What do you think?
Rate this book
The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days
The end times have seen a great amount of interest within the last two decades, but there hasn’t been a comprehensive overview of biblical prophecy and eschatology for more than five decades. Mark Hitchcock’s book is that comprehensive resource for the twenty-first century The End will do for eschatology what Randy Alcorn’s Heaven did for people’s understanding of heaven. It will provide a solid biblical foundation for Christians to explore the essential truths around this topic―the end of the world.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
211 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hitchcock
115 books116 followersMark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 29, 2012
When the book, The End arrived in the mail, it lovingly became called the Encyclopaedia book, based on its size. My eyes widened at the thought of reading this giant book. What had I gotten myself into? However, from the first page I knew it was amazing. The author, Mark Hitchcock has a tremendous way with words. Don't be intimidated by this 400+ page hard cover book! It is well worth your time and effort.
In his own words, Mark tells us a little about why he wrote this book and what he hopes it will accomplish.
"My goal is for The End, in some small way, to provide for my generation and the ones following what Dr. Pentecost did for his. While no book can or should replace his work, I would like for this book to serve as a comprehensive resource for a new generation interested in biblical eschatology. There has never been a time when it is more important for God’s people to understand the prophetic word and look for His appearing. People everywhere today have sobering questions, searching questions, about what the future holds. God’s Word is the only place we can find sure answers. Yet, at the very time when serious study and preaching and teaching about prophecy is most needed, its importance has diminished in many churches and in the lives of many Christians. I pray that this work can play some small role in sparking a renewed interest and passion for the blessed hope.”
I have never read the book by Dr. Pentecost wrote, titled Things To Come so I have no reference to compare it to. However I feel that Hitchcock's attempt to provide this generation with a comprehensive resource on the end times have been accomplished.
Before I break down the benefits of this book, please let me state that I am in no way a scholar or theologian - even as a hobby. I am the type of Christian who has read my bible and spent my time focusing on how it applies to my life today instead of what might be in the future. I have read books like Revelation but choose not to delve into it too much for the complexities it brings. I have stood in the camp of 'it will happen the way God wants it to happen anyway'. I review this book based on that stepping stool.
I found Mark's book well written and very easy to read. It did not feel like a textbook. He has the ability to bring the deep doctrine of bible eschatology down to an easy to follow level for anyone. The terminology and descriptions are written for the average layman.
Hitchcock starts at the beginning, (why should I study the end times?) and takes us through scripture to the end - (what is eternity like?). He explains all relevant opinions and slants until he has walked you through to The End. Hitchcock also has done an excellent job of explaining his side and his beliefs alongside the opposing views. I really appreciate that. It allows you to intelligently make up your own mind as opposed to just accepting his.
The book is filled with scriptural references and charts to help you along in the understanding of the complexities of the end times. It was a joy to read - even if it is the size of an encyclopaedia!
Thank you Mark for tackling this huge issue and teaching me about The End.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers at no charge in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to rate it positively.
In his own words, Mark tells us a little about why he wrote this book and what he hopes it will accomplish.
"My goal is for The End, in some small way, to provide for my generation and the ones following what Dr. Pentecost did for his. While no book can or should replace his work, I would like for this book to serve as a comprehensive resource for a new generation interested in biblical eschatology. There has never been a time when it is more important for God’s people to understand the prophetic word and look for His appearing. People everywhere today have sobering questions, searching questions, about what the future holds. God’s Word is the only place we can find sure answers. Yet, at the very time when serious study and preaching and teaching about prophecy is most needed, its importance has diminished in many churches and in the lives of many Christians. I pray that this work can play some small role in sparking a renewed interest and passion for the blessed hope.”
I have never read the book by Dr. Pentecost wrote, titled Things To Come so I have no reference to compare it to. However I feel that Hitchcock's attempt to provide this generation with a comprehensive resource on the end times have been accomplished.
Before I break down the benefits of this book, please let me state that I am in no way a scholar or theologian - even as a hobby. I am the type of Christian who has read my bible and spent my time focusing on how it applies to my life today instead of what might be in the future. I have read books like Revelation but choose not to delve into it too much for the complexities it brings. I have stood in the camp of 'it will happen the way God wants it to happen anyway'. I review this book based on that stepping stool.
I found Mark's book well written and very easy to read. It did not feel like a textbook. He has the ability to bring the deep doctrine of bible eschatology down to an easy to follow level for anyone. The terminology and descriptions are written for the average layman.
