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Book Review: The Returning King
This overview of Revelation was written by Vern S. Poythress, a Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Dr. Poythress has written six theological books and has had over 160 theological articles published.The Returning King is a wonderful study of the book of Revelation. Poythress covers a variety of conflicting perspectives within Revelation (idealist, futurist, preterist, historicist) as well as other contentious facets such as the millennium interpretations (premil, postmil, amil).
In covering divergent viewpoints he enters into a realm where few authors dare. He explains each view with scholarly honesty and bravery. His examination of the major viewpoints alone merits the purchase of this book. In his exploration of opposing perspectives Poythress is never flippant or dismissive. But, he never leaves the reader confused about his conclusions. The author continually returns to Scripture (both in and out of Revelation) to demonstrate where truth rests.
The Returning King was not written to be to be exhaustive. However, it does not skimp on depth or intellect. Poythress examines Revelation verse by verse and focuses on the key phrases. He then spends time analyzing and explaining the meaning behind each point. No confusing or controversial stone is left unturned.