Re-evaluating the Historicist’s
Interpretation of the Revelation
Contemporary history and progressive revelation regarding the Hebraic festivals are the basis for a renovation of the traditional historicist’s house and its perception of recapitulation in the book of Revelation, which does not disturb the historicist’s view that the papacy is the Antichrist.
Under this new interpretation, John’s use of recapitulation was modest as compared with the traditionalist’s view. The new view correlates the prophecies and illustrations of the seven seals with our modern-day market-driven society, the prophetic era of the Laodicean church, the autumnal festivals, and the “the time of the end” in Daniel 8:17.
The correspondence of the apocalyptic horsemen of the seven seals with the historical accounts of the Protestant’s rise to prominence and their termination of the churches’ influence in our modern-day commerce is incendiary. Moreover, the correspondence pertaining to autumnal festivals regarding the final judgment and the apocalyptic horsemen of the seven seals is no less provocative.
As is the case of all such correlations that come to light through progressive revelation, they become a blessing for the sons and daughters of God and a reproof for those who walk in darkness (Revelation 1:3).
Book Reviews
US Review of Books
Reviewed by Ashley Kelley
"Yet, the continuous-historical approach to interpreting Revelation is truly represented by following the linear narration from the Commencement of Christ's ministration . . . "
This contemporary history argues that traditionalists need to update their perception of the Book of Revelation. By evaluating the Revelation prophecies to that of the modern-day church, the authors look into the illustrations of Revelation without the “ad hoc rationalizations” that often portray it. In doing so, they attempt to prove the view of Professor David J. Engelsma of the Reformed Church who stated in The Church Today and the Reformation Church: A Comparison that “prophecies are best interpreted after they are fulfilled.”
This progressive treatise has a wide range of sources, quotes, and ideological explanations throughout the text. Some of the topics include criticism of historicism, Libertarian free will, progressive revelation, covenentalism, theism, and open theism. There is a plethora of biblical language that might be confusing without a theological background, but the authors counter this by providing a glossary as well as explaining terms within the text. The authors also give further explanations by delivering in-depth sources, including quotes from the Bible, articles, dissertations, and theological treatises used in research. The organizational layout provides a complete narration but also summarizes the main prophecies of Revelation.
The organization of the text helps readers to move down a linear path that allows them to digest the material. However, it is the explanations from the authors that make the book. The sharp reasonings make it very clear as to what the authors are saying and what they want the reader to take away. The vocabulary, structure, and research throughout are great for anyone who wishes to explore contemporary criticisms of the interpretation of Revelation. However, this analysis is not just for those who would like to expand their knowledge of the book but also for those looking for a new perspective on contemporary histories and how they are approached.
Pacific Book Review
Reviewed by Aaron Washington
Thy Kingdom: Come: Re-Evaluating the Historicist’s Interpretation of the Revelation is not just any theology book. The authors break down different subjects about Christianity, the gospel and how the Bible is interpreted. Through this book, readers will understand the history of some religious festivals, know every part of the Bible and get to know The Book of Revelation better. Thy Kingdom Come: Re-Evaluating the Historicist’s Interpretation of the Revelation is a ‘next-level book’ which will open your eyes and have you view things differently. The authors link and contrast the relationship between the end times, prophets and their prophecies and how modern churches operate.
The authors Marsue and Jerry Huerta use heavy Christian jargon and go deep when talking about fundamentals in Holy Scriptures. Reading this book is a beautiful learning experience as the reader comes across terms that are not commonly mentioned in either secular or gospel settings. One can tell the authors were thorough in their research by how they presented their points. The writing format in the book is commendable as it gives readers ample time to slowly digest what they are reading about. Marsue and Jerry Huerta did not rush in their writing but took time to expound on the topics they were talking about. Thy Kingdom: Come: Re-Evaluating the Historicist’s Interpretation of the Revelation is a fantastic read if you are into deep, heavy and technical religious literature.
‘The Insufficiency of the Presuppositions of Covenantalism in Rendering John’s Apocalypse’ was among my favorite chapters in the book. Like in most parts of the book, the authors accompanied the text with Bible scriptures to make their points clear. The authors’ discussion on the principle of prophetic interpretation was remarkable. Another topic worth noting in the book was that of Israel and the church. Israel is viewed as an ethnic nation where Hebrews live by dispensationalists. The Church, on the other hand, consists of all saved individuals in this present dispensation. The authors were excellent when discussing historicism, Libertarian free will, Open theism, Preterism, Progressive revelation and many other contentious subjects that are not always discussed.
The text in the book is raw and the discussions sharp. Expect to have your way of seeing things altered after you read this book. Marsue and Jerry Huerta’s knowledge of the apocalypse of John, the church and the end time is not found in any mainstream publication. There is no basic narrative in the book as everything written is elite. Some concepts are difficult to understand when read at first but that does not take away the wonderful experience reading this book. I would recommend Kingdom Come: ReEvaluating the Historicist’s Interpretation of the Revelation to readers who are fond of secular material as this book will introduce them to a new world and answer questions that no other book can answer. https://www.pacificbookreview.com/thy-kingdom-come-re-evaluating-the-historicists-interpretation-of-the-revelation/
Marsue and Jerry Huerta are a family of lay authors who have dedicated years of their lives to the intense study of the historicist’s interpretations of the book of Revelation and believe they have written a book for our time that renovates the historicist’s house while leaving it standing. It finishes the house of historicism.