John Claeys sent me a copy of his book “Apocalypse 2012 – the Ticking of the End Time Clock” and I’m glad he did.
When I received it, I thought perhaps it might be a book on the order of the “Left Behind” series. It’s isn’t. It’s much meatier. Don’t get me wrong. You don’t need to have a doctorate in prophecy to understand his passion and message. However, his work is well researched, sometimes innovative, thoroughly grace oriented, and dispensational in approach.
It’s not a dry theology and it’s not a fluffy, dramatized page turner either.
John’s passion shines through in his writing. He wants believers to live passionately in view of the imminent return of Jesus. In other words, don’t be caught by surprise, live in the power of urgency and anticipation.
John surprised me on page 27 with his approach to “one shall be taken and the other left.” At that point my interest in his research was peeked. At that point I began to appreciate John’s commitment to contextual interpretation rather than regurgitating the work of authors from the past.
At another point John surprised me by presenting and defending the idea that the battle of Armageddon takes place at the Mt. of Olives. Other surprises include the emergence of the “the man of Sin” from Iraq and an interpretation of Ezekiel 39 around the return of Jesus. Speaking of Jesus, I particularly enjoyed the interpretation of the judgments in the book of Revelation as spotlights on Christ’s return.
My biggest complaint about “Apocalypse 2012” is the lack of an index of any kind. A book like this cries out for a robust index. However, there is a glossary and thorough end notes for research.
This book can be enjoyed by prophetic newbies and old hands alike. Having said that, I think it leans toward serious readers. Prophecy buffs should grab a copy and dig in.
