Jesus, the Prophets, and the End of the World

The Old Testament prophets and their writings were hugely instrumental in the formation of the second temple eschatology, so an appreciation of the Old Testament prophetic literature greatly helps us in understanding the life and ministry of Jesus and the rationale of the early church. Israel's story of divine election lay at the core of their identity as a nation and people, constantly reinforced in the religious practices and rituals that made up their lives. That story, by the time of Jesus, was heavily influenced by the eschatological expectations created by the prophets. The people of Israel expected, looked for, and waited for God's intervention in their history and in their lives once again as he had intervened in the past. The eschatological message of the prophets focused on two themes, the kingdom of God and the day of the Lord. The first theme largely found its fulfillment in the coming of Jesus and the birth of the church, though it awaits his return for its culmination. The book of Revelation presents an unfolding of the second theme, the day of the Lord. This forms the common theme in the prophets of God's final and culminating act of righteousness and justice in this age. ""This is an ambitious, but careful, prophetic analysis of the whole biblical narrative. Readers will find here a convincing interpretation of the Old Testament prophets and the fulfillment of their words in the new covenant and in the eschatological future. Bucknell provides his readers with a devastating critique of the popular 'rapture' theory found in the Left Behind novels. Highly recommended reading for the educated lay person, pastor, and undergraduate Bible school student."" --Jon K. Newton, Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Head of Research, Harvest Bible College, Melbourne; Author of Revelation Reclaimed and The Revelation Worldview ""Trevor's teaching gift has been a blessing to many and I'm sure through this new book you will also be blessed. This book is a fresh look at the prophetic scriptures. Trevor shares his informative insight and using his skills as a teacher he brings us to a new understanding and deeper appreciation of the word of God. There is much here to bless and inspire."" --Ps Alun Davies, Vice President, Australian Christian Churches ""Trevor Bucknell has written a comprehensive manual on a much neglected and misunderstood area of Scripture and church doctrine--the kingdom of God and eschatology. In this book you will be delighted and surprised by the systematic, balanced, and detailed work of a passionate bible teacher. Read it and be edified and challenged to partner with the Spirit of God to bring in God's reign."" --Angelo Cettolin, Pastor; Dean of Faculty, Eastern College of Australia, Melbourne Trevor Bucknell is on staff at a large church in Melbourne, Australia, where he serves as Executive Pastor and Missions Pastor. He holds an MA (Min) from Harvest Bible College in Melbourne and has served as pastor in several churches, as a missionary for many years, and has taught in Bible Colleges and seminars in several nations. He is married to Judyth and they have two grown children.