The Threshold of Exile: Examining New Testament Prophecy and Eternal Destiny

In sharp contrast to common and popularized end-times views, The Threshold of