An Open Letter to William Luke, wits_@hotmail.co.uk
Dear Brother Luke,
Thank you so much for writing the excellent book “Revelation Now.” I have been a student of the end times subject for over 40 years. I have read scores of books on the subject and have heard many people expound their position. Nearly all Bible scholars and serious students of the Word agree that there is coming a time ( 7 years) of tribulation on the earth – the 70th week of Daniel. They also agree that this is followed by a 1,000 year reign of Christ, then the Great White Throne Judgment, and then eternity with the new heavens and new earth (Is. 65; II Pet. 3, etc). They also agree that Jesus will come again as He promised to catch away His children and have the judgment seat of Christ. The second coming to catch away His bride is often called the “rapture.” There is great disagreement among believers about the timing of this blessed hope event. Some teach the rapture is pre-trib, some say mid-trib, some say post-trib, and some teach there is a split rapture where the mature believers are taken out pre-trib and the rest are killed for their faith during the tribulation time. They base this on the 2nd and 6th churches in Rev. 2 & 3 and the feast of the first fruits (Ex. 22:29; 23:19) where the early ripe grain is harvested and given to the Lord as a wave offering and the rest of the crop brought in a few weeks later when it ripens.
Each “camp” seems to have their proof texts and they hurl insults at the other groups for not seeing it the way they do. Countless books and movies have been made mostly supporting the pre-trib rapture theory. I have believed and taught this myself for 40 years, but have always said that I could not prove it from scripture. As you can see from my seminar, my teaching method is simple. If there are several theories about a subject that the Bible is not crystal clear on, give each theory and tell why I have chosen the one I believe, but don’t be dogmatic where there is room for doubt.
Aside from a few minor differences I may have with your treatment of the subject, I must say that your book is one of the very best I have ever seen on the subject of end times. I still have scores of questions about the details, but you have put it together very clearly for visual learners like me. Thanks.
I know that the pre-trib rapture position for all is the most pleasing to hear and I hope it is true, but the millions of believers in China, Russia, Muslim countries, and other places who are being persecuted, tortured, and killed for their faith now (see www.persecution.com etc.) feel that they are in the tribulation time and wonder how the soft American believers will handle it when their turn comes in the very near future! We will see. Millions have also foolishly set hard dates like the Millerites in 1840’s and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some have even denied the tribulation or millennium altogether. They are in for a real surprise!
Having spent thousands of hours and dollars putting together visuals for my seminar, I understand both the work involved and the results it brings. Your visuals to explain Revelation are fabulous! I have spent lots of time studying them to digest all the details and truths they contain. There is a LOT of information on each one, and they are very well thought out. Thanks!
I am writing to not only thank you, but also to encourage everyone interested in prophecy and learning about What’s Next to get your book and read it carefully. I will also encourage CSE to get and carry your book in our bookstore and on our web site. God told us a lot about the future and we would be fools to not study what He said and prepare for it. Based on my 40 year study of this topic I fee that you have presented the book of Revelation and the end times as clearly and as accurately as any book I have ever seen. Keep up the great work for the Lord! I have only preached in Northern Ireland one time, but maybe when this time of testing is over for me, I will get back over there and be able to meet you.
In Christ,
Kent Hovind