Thy Kingdom Come: Studies in Daniel and Revelation

by Rousas John Rushdoony

A study of the prophecies of Daniel and of the Revelation of John, including historical context. Indexed

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian

284 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Rousas John Rushdoony was a Calvinist philosopher, historian, and theologian and is widely credited as the father of both Christian Reconstructionism and the modern homeschool movement. His prolific writings have exerted considerable influence on the Christian right.

Reviews

[Jeremy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.J.Rushdoony does a great job with the Book of Daniel and Revelation. He has a very solid view of these books and also of what the Bible calls "End Times." He explains very clearly that the Bible is not given to men to satisfy our curiosity, but to drive us to God and to duty. Daniel and Revelation are books that assure us of God's victory over sin and death. I highly recommend this book for those desiring a no nonsense teaching on these two books of the Bible.

[Ben Zornes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Rushdoony's commentary on Daniel and Revelation and couldn't put it down. It was a tremendously delightful, inspiring, convicting, and insightful read. It can't be stated enough that the Christian faith is an eschatologically optimistic one. We all too often have a pessimistic view of end times stuff; it tends to be much doom and gloom, rather than the victory which Scripture describes it to be. I found many quotable sections, and if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you probably noticed a good deal of quotes from Rushdoony (all from this book). This book would be a helpful introduction to the preterist/postmillennial eschatological perspective.

The first few chapters are little cumbersome and heady, and at a few points Rushdoony displays a lack of charity for differing viewpoints. However, if you believe you're in the truth, you ought to hold tightly to it, which he does; I would hope for a bit more geniality and winsomeness. Nevertheless, it was truly a wonderful and encouraging read, and I have a hunch I will reference this little volume often.

Rushdoony helps bring clarity to the symbolism of prophecy, as well as showing Revelation's correct rooting: the Old Testament. We are often confounded by the pictures used in the final book of the Bible, but if we thought in terms of Biblical symbolism, imagery, and how the OT prophets speak we would avoid much of the outlandish ideas about John's apocalyptic vision!

I've attached all the quotes I posted online for your enjoyment, and to entice you to read the book (and follow me on twitter/facebook):

The modern lust in religion & all of life for a battle-free victory is only escapism of the ugliest sort. RJ Rushdoony

— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) September 5, 2015

Acceptance into Christ's army means not deliverance from battle but deliverance from defeat. RJ Rushdoony

— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) September 5, 2015

The church that seeks the FORM rather than the POWER of life is in full retreat from life & from Christ. RJ Rushdoony

— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) September 5, 2015

One can't love God without hating all that He hates & all that which opposes Him. Men who can't hate are beyond love also... RJ Rushdoony

— Ben Zornes (@benzornes) August 29, 2015

Men and nations want to believe in their autonomy, their independence of God; they prefer to see themselves as masters...

Posted by Ben Zornes on Thursday, August 13, 2015

If the church confines its teachings to "spiritual" matters, it must neglect most of Scripture, which speaks to man's condition in every area of life. RJ Rushdoony

Posted by Ben Zornes on Tuesday, September 22, 2015

For too many people, the purpose of any reading of Revelation is to enable them to walk by sight. They demand a chart...

Posted by Ben Zornes on Wednesday, September 30, 2015

 

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read the Daniel section. It is fascinating and incisively helpful!

[Aubrey Amundson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A commentary on Daniel, Revelation, Matthew 24, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Psalm 149 and several other texts specifically describing the Gospel Age including helpful explanations and summaries of concepts such as the Kingdom, the tree of life, the first resurrection, etc.
Rushdoony’s comments, though by no means exhaustive, provide basic exegesis on these so-often misunderstood passages laying the groundwork for a biblical understanding. Scripture was not written to satisfy our curiosity, to give us a timeline chart on future life or satiate our imagination’s desire with elusive descriptions of extraordinary atrocious events to come. Rather, God through his word prepares us for zealous battle and whole-hearted service, trusting implicitly in His word and His eternal victory with exuberant praise and rejoicing. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

[Micah Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The social gospel preaches the gospel of socialism and statism. The pietistic and Arminian gospel preaches the gospel of withdrawal, retreat, and rapture. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of the kingdom of God."

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side of good.

[Tim Zornes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful overview of the linking concepts between Daniel, Revelation, Matthew 24, and other passages. His emphasis on the need for the church to separate from worshipping the state was phenominal. His view on the Church's mission is spot on.

Not really a verse-by-verse commentary, it's more of a concept-by-concept commentary. This gives a bird's eye view of the passages, but there's not much in the way of exegetical explanation for some of the conclusions made.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in some places, odd and confusing in others. But more of the first than the second. Rushdoony is very easy to read and does not unnecessarily complicate his commentary except when absolutely necessary. There was some really helpful material in here. You can tell that Rushdoony is bringing his eschatology to the text throughout the book, but maybe the text pushed the eschatological position onto Rushdoony first. Either way, this was a good one.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a light read. Typical Rushdoony fashion. Heavy partial-preterism.

[Scott Tubman]

While I certianly wouldn't align with a lot of his theological positions, it was a worthwhile read for my preaching in Daniel. Thought provoking.

[Scott Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent study on the books of Daniel and Revelation by Rev. R.J. Rushdoony. Though I do not share Rushdoony's theonomic viewpoint, his philosophical worldview is challenging and thought-provoking. I especially appreciated Dr. Rushdoony's treatment of Revelation 20. Note the following excellent summary, "The book of Revelation presents the kingdom age, not as a millennial pipe dream, but as a period of struggle, wherein Christ's Church victoriously marches against the enemy, its Redeemer dispossessing the powers of darkness in order to reclaim and repossess the lost inheritance, creation in its original state."

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back-to-back with Days if Vengeance: good idea.

No spoilers here, except to say, it provides "ballance" to the familiar Preterist position.

Loved every word, and will stay close on my shelf as a frequent reference.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito bom!