Hitchcock starts at the beginning, (why should I study the end times?) and takes us through scripture to the end - (what is eternity like?). He explains all relevant opinions and slants until he has walked you through to The End. Hitchcock also has done an excellent job of explaining his side and his beliefs alongside the opposing views. I really appreciate that. It allows you to intelligently make up your own mind as opposed to just accepting his.
The book is filled with scriptural references and charts to help you along in the understanding of the complexities of the end times. It was a joy to read - even if it is the size of an encyclopaedia!
Thank you Mark for tackling this huge issue and teaching me about The End.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers at no charge in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to rate it positively.
August 11, 2012
Mark Hitchcock’s book “The End” is a comprehensive resource for a new generation interested in biblical eschatology. There has never been a time when it is more important for God’s people to understand the prophetic word and look for His appearing.
What are the events, the characters, and the prophecies that will bring world history to its predicted climax? Will we be wise enough to see it coming? Will we be ready? Bible prophecy is filled with numerous interpretations and positions, but that shouldn't become a reason to ignore the prophecies presented in Scripture. Mark Hitchcock has created the definitive resource that will answer all of your questions about the end times.
An overview of Bible prophecy for the twenty-first century reader in which Hitchcock discloses his own views at the beginning of the book, so the reader knows what to expect. After explaining why prophecy is so important, he then covers opposing views as well as his own. Hitchcock makes the case for his futuristic, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture interpretation, citing Scripture and rebutting other views with a combination of humility and scholarship. Hitchcock explains principles of biblical interpretation while applying them to three key passages in prophecy: Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and the Revelation. He reveals patterns and sequences in these passages that give a chronology of the end times.
Chapters address signs of the times, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Judgments and Heaven/Hell. This book does not disappoint. As the cover says, it is "A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days." Complete with multiple charts, lists, and clear discussion of the numerous interpretations of the end times in light of a thorough exposition of the scriptures the appendices include recommendations for further reading and plenty of notes.
I recommend this as a great resource for serious study of the bible for all people looking for clear explanations; this reference volume provides a solid biblical foundation on complex (and often confusing) terms and timelines. The writing is clear and complete, without overwhelming the reader. Purchase it as a reference, a companion to your bible studies, but at the same time enjoy the story. Greatest story ever told and we are a part of it.
I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my review.
June 27, 2020
An excellent review of end-time prophecy.
October 25, 2013
I realize this will probably not score well with the literal interpreters because I didn't give it 5 stars but...
It's been a while since we've had some LaHaye biblical prophecy spin.
Enter Mark Hitchcock and his book, The End.
For anyone alive during the pinnacle of the Left Behind series this book will be nothing new. Hitchcock uses plenty of space (this is a large book) to explain the Left Behind theology. He uses fourteen parts to explain all the major points of interest when it comes to The Rapture, the Tribulation, Anti-Christ, the Wedding of the Lamb, The Millennium reign of Christ, the Mark of the Best and all the other "goodies" found inside the Prophecy Gurus.
Hitchcock does play out the other views of the end of the world but only on a surface level. He explains other views points using a sentence or two and then unleashes why they are incorrect and his view is the "God-breathed" interpretation.
There really isn't anything new to this theory so it's a wonder why Hitchcock decided to write this book. We have so many other books by LaHaye, Walvoord and Pentecost that all say the same thing. Why write another one?
I did read some interesting tidbits concerning the Anti-Christ in that Hitchcock believes the devil shapes a possible candidate to be the Anti-Christ for each generation because he doesn't know when God will set the End Times schedule in motion.
After reading that I thought it would make an interesting movie about a secret society of people who all believe they were destined to be Anti-Christ.
Fans of Left Behind and Tim LaHaye will gobble up this book as they do every other book on mapping out the book of Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel and others they believe will show them when the world will end.
Otherwise, there's nothing new to read here.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.
It's been a while since we've had some LaHaye biblical prophecy spin.
Enter Mark Hitchcock and his book, The End.
For anyone alive during the pinnacle of the Left Behind series this book will be nothing new. Hitchcock uses plenty of space (this is a large book) to explain the Left Behind theology. He uses fourteen parts to explain all the major points of interest when it comes to The Rapture, the Tribulation, Anti-Christ, the Wedding of the Lamb, The Millennium reign of Christ, the Mark of the Best and all the other "goodies" found inside the Prophecy Gurus.
Hitchcock does play out the other views of the end of the world but only on a surface level. He explains other views points using a sentence or two and then unleashes why they are incorrect and his view is the "God-breathed" interpretation.
