The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture

by Clarence Larkin

This is the Rev. Clarence Larkin's guide to the Book of Revelation. Larkin, who published several books about biblical studies in the 1910s and 20s, was a 'Dispensationalist,' one of the threads of modern Evangelical Christianity. The predecessor of Larkin is J.N. Darby, the founder of Dispensationalism, and among his many successors are Hal Lindsay, and the Left Behind books. Unlike more recent authors, however, Larkin does not make any claims to know when or exactly how the prophecies will unfold. Rather he takes us on a grand tour of the Apocalypse of St. John, and guides us through its images, symbols and poetry. Larkin sorts out what could be a reference to an actual event or person, (without attempting any particular association) and what is pure symbolism. Larkin uses bold type extensively for emphasis, as well as some superb 'visual aids' in the form of intricate charts and maps. Contrasted with other prophetic books such as Nostradamus and the Sibylline Oracles, Revelation has a consistent narrative with a beginning, middle and end. It is also one of the essential sacred texts and required reading for anyone interested in religion. This book will be a welcome reference for anyone studying or trying to explain Revelation, whether or not they are Dispensationalists.

Genres: Christian, Theology

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Breanna Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Bible teacher

Incredible connections as prophecy becomes history it is then ready to see and believe how prophecy will unfold for that which must still soon take place. I don't agree with everything he says, at the same time it is understandable since as we draw nearer to Christ's return prophecy in the Bible does say we will increase in knowledge, so people living today have learned and increased in knowledge from when Clarence Larkin wrote this. That said, as a dispensational teacher, his break down of Revelation is required reading and has stood the test of time as just about everything is spot on.

[Darryl Updegrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspectives from roughly 100 years ago. Interesting to see how pur environment, learning, technology impact our interpretation of scripture and prophecy. Gets a little weird in the end with interpretation of Revelation 21 and 22.

[Lorilyn Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I can't believe this guy lived so long ago. What amazing insights. I want to meet him on the other side.

[Sally the Salamander · Rating 1 out of 5]

An influential text that is borderline schizophrenic in some of its readings and claims. Was a part of the foundation for a theologically incorrect, almost cult-like school of Protestant thought that has been used to justify Zionism, American intervention and forever wars in the Middle East, and countless atrocities committed by Israel against their neighbors. The damage that dispensationalism has done to not only Protestantism but the globe as a whole probably can't be overstated.

While Larkin does draw upon/reference the Bible often in this work, it's ultimately his opinion of how complex biblical prophecies should be interpreted. This study consists of Larkin pointing to specific passages and saying, "this is what this means," without any real justification or explanation of how he arrived at these conclusions. Larkin decides at whim what should be interpreted symbolically and what should be interpreted literally.

Like dispensationalists as a whole, Larkin approaches the Bible from an inherently incorrect position, reading Zionism into scripture by misinterpreting Abrahamic promises and Paul/Christ's teachings on Israel (Matthew 3, Romans 11, Ephesians 2) instead of interpreting these passages in their very clear and obvious meaning. That meaning is that non-believing Jews have been severed from the branch, and Christ-followers have been grafted on. This glaring, baffling misunderstanding of scripture undermines Larkin's entire interpretation of Revelation. Other aspects of this study, such as the propagation of the belief that Christians will be raptured up prior to the end times, or that one can break Revelation down into neat little periods or date ranges, aren't so dangerous but don't have much scriptural backing.

[Sheatina Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for Study or for Learning more.

I have read much of Larkin’s works and I’m always in awe at the way he explains the Bible. He writes more in story form. It’s not a very hard to read
book. As well as all his other writings, this one was hard to put down. He has a way of making the scriptures come alive with such clarity.
People of all ages that want to learn more about and study the book of The Revelation should just get on this right away.

[Chet · Rating 3 out of 5]

So having decided to tackle the Book Of Revelation, I read this book as a companion/guide while listening to the The Great Courses: The Apocalypse - Controversies and Meanings in Western History. Larkin does a good job of explaining and interpreting each statement in Book Of Revelation, referencing prior books of the Bible and other prophecies, especially The Book of Daniel. There are also many charts and diagrams to assist the reader. As the Book of Revelation is heavy on imagery, symbolism and interpretation, I found this book very helpful in pulling me through and gaining a better understanding.

Students of The Bible will most likely get more out of this book than the casual reader (which I consider myself to be). For me, this was an excellent reference guide and could be something to refer back to in the future.

[Lindon Gareis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old school illustration that will bring the word alive...

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down...

This is the best book on Revelation that I've ever picked up to read. It has solid scriptural explanations for the points the author makes.

[Aunidan Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I write my own Spiritual Truth guide books available on Amazon.com-Aunidan Christi which reveal long forgotten Truths.

Best wishes

Aunidan