Book Review: Christ’s Prophetic Plans by John MacArthur, Richard Mayhue, et al

Christ’s Prophetic Plans is a very well put together introductory text on Futuristic Premillennialism. I had been looking for a book to read that clarifies Revelation from a dispensational standpoint, and I was not disappointed. The book begins by setting straight several misconceptions about dispensationalism, including what it is and what it is not. The authors make the point that true dispensational Futuristic Premillennialism focuses on eschatology and ecclesiology. For instance, some try to point to Futuristic Premillennials as being Arminian, when in fact neither viewpoint even has to do with the same branches of systematic theology.

The authors answer many questions and arguments with clear Biblical examples taken in context. It is shown how a consistent approach to interpreting the entire Bible, beginning with the Old Testament and progressing through the Bible as it was written and revealed to man, leads to the conclusions reached by Futuristic Premillennials.

I gained valuable information and insights from this book, but it is not an easy read. I learned before I even finished the introduction that it is best used as a study rather than leisurely reading. I pulled out a notebook and took notes throughout the entire book. Christ’s Prophetic Plans is a must read for any Christian, but it might not be the best thing to start out with for the freshly converted Christian, or one who has spent little to no time in personal study of the Bible. Some background knowledge of systematic Theology and various viewpoints will aid in understanding of the points made in this book, but a quick intro study should get the reader ready. Another tip would be to familiarize oneself with some of the terms in the glossary or write down unfamiliar words and look them up as you read through the book.

Overall, this is a valuable addition to my personal library, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to clarify their understanding of the Scriptures, particularly end times, the church, and Israel.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255