There really isn't anything new to this theory so it's a wonder why Hitchcock decided to write this book. We have so many other books by LaHaye, Walvoord and Pentecost that all say the same thing. Why write another one?
I did read some interesting tidbits concerning the Anti-Christ in that Hitchcock believes the devil shapes a possible candidate to be the Anti-Christ for each generation because he doesn't know when God will set the End Times schedule in motion.
After reading that I thought it would make an interesting movie about a secret society of people who all believe they were destined to be Anti-Christ.
Fans of Left Behind and Tim LaHaye will gobble up this book as they do every other book on mapping out the book of Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel and others they believe will show them when the world will end.
Otherwise, there's nothing new to read here.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Tyndale Publishing.
August 29, 2012
“The End,” Mark Hitchcock’s comprehensive overview of Bible prophecy, begins with a brief humorous “…overview of what we can all agree on...” followed by stats, facts and “ten key reasons” to study Bible prophecy.
Two reasons are about blessings, why the book of Revelation is called the “blessing book” as well as God’s promise of “special blessings” to those who read, listen and obey because “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy…” (Rev. 1:3)
Another reason is that “prophecy is a major part of divine revelation.” Here the author cites the rationale for the “Law of Proportion” that says the importance of a Bible subject is recognized by the “attention devoted to it…” Then he adds intriguing biblical statistics such as 28.5% of the Old Testament and 21.5% of the New Testament is prophetical and other little-known statistics.
Still another reason to study prophecy is Jesus–“The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”(Rev. 19:10)
Since 27% of the Bible is devoted to prophecy, Mark hopes the foundation he provides will motivate readers to search the Scriptures and learn about end time events even though the prophetical books can be difficult to understand. His clear writing coupled with his unique ability to break apart difficult subjects and positions with easy-to-understand charts and lists equips readers to determine for themselves what their beliefs are.
Mark is careful to note his own beliefs…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/8q39nmu
Two reasons are about blessings, why the book of Revelation is called the “blessing book” as well as God’s promise of “special blessings” to those who read, listen and obey because “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy…” (Rev. 1:3)
Another reason is that “prophecy is a major part of divine revelation.” Here the author cites the rationale for the “Law of Proportion” that says the importance of a Bible subject is recognized by the “attention devoted to it…” Then he adds intriguing biblical statistics such as 28.5% of the Old Testament and 21.5% of the New Testament is prophetical and other little-known statistics.
Still another reason to study prophecy is Jesus–“The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”(Rev. 19:10)
Since 27% of the Bible is devoted to prophecy, Mark hopes the foundation he provides will motivate readers to search the Scriptures and learn about end time events even though the prophetical books can be difficult to understand. His clear writing coupled with his unique ability to break apart difficult subjects and positions with easy-to-understand charts and lists equips readers to determine for themselves what their beliefs are.
Mark is careful to note his own beliefs…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/8q39nmu
October 31, 2019
This book is simple enough for the laymen, but also in depth enough for seminary trained students. This book argues for a literal hermeneutic from a premillennial eschatological background. Prophecy is not my favorite area to study currently, but this book was read for an eschatology class in seminary. This book worked through the prophecies of the Old Testament along with the New Testament, but the writing style read more like a novel rather than an academic book. I enjoyed this book very much. It is not a quick read as it is almost 500 pages long. However, that’s a good thing because eschatology is not something that believers in Christ are called to ignore. Our hope is ultimately the return of Christ to gather His people from all nations, tongues, and tribes!
January 15, 2017
When my Men's Bible study floated the idea of doing an end-times study, I was concerned we would end up getting bogged down in conflicting ideas and controversy. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as it laid out the various ideas and presented rationale for the preferred choice. In places where he could not conclusively choose one idea over the other, or if rationale was lacking, he quickly admitted as such. In the end it was a good study and a great read. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2012
I have done many radio interviews with Mark Hitchcock. This is a complete work (nearly 500 pages) that pulls together all of his material on end-times prophecy. This is the book to have on your shelf for reference.
March 5, 2015
Would encourage all true believers in Christ to read this great detailed overview of the prophetic meaning of today and the soon coming days. Lines-up with my studies of eschatology and gives hope to a world desperate for it.
April 24, 2021
A good overview of the subject from which its title is derived.
