces together first builds the 'framework' that makes it easier to fit the other pieces in their place. According to Benware, the framework for eschatology is the biblical covenants. He begins his comprehensive survey by explaining the major covenants. Then he discusses several different interpretations of end times prophecy. Benware digs into the details of the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the judgements and resurrections, and the millennial kingdom. But he also adds a unique, personal element to the study, answering questions as:-Why study bible prophecy?-What difference does it make if I'm premillenial or amillenial? If what the Bible says about the future puzzles you, Understanding End Times Prophecy will help you put together the pieces and see the big picture.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

About the author

From Dr. Benware's official website:

Dr. Paul Benware is currently a professor in the Bible department at Arizona Christian University in Phoenix, Arizona. He came to ACU in the summer of 2008 when it was then known as Southwestern College.

Before coming to serve at ACU, Dr. Benware was on the faculty of the Los Angeles Baptist College (now the Master’s College), and on the faculty of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. After his years at MBI, he taught in the School of Biblical Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University. During these years of teaching in the college classroom he has been involved in several local churches, often holding pastoral or staff positions. This local church involvement reflects his conviction that the local church is primary in doing Christ’s work in the world today.

Dr. Benware has written seven books including “Understanding End Times Prophecy”, “The Believer’s Payday” and surveys of both the Old and New Testaments and a newly published commentary on the Book of Daniel. He has also contributed to several other books and has published articles in several journals and magazines.

He holds the B.A. degree from the Los Angeles Baptist College, Th.M. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Th.D. degree from Grace Theological Seminary.

Dr. Benware lives with his wife Anne in Litchfield Park, Arizona. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another handy book for studying eschatology, but it is not something I would read for recreation. It is definitely an easier read than Ryrie's "Dispensationalism".

I appreciate Benware's burden for souls, which he openly expresses near the end of the book. After all, studying the Word should impact our daily lives. It isn't all theory.

[John Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, and answers every question I ever had about end times events. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for clarification on things they might have heard, or read, or errantly believed. Benware uses scripture to back up every point, and looks at different interpretations; giving biblical reasons why some hold water, and some do not.

[Austin Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for understanding the premillennial view.

[Donise Cheeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding End Times Prophecy: A Comprehensive Approach

I fully appreciated the amount of research and time the author devoted to exegeting both Biblical and extrabiblical references. The author writes to inform for understanding and to be understood. He defines and defends his conclusions in a manner that really is left up to the reader to decide if it matters as truth or something else. This was one of twelve required reading among the books listed for CS Lewis Institute's - Inklings to read and discuss. I am new to this author but as an easy read, I will probably read others. I recommend this book for intermediate converts/believers to mature readers. It may be a bit overwhelming for new Christians in the faith.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This comprehensive work written from a dispensational perspective has been very helpful to me over the past few weeks as I've taught on the Olivet Discourse. It covered the ins and outs of the eschatological calendar and the common misunderstandings. I would have preferred more work on Mark 13, which is where I was teaching from, but it was nonetheless immensely helpful when comparing the more extensive discourse in Matthew 24-25. That's a minor complaint, and I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting a more expansive look at Bible prophecy.

[Aimee Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in end times scripture and prophecy. Very in depth study. I didn't give it five stars simply because there were large portions of the text that were difficult for a non-theologian, such as myself, to read and understand. That said, I still came away from this reading with a greater understanding of "what happens next."

[Garry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a basic overview of eschatological positions from a dispensational/pre-trib/pre-mil position. He clearly communicates his own beliefs while presenting other teachings in an even-handed fashion, taking care to go directly to the sources.
The book is a great resource for pastors and well-read laymen who want a bird's eye view of the entire discussion regarding Christ's return.

[Colby Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful guide to eschatology from Disp. Standpoint. Had some arguments not very strong. Don’t know how I felt about his presentation of the Olivet Discourse. I’ll have to study more and come back to it. Just seemed like there are stronger arguments to be made against the preterist understanding. Great use of charts explaining different views.

[Robin Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic reference book for end times prophesy. I like the charts and maps. It's based on Scripture. A good read. My video review is on my website robindensmorefuson dot com
I give this wonderful book 5 stars

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable by anyone. Not academic like many books on theology. Does well describing different views but also actually landing on one and proving it from Scripture.

[Craig Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benware provides a great introduction to eschatology and all of the varying views. I learned a lot of this book and will likely go back to it for years to come.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and thorough look at the various views of Prophecy. While he discusses the Pre, Post and A Millinial views (among a few others) he shows how the Pre-Mil view is the most consistent view with Scripture. It begins with a premise based upon the promise of God to the Israelites and how that promise is unconditional and must still yet be fulfilled. No matter what viewpoint you hold, it is a must read. Very thorough, yet easy to grasp and comprehend. A great book for anyone who desires to understand prophecy.

[Evghenii · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summary with some detail for a student of Eschatology. This book presents a good systematic approach to biblical studies. It argues for grammatical-historical method of prophecy interpretation and presents the different view on eschatology providing a balanced evaluation. The author writes from the point of view of pre-milenialism and pre-tribulationsim. I had read this book over ten years ago for the first time and found it very helpful and still recommend it for the students of eschatology.

[Jon Winkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the clearest and most comprehensive books on Bible prophecy. It is premillennialism, dispensational, and pretribulational. In a time where solid, literal, Biblical interpretation is lacking Benware presents a book that is readable as well as Biblical. Should be read by anyone claiming to be fundamental.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just had to review this wonderful author. His style is clear and so informative. For any level I think above beginner. The info is tight, pertinent and more than the 'basic' prophecy book. My favorites have been and are Walvoord, Martyn Lloyd Jones, Pentecost and others. Beware has joined my favorites!

[L. R. Bouligny Bouligny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if I could. Benware does a good job of making end times events palpable, and goes to great length to arrange them in sequential order. Very clear, easy to read, pre-millennial perspective.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMO the best book on Eschatology from a Dispensational perspective for the layman. Easy to read. Benware is clear and concise. He treats each millennial view fairly and provides a critique of the opposing views stating why they are incorrect. This should be on every Christian's shelf.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I marked this book on almost every page. It was an incredibly helpful tool to understanding what will happen in the end. I still pull it out to refresh my memory from time-to-time.

[Darrin Niday · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good read lots of information, a little deep in some places though

[Richard Shin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely clear and biblical

[John Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful eschatology text

[Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great book if you are myopic and can only understand the end times from a dispensational view. The author is dismissive of other views. It was required reading.

[Tim Senter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good description and comparative of the varied eschatological views and beliefs.

[Fe Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

easy to understand, less confusing. i will recommend it for our Sunday school class. it is a reference for my own study.

[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

top read.