The Date of Christ's Return - Books for Life Today

The Date of Christ’s Return by Arnold Page argues that the date of Christ's return is embedded in Bible prophecy. Chapter one argues that the earth will soon have reached its population capacity, and the depletion of essential mineral resources will soon render the planet uninhabitable. Chapter two proposes the seven-day creation story was also a model for world time, and chapter three examines biblical clues regarding the end times. Chapter five describes the resurrection, while chapter six discusses the reign of the beast. Chapter seven interprets the judgment and creation of a new earth. Chapter eight focuses on Christ’s parting promises and analyses explanations for the delay in his return. Chapter nine confirms an estimate of the middle of this century for the second coming, with Hosea 6:2 as a key text placing the Parousia a little over two thousand years after the crucifixion. The epilogue includes a call to accept Christ.

The Date of Christ’s Return by Arnold Page is speculative, but at the same time, intensely practical. I appreciated the references to Judaism, Muslim texts, and even science. I especially enjoyed the description of the Jewish feasts and how Christ’s ministry was the fulfillment of this proto-type, with the crucifixion occurring during Passover, and the Resurrection Day expected to occur at the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, three and a half years before the Second Advent of Christ when he returns as king. The appendices include all sorts of fascinating data, including interesting references to the Talmud. If you relish history, playing with numbers, and extrapolating the future, you will appreciate this volume, regardless of whether you are a practicing theologian or everyday philosopher.

Current events have all of us wondering what’s happening with the world. Certainly, it isn’t what it was and some are even asking if we’re in the end times. That’s actually a question that has haunted reality, and it’s a question that Arnold V. Page boldly addresses in The Date of Christ Return: Biblical Prophecy for the Final Generation. In this book, Page gives us a comprehensive analysis of biblical and historical writings that show us the signs that Jesus will return and encourages us to prepare for a day that is coming closer every time the Earth turns. The facts presented give us a clear understanding of what to expect when the time comes and, more importantly, admonish us to be prepared.

I read this book after completing a read-through of the Bible, so my timing was good as it resonated with me on many levels. Arnold V. Page explains many points that had me confused, especially in the prophecies of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, to clearly state what the signs are of Christ’s imminent return and how to prepare for the end times. His writing is excellent, clear, and concise, with examples from his personal experiences and other people he has known or heard of for application and understanding of these concepts and principles. The Date of Christ Return: Biblical Prophecy for the Final Generation isn’t a “scare tactic,” but rather an encouraging reminder of the power of our faith that will sustain us for all of eternity.

As a professional engineer, used to dealing with facts and figures, who was then involved in senior company management, dealing with people in all their various guises, before God led me to enter the ordained ministry, I was immediately attracted by this book’s title and then by the author’s background and his credentials. His style too, quoting from his own personal experiences and his touches of humour, make this a book that is easy to read, for everyone - be they of the Christian faith, a member of any of the world’s religions, or of none - even though the subject is deadly serious. Right from the introduction I was hooked! This is a book that keeps you wanting to read more of it.
Surely no one can think that we are living in ’normal’ times. On every side we see chaos; nature in turmoil; political, economic and social breakdown; sickness and death, and all at levels which have never been seen before.
But through it all, if we are prepared, as Arnold Page is, to study very closely God’s word to man, we can have not just encouragement to endure, but a sure and certain hope of a glorious outcome to these dark and fearful days.
Fundamental to Page’s approach to this vital subject is his vibrant faith in the God of the Bible and in God’s only son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This book is rooted and grounded in Holy Scripture and for that reason it is compelling and convincing. Page quotes so many indisputable and verifiable facts which all add weight to his argument that humanity simply cannot continue as it is:- World population growth, Food production capacity, Widespread destruction of natural resources, Increasing depletion of mineral reserves, Global warming, Melting of the polar ice caps, and most frightening of all, the massive increase in man’s ability and apparent propensity, to destroy. Page gives us clear charts and diagrams to illustrate these facts, several of which were new to me.
Page presents an overview of relevant history and the predictions which have been made for centuries down the ages, of the events leading up to ‘The End’ and then shows how and why they were not fulfilled, because they were wrong!
On several occasions Page faces up to the fact that there are passages of scripture which are often referred to by others and which can be interpreted in different ways. But he goes in depth into these passages in their original languages and brings clarity and their true meaning to light.
There are several very detailed appendices for those who want to go deeper into some of his subjects.
All in all this is a compelling and convincing argument in favour of Page’s thesis, that the biblically promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent, and he even suggests an actual date! Read the book to find out when that is, and it’s closer than many of us think.
Without any doubt I rate this book 5 star.