September 17, 2025
I think that this book (While helpful in some things) serves to fear monger more than anything. Even though I personally hold to a pre mil eschatology, I disagree with many the literalist stances that he takes. I believe that he is well meaning in how he writes this book, but I question people who continually release end times books. I think it can be helpful to see his superbly literal biblical approach but we also have to hold that in tension with the fact that we can’t put God in a box. Also God does not always fulfill all prophecy literally (ea John the Baptist as the one coming to announce the messiah instead of Elijah). Overall Hitchcock holds to the historical orthodoxy of the faith in regards to the end times (Resurrection of the dead, Christ’s second coming, and the new heavens and new earth), but due to what I’ve stated above I’m giving this two stars
August 10, 2012
The End by Mark Hitchcock
With his overview of the end times, Mark Hitchcock has taken a difficult, often confusing, and always controversial subject and written about it in a refreshingly simple way. That is not to say his book is simplistic, but that it takes complex prophecy and presents it in a way that is easier to understand than what most authors write.
The End is written to be understood not only by scholars and intellectuals but also by the layperson who does not have a seminary or university background. In a conversational way, with many scripture references and citing many scholars and experts of eschatology, past and present, Hitchcock brings light to prophecy that often seems unknowable. He gives the different views and chronology of the Rapture, the Millennium, and the Tribulation; what they are, what they mean, and how they will unfold. He gives the strength and weaknesses of all the views and tells the reader his thoughts and opinions and why he believes as he does.
Where many authors tend to sensationalize the prophecies of the end times Hitchcock writes thoughtfully and carefully about things found in scripture that are not easily understood. He takes what can be dark and frightening and brings it from a science-fiction-like genre to non-fiction reality.
This is a book for Christian believers and for those who are not Christian in their beliefs. For believers it is insightful and encouraging. For unbelievers, perhaps, it will help make the unbelievable believable. Anyone who reads The End will find it well written and thought-provoking.
This book was sent to me, without charge, by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for this review.
With his overview of the end times, Mark Hitchcock has taken a difficult, often confusing, and always controversial subject and written about it in a refreshingly simple way. That is not to say his book is simplistic, but that it takes complex prophecy and presents it in a way that is easier to understand than what most authors write.
The End is written to be understood not only by scholars and intellectuals but also by the layperson who does not have a seminary or university background. In a conversational way, with many scripture references and citing many scholars and experts of eschatology, past and present, Hitchcock brings light to prophecy that often seems unknowable. He gives the different views and chronology of the Rapture, the Millennium, and the Tribulation; what they are, what they mean, and how they will unfold. He gives the strength and weaknesses of all the views and tells the reader his thoughts and opinions and why he believes as he does.
Where many authors tend to sensationalize the prophecies of the end times Hitchcock writes thoughtfully and carefully about things found in scripture that are not easily understood. He takes what can be dark and frightening and brings it from a science-fiction-like genre to non-fiction reality.
This is a book for Christian believers and for those who are not Christian in their beliefs. For believers it is insightful and encouraging. For unbelievers, perhaps, it will help make the unbelievable believable. Anyone who reads The End will find it well written and thought-provoking.
This book was sent to me, without charge, by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for this review.
March 14, 2021
we just finished our months-long bible study of the end times in our community group at church, much of which was based on this book:
THE END by mark hitchcock (nonfiction, eschatology) this comprehensive guide to bible prophecy provides a well-researched and careful discourse about what is to come, and while written from a futurist, premillennial perspective, mark presents alternate views of some positions with fairness and respect + additionally, it is heavily cross-referenced and cited to substantiate his conclusions + many people shy away from studying the end times because it can be confusing and intimidating, but this clearly laid-out book and its helpful charts make it much easier to understand + in a world which seems to feel more and more chaotic, this important examination of the future can offer us exciting hope and much-needed peace
•
“Bible prophecy is the vehicle God has given us to reveal his plan for history and to provide a goal in our thinking about life and its ultimate meaning and purpose.”
•
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
THE END by mark hitchcock (nonfiction, eschatology) this comprehensive guide to bible prophecy provides a well-researched and careful discourse about what is to come, and while written from a futurist, premillennial perspective, mark presents alternate views of some positions with fairness and respect + additionally, it is heavily cross-referenced and cited to substantiate his conclusions + many people shy away from studying the end times because it can be confusing and intimidating, but this clearly laid-out book and its helpful charts make it much easier to understand + in a world which seems to feel more and more chaotic, this important examination of the future can offer us exciting hope and much-needed peace
•
“Bible prophecy is the vehicle God has given us to reveal his plan for history and to provide a goal in our thinking about life and its ultimate meaning and purpose.”
•
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
September 14, 2022
The End is an example of an argument that attempts to win through sheer volume. While the argument of 'it's wrong at one point means it's wrong at all points" is not applicable here, I can say that it is wrong on numerous points of Scripture. I just recently came to postmillenial eschatological beliefs, coming out of more dispensational premillenial beliefs, and this book actually helped me move toward postmillenialism even though it's arguing for premillenialism and the rapture. I don't know how I can't gently say this, but the whole argument is a house of cards. There's so much reading into texts rather than 'out of'. As soon as one dubious argument is made, another dubious argument is stacked on top of it. I want to commend the writer's effort and hardwork in the book, but the premillenial eschatalogical position is not consistent with Scripture. I'd now rather be an amillenialist rather a premill now even. Premillenialism contradicts what Isaiah 43:19 and Revelation 21:9: Behold, I am making all things new!
September 11, 2012
As with a lot of books, the subtitle aptly describes the basic content of the book, which is, ‘A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days’.
This is a big fat book of 504 pages including the index.
I found it a little boring at times but I think that is because the end times are not a current study topic or keen interest of mine at the moment. Otherwise I found it to be easy-to-read and extremely thorough in content.
The author was meticulous with his footnotes and the index included both words and verses which will make this book much easier to use for study, which is what I recommend you use it for. I doubt very many people will read it straight through like a story book. You could read it that way but it seems better suited for study.
To make it more interesting the author pulled in modern statistics and modern news tidbits and quotes to “spice” it up.
To see the REST of my review please visit:
http://www.cherylcope.com/the-end-by-...
This is a big fat book of 504 pages including the index.
I found it a little boring at times but I think that is because the end times are not a current study topic or keen interest of mine at the moment. Otherwise I found it to be easy-to-read and extremely thorough in content.
The author was meticulous with his footnotes and the index included both words and verses which will make this book much easier to use for study, which is what I recommend you use it for. I doubt very many people will read it straight through like a story book. You could read it that way but it seems better suited for study.
To make it more interesting the author pulled in modern statistics and modern news tidbits and quotes to “spice” it up.
To see the REST of my review please visit:
http://www.cherylcope.com/the-end-by-...
February 29, 2020
The best of these best ...the most comprehensive of all the end times books I ever seen ...super detailed and throuogh...What is talked about in the book is this, the upcoming signs, the different aspects of rapture, the tribulation period and Antichrist and false prophet and 2 witnesses and 144,000Jewish virgin Messengers, millennium, new heaven and New Earth...it is all about to unfold and get ready .. Let's begin it for the arrival of Jesus Christ, the time has arrived...the blood of Jesus must be avenged at all cost. Amen
September 1, 2017
This is a thorough, well organized and well explained treatment of the march of history to the end. I learned much I did not know. I have heard the writer speak and he has a gentle but direct and well researched manner. He is fair in explaining various views and positions. I am left after reading this with a settled encouragement about the God behind the events who will accomplish all that He said He would.
April 10, 2022
A fantastic comprehensive and systematic study of what the Bible says about the end times. This book gave me a much clearer understanding and eager anticipation of Jesus' return. As Max Lucado noted about this book, it likewise did for me about Bible prophecy what Randy Alcorn's book Heaven did for me about the afterlife.
September 9, 2023
What a phenomenal book. This book could serve as a text book on the end times. It explains things in layman's terms, while at the same time giving the reader a comprehensive look at prophecy concerning the end times and backing everything up with scripture. Amazing book.
January 12, 2024
Far too lengthy for what the book is. This is milk level teaching on the book of revelation, with some different interpretations thrown in to seemingly make the book longer at no benefit to the reader. I suggest that you read the book of revelation instead of reading books about the book.
September 25, 2012
Good review of prophecy from a premil perspective.
December 31, 2012
This is a well-written and excellent overview of the "End Times" events. I had not known much about these things before, so this book helped me.
March 3, 2013
This was a long book. But we'll worth the read. It's a for sure study helper. Have your Bible with you while reading to follow through.
November 30, 2013
Excellent, detailed analysis of biblical prophecy and the end times.
August 1, 2014
Educational
August 29, 2014
Very easy to understand overview on prophecy. This book gives a solid first start into deeper study on such topics.
Want to read
June 22, 2015Recommended by Pastor Jim at LCCC
February 5, 2016
Great book! Very well laid out and explained. I would use this as a foundational study of the end times and prophecy. It gives a great framework from which to hang your prophetical hat!
August 22, 2019
This book is absolutely a complete overview and it was written very well. Keeping this one handy for reference and continued reading.
May 7, 2020
Very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews