The Doctrine of Last Things: An Optimistic Amillennial View

by Sam Waldron

9781733851787 (ISBN10: 173385178X)

The Doctrine of Last An Optimistic Amillennial View is the culmination of Dr. Sam Waldron's pastoral heart on eschatology, which spans over thirty years. This book aims to clarify the often contentious and complex discussions surrounding the doctrine of last things (eschatology). Waldron even-handedly addresses various eschatological views, including premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between Christ's return and the millennium. Beneficial to all believers, regardless of eschatological position, lay readers and theologians alike will revitalize their hope in these last days and behold clearly the exalted-Christ.

533 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Dr. Sam Waldron was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids from 1977-2001 and taught at Trinity Ministerial Academy from 1981 to 1989. Leaving there in 2001, he pursued a PhD at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Having served as a pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky from 2005-2013, in 2013 he became one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Owensboro, Kentucky. He also serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary. Sam has been married to his dear wife Charlene since 1975. They have five children and at last count 15 grandchildren—all of whom they love very much. Sam enjoys reading, weightlifting, walking, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Reviews

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great treatment of a complicated issue.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read and very interesting. Dr. Waldron made his arguments easy to understand and follow and makes a convincing case for the amillennial view of the end times. And that is the first section of the book, the rest of the sections he answers questions and objections as well as dives deeper into specific issues which relate to other views.
Highly recommend for anyone studying this topic.

[Brian Kettering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the greatest eschatology work of the generation.

[Jared Hardin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Doctrine of Last Things, Waldron presents a systematic eschatology. As a Second London Baptist confessionalist, his interpretations are all historically Reformed, and there are no doctrinal quirks or surprises. His theology is heavily influenced by John Murray, and his amillennialism aligns with that of G.K. Beale.

The book’s greatest strength is its systematic treatment of eschatological topics. The sections on the kingdom of God and the relationship between the church and Israel lay the important groundwork necessary for refuting opposing views, especially dispensationalism. Waldron argues his positions effectively.

I’ve given the book three stars, not because the content or theology is bad but because it’s so poorly presented. The book contains numerous unnecessary diagrams. At one point, a page was so littered with typos I could hardly take any of its content seriously. At another point, the chapter was called a “lecture” indicating poor editing of old class notes. An “excursus” is placed at the very end of the book (which, in reality should be called an “appendix”). This excursus restates the positions outlined in chapter 2, weirdly reprinting the same definitions and diagrams. The historical overview it offers could easily be placed after chapter 2 and be much more helpful.

With a good editor, The Doctrine of Last things could easily be a solid eschatology resource to have on the shelf.

[Zachary Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, I was never taught much on the topic of eschatology (aside from the basics of what heaven and hell are, that Jesus is coming back, and that there will be a new heavens and a new earth). As I have read the Bible over the years, I have realized more and more that eschatology is essential in understanding the grand story of the Bible. As Waldron puts it in his book, eschatology is the study of the end of redemptive history: so it matters how the story ends.

This book is very helpful for the reader to grasp the topics of confusion within the study of last things and how human systems of interpretation have made it far more complicated than it actually is. Christians should not fear eschatology as a topic of study. This book is helpful is teaching the reader this point.

Finally, while eschatology in general, one's millennial view, or one's reading of Revelation remain tertiary issues within theological triage, this book helps readers understand how tertiary issues have direct implications on primary issues, so it is still important. I recommend this read!

[Landon Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a unique approach to "eschatology." Waldron argues for an optimistic version of amillennialism that looks to the imminent return of Christ. Throughout the book he makes strong arguments against overly-optimistic brands of postmillennialism and dispensational premillennialism. His arguments against historic premillennialism are less convincing. The final chapter is a gem, as Waldron traces the historical development of eschatology through church history.

[Nate Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid content, 4.5 stars. An index would be helpful though.