The Last Things: An Eschatology for Laymen

by George Eldon Ladd

In modern theology the “last things” of traditional Christian doctrine have largely been ignored or replaced with various metaphysical, psychological, or ethical reinterpretations of Christianity. This volume takes the biblical vision of the future seriously once again, explaining the significance of Christian eschatology for the faith and theology of the contemporary church. / Written by nine front-ranking Christian thinkers, The Last Things offers fresh interpretations of the major themes in eschatology. Wolfhart Pannenberg begins the volume by laying out the challenges of eschatological reflection in today's world. Carl E. Braaten speaks to our need to recover the apocalyptic imagination that defines both the early church and the gospel itself. Robert W. Jenson explores the nature of the eschaton. Paul D. Hanson discusses the relationship between the Bible and politics. Arland J. Hultgren looks at eschatology in the New Testament, particularly Jesus' own view of the future. David Novak compares and contrasts the Jewish and Christian approaches to God and history. John A. McGuckin focuses in depth on the book of Revelation. Philip D. W. Krey describes Martin Luther's understanding of the Apocalypse. Last, George L. Murphy asks what contributions science might make to the study of eschatology. / Recognizing that the doctrine of the last things has been a source of disagreement in the history of the church, the contributors offer ecumenical perspectives on their respective topics, together casting a promising image of the future for the whole church.

Genres: Theology, Christian

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) was a Baptist minister and professor of New Testament exegesis and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Ladd was ordained in 1933 and pastored in New England from 1936 to 1945. He served as an instructor at Gordon College of Theology and Missions (now Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Wenham, Massachusetts from 1942–45. He was an associate professor of New Testament and Greek from 1946–50, and head of the department of New Testament from 1946–49. In 1950–52 he was an associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif, becoming professor of biblical theology in 1952.

Ladd's best-known work, A Theology of the New Testament, has been used by thousands of seminary students since its publication in 1974. This work was enhanced and updated by Donald A. Hagner in 1993.

Ladd was a notable, modern proponent of Historic Premillennialism, and often criticized dispensationalist views. His writings regarding the Kingdom of God (especially his view of inaugurated eschatology) have become a cornerstone of Kingdom theology. His perspective is expressed in The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, R. G. Clouse, editor (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977) and the shorter and more accessible The Gospel of the Kingdom (Paternoster, 1959).

Reviews

[Micah Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, an excellent and brief introduction to Historic Premillennialism from the horse’s mouth, as it were. Also good to read another of the masters. While the I don’t agree with all the details, the broad strokes seem spot on to me.

Ladd pushes too strongly on NT as presenting a reinterpretation of the OT. The Apostolic witness may have been a reinterpretation of the prevailing interpretations of its time (some of this is even in question in current OT and Second Temple Lit studies) but according the Apostles themselves it was in fact not a reinterpretation but the re-presentation of the proper prophetic interpretation that already existed in the OT, however latent or veiled. One way he shows this this by discussing the separation of three “messianic” roles: the Davidic King, the Son of Man, and the Suffering Servant. Yet do not all three suffer, die, be raised or exalted, and reign. Rather than separate spheres these three are better an overlapping Venn Diagram with an essential core but varied sequence, emphasis, imagery, and location in the Canon.
I was amazed and delighted to a brief and helpful overview of the real Biblical view of the Intermediate State, ie almost nothing. While he may still bring more of this out in later chapters he did fall into the common trap among scholars to suggest that the OT has hardly the slightest sense of resurrection in its theology. This is patently wrong. Otherwise an excellent chapter.
Ladd mounts a convincing argument against the Dispensational division of Christ’s return. He surveys more than just the few classic verses and so makes a much more comprehensive case than I’ve previously heard.

[Emanuel Elizondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to historical premillennialism. I found some sections very helpful. Other parts I disagreed. For example, I’m not convinced that the NT “radically re-interprets” the OT. I believe there are better ways to see how the apostles interpreted the prophets. In general, a good book, although I found myself disagreeing quite a bit. Still, I enjoyed it.

[Richard Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, George Ladd seems to touch only the tip of the iceberg of his extensive knowledge. While the book may not aim to be a comprehensive guide, it remains a worthwhile read, offering thoughtful insights on eschatology.

[Chris Gravning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, easily readable introduction to eschatology, with a focus on the view of "historic premillenialism." Lay people and pastors alike would benefit well to consider it's arguments, even if their views conflict with Ladd's. His arguments are scripturally based and flow well logically.

[Barney Wiget · Rating 4 out of 5]

He makes a great case for historic premillenialism.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and readable introduction to eschatology. Provides a good analysis of eschatologies stemming from dispensationalist and non-dispensationalist viewpoints. Presents a strong case for the latter. (The author was brought up as a dispensationalist but then became convinced of the non-dispensationalist viewpoint from his reading of the Bible.) Touches on the millennium and argues for a premillennist interpretation.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great look at Historical Pre-millenialism in contrast to contemporary dispensationalism.