Sproul tackles the issues surrounding the interpretation of Jesus' teaching recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. These passages reflect each of the Synoptic writer's record concerning what we call the Olivet Discourse.
Sproul largely addresses the writings of James Stuart Russell and his opinions regarding the Olivet Discourse. Russell's position would qualify him as holding to Radical Preterism. Through a careful examination of the Olivet Discourse, Sproul concludes that there are prophecies clearly made concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as well as about the Parousia of Christ. They also agree that there are signs that portend these events.
In Matthew 24:34 Jesus said, "This generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled." Sproul identifies this statement as leading to a key question: What "generation" will witness the end? By carefully analyzing the contrasting views of Russell and Herman Ridderbos, Sproul presents the conclusion that either all of the content of the Olivet Discourse has occurred, or at least some of the events have failed to take place within the time-frame.
He questions how they could have fully taken place and what hope that leaves for Christians regarding a future return of Jesus. Taking a careful approach Sproul considers the issues of interpretation. The events could be interpreted in a strictly literal sense. The events could be literally interpreted while the time frame is figurative. Or the time frame is literally interpreted while the events are figuratively interpreted (this is the view of the Preterists. Because of these issues, Sproul sees that there is a greater future hope outlined for the church and thus a need to distinguish Radical Preterism from Moderate Preterism.
Thus far the first two chapters are summaraized. Sproul then spends some seven chapters addressing the nuances that distinguish the two camps. By carefully applying the aforementioned perspectives and careful hermeneutic, Sproul works through key issues regarding eschatology. He addresses Paul's teaching, the destruction of Jerusalem, John's teaching in Revelation, matters of the resurrection, the antichrist, and positions regarding the millenium.
Sproul certainly accomplishes what he desired when he set out to address interpretive issues pertaining to eschatology. He does it in a concise and clear manner. He clearly indicates the Reformed perspective on the matters while carefully addressing the various positions. He concludes with a call to greater diligence and persistence in seeking the solution of these things that will continue to be exceedingly difficult to interpret. The Christian reader ought to pursue this discipline to offer hope to a skeptical world that Scripture is divine authority and Christ is a credible Savior.
