Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

"The end of the world is coming." From roadside signs to science fiction films, this slogan underscores our society’s nervous fascination with the future. Whether it’s a giant asteroid, a worldwide plague, or some other global catastrophe, the end of the world is a terrifying prospect—at least for those who have no idea what it will be like. For Christians, however, the end of the world should be anything but dreadful. In fact, it should be something we look forward to. Why? Because God has told us how the world will end. And He has assured us that the end of this age will mark the beginning of a new, glorious one in which we will serve and worship Him in sinless perfection. Our eternal hope, as believers, is intimately tied to the end of this world. All of this is laid out in the book of Revelation. Not only is Revelation the inspired Word of God, it is also the only New Testament book that includes a promised spiritual blessing for those who study and apply its message. As such, it is an essential part of every Christian’s devotional life. Those who ignore Revelation deprive themselves of a rich treasure of divine truth, and the promised blessings that come from understanding that truth. Join John MacArthur as he explains the book of Revelation in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, New Testament, Biblical Studies

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Megan Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been so incredibly blown away by a commentary/devotional before. I LOVE the way this book goes through the book of Revelation and now am left searching for other books that explore the Bible the way that this one does. It makes Revelation so much easier to understand and so many things this book points out I have never even heard of before. I learned a TON while reading this book in conjunction to mentoring a girl on the book of Revelation.

I would HIGHLY recommend using this book if you are intent on studying the book of Revelation and really comprehending it.

[Erik Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible expository commentary on the book of Revelation. MacArthur is well known as a premillennial pre-tribulation “progressive” Dispensational preacher. While this book is in no way a defense of his position, it does explain Revelation in a forthright way from his perspective. Those who wish to understand the Apostle John’s apocalypse from a premillennial Dispensational perspective will find this resource invaluable. Those who interpret the figurative language of John’s apocalypse differently, will find multiple areas to critique.

[Tim Meechan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a best friend and someone I admire as a Christian. Of the many people I have met in my life, he is easily the person whose knowledge of the Bible is the greatest. Therefore, when he claimed that the author, John MacArthur, was by far the best at breaking down scripture into understandable arguments, I was convinced to try this text.

He was right. I myself have only read about half of the Bible, several versions in fact, and so I except that my opinion won’t carry much weight, and again, I’m no theologian, but MacArthur’s interpretations are well supported and I believe you’ll be able to gain by reading his book.

Thanks to my friend and thank you John MacArthur. I feel spiritually stronger after enjoying your book.

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great commentary for general audiences. It doesn't go quite as deep as his commentary, but it's more readable and assessible/ Recommended.

[Elijah Abanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thorough exposition of the book of Revelation.

[Greg Ellis]

Excellent verse by verse walk through Revelation. I've read it twice and am starting it again. For me, the best thing to do is read a chapter in this book then the corresponding chapter in Revelation. It really brings many difficult passages into focus.

[Rita Kroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christians view the book of Revelation as mystifying symbolism and striking imagery and may be bewildered by it. For this reason, many believers and church leaders avoid serious study of the book. Some may actually dread the end of time as we know it, but for Christians, the end of the world should be anything but dreadful. It should be something we actually look forward to, because God has told us how it will end. The end of this age will mark the beginning of a new, glorious one in which we will serve and worship Him in sinless perfection. All of this is laid out in the book of Revelation - the only New Testament book that includes a promised spiritual blessing for those who study and apply its message. It should be an essential part of every Christian's devotional life. After all, Revelation promises blessings to those who read it and adhere to its message.

John Macarthur explains the book of Revelation in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical. He does an excellent work in explaining end times based on Scripture and the study of what God has revealed. However, there are still many mysteries man cannot know, and that is when we must leave it in God's hands and be grateful for what He has revealed. Lack of understanding may bring fear, but Macarthur takes the reins and connects the dots of what is revealed in a most understandable manner - without the pretentiousness of having ALL the answers. Macarthur's explains the book of Revelation in such a manner that satisfies the reader's desire for deeper understanding of end times.

I give "Because the Time is Near" by John Macarthur a 5-star review.

Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Discover God through His Attributes," "Praying the Scriptures," and "Womanhood: Becoming a Woman of Virtue" (women's Bible study).

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Revelation is preeminently the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:1). This book on explains the book of Revelation from a Futurist Pre-Millennial view. An outline of the book is given in Chapter 1, verse 19, "Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things."
"Things which you have seen" - Chapter 1:10-16
"Things which are" - Chapters 2-3
"Things which will take place after these things" - Chapters 4-22
This view interprets the Book as Revelation literally. The things that are literal are identified easily as well as the things that are symbolic. This view point is the only one which treats Israel consistently and as having complete distinction from the church. Or to put another way, the Church is not Israel. They are separate and distinct. The promises God made to Israel in the Old Testament are still active and the Church has not taken it's place. MacArthur explains with much clarity how Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Christ came the first time to suffer as a sacrifice for sin. The second time He comes to establish His kingdom on the earth. One day God will execute judgment on the Satan, his minions and the wicked in the world. Everything that was lost in Eden will be regained in the new heavens and earth. What a glorious thought. This book is not technical like a commentary but is written so everyone can understand and enjoy. We need to say like John wrote in Revelation 22:20, "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Held my attention the whole way through! I can honestly say Revelation makes 100% more sense to me now. The way the book was laid out: explaining the "story" verse by verse, it really helped give me more of a mental picture of end times events, even though, in reality, we won't ever know exactly and specificly what will take place until it happens...Jesus come back soon! :D

My only dissapointment was that MacAurthur didn't give very much information on the views opposing his, and what triggered the controversy over the eschatological timeline. I was hoping for more information and clarity on the other stances and such.

[Aaron]

Great commentary that is easy to read, and gives a clear understanding of what the book of Revelation actually says. MacArthur's strength is in explaining the actual wording of a text so that you the reader or listener can make the personal application or sort out your interpretive framework in light of the literal reading of what the text itself is saying. He does give some application, and he does have a clear interpretive framework (e.g. pre-tribulation,pre-millenial), but he always tries to give priority to the text and spends most of his time there.

[Kris Furtaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study on the book of revelation. I think i may read again. Would be a good small group study along book- had I read it with others to discuss I think I would have understood more or gotten more out of it. Very much worth reading.

[Brent Rosendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the book of Revelation. MacArthur takes a premillenial and a pretribulation view of the end times. The book goes into enough depth to make one think but at the same time is written in a way that anyone would be able to benefit from the book.

[Matt Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation contains many symbols and imagery that many of us do not fully understand. MacArthur provides a full, detailed account and analysis of revelation, carefully keeping to the command not to add, or take anything away from the words of prophecy. Great read!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and easy to understand, this study on Revelation is a wonderful book to begin your study on eschatology. I ready one chapter at a time and mentally absorbed the information before reading the next.

[Rodney Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding companion book to the book of Revelation. It took awhile to get thru this study. Life happens... Pastor MacArthur did a good job in this book IMO. This book would be good for any study group. Thanks, Mac... on to my next study... Jeremiah / Lamentations

[Greg Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like John MacArthur and eschatology is an area where I have questions. I don't share his pre-tribulation, pre-millennial viewpoint at this time, but his presentation is consistent and it stretches my thinking, which I regard as a plus.

[Sean-david · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent pastoral commentary, as most of Mac's are; however, his dispensationalism of course colors his exegesis.

[Michelle Cates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to studying the book of Revelation

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Marcelo Bonanno]

Great Author, He took many Time studying being faith full to The Bible really says, it doesnt matter a religeous people thinks, He only want to please God

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book or commentary you will read on the book of Revelation. Clear teaching and very readable.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Macarthur is such an excellent Bible teacher.

[Stephen Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book explaining Revelation

[Pat Bretheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nobody like John MacArthur to explain clearly the book of Revelation. He does touch on other interpretations besides the one that he holds to, but mainly this deals with his interpretation which includes a pre-tribulation rapture of the church, Armageddon at the end of the tribulation, and the 1000 year millennial kingdom where Jesus Christ will rule on earth with a rod of iron. After the 1000 year reign of Christ, Satan will be released from the abyss temporarily to round up all the rebels born during the millennium. The earth and universe are then "uncreated" and the Great White Throne Judgement takes place for all unbelievers.
A new heaven and a new earth are created, and the magnificent heavenly city of Jerusalem comes to rest on the new earth. All believers from all ages will have a place in this new city, and the dwelling of God will be with men!
If you are not yet a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save you from your sins, then reading about all of God's judgements during the tribulation will hopefully change your mind. Do not harden your heart. Today is the day. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ now! Amen.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true John MacArthur fashion, this expository book breaks down each verse of the book of Revelation, while also being devotional and accessible.

"The message of the Apocalypse is not to be hidden. It is a message to be proclaimed to produce obedience and worship. John was instructed not to seal up the words of Revelation. Immediate proclamation of this book is called for because the end is near. Indeed, the coming of Christ has been imminent for every generation from John’s day until the present."

This book is harder to 'read' because it's more of a 'study' of Revelation. I did have to use some discipline to finish reading at times. Like, I had to renew it 4 times from Libby... my bad.

I think people are afraid to study Revelation sometimes. And while there are certainly difficult passages, overall, the book was meant for the churches and believers to read and most of it is pretty understandable, or if it's not, pickup this book to guide you along the way.

Random side note: thought it was interesting the movie "Babylon" came out (I did not watch it). But I didn't realize it was basically based off Revelation 18 and the descriptions of "Babylon".

[Anthony A · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur has a plain and straightforward way of presenting what is in each chapter and verse in Revelation and if interpretation of anything is unclear, he says so. What I have learned in studying Revelation is that - generally - the important things are that believers are raptured *before* the tribulation of the rapture occurs and so there is nothing to worry about. However, the details of what goes on during the tribulation is fascinating to me and has my imagination going all over the place. :)

Excellent book - probably my 2nd favorite - of all of the some 6 or 7 commentary books about Revelation that I have read. Highly recommended.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains spoilers for the future! I had this book on my shelf for a very long time and only picked it up recently when our Bible Study group began working through the book of Revelation. This book was an invaluable source of wisdom, complementing Scripture and enlightening the often challenging bits of Scripture. Praise God for the many works he has allowed the late John MacArthur to do, and it continue to have an impact for His kingdom. I would not read it in isolation, however, as MacArthur lean Premillennial/Dispensationalist in terms of his eschatology, and heavily influences the book. Still highly recommend as a companion to studying the book of Revelation.

[Arturo Ríos Paredes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apocalipsis es la revelación dada por nuestro Señor Jesucristo de los tiempos finales, del “Día del Señor” donde se muestra el grande e inmenso amor que nos tiene. Es el final perfecto a toda una historia de amor que se inicia en Génesis.
John MacArthur nos explica esta revelación basado totalmente en lo que la Palabra dice haciéndonos conscientes de la bendición de esta profecía. Es útil leer este libro que será de bendición en la vida espiritual de cada lector.

[Lianna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My understanding of the end times aligns closely with John MacArthur’s. I’ve gone through a number of his sermons on the subject before, which were helpful, but this book was even better. While individual sermons might offer more depth on specific points, this book provides a clear, comprehensive outline of Revelation in one sweeping overview. After reading it, I no longer find Revelation as difficult to understand as I once did.

[Samantha Jepson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely enjoyable read! Loved every minute of it. Normally the book of Revelation is overlooked or avoided by many Christians because of it seeming to be more difficult to understand but this book explains the scriptures and unpacks the book in a very logical, verse by verse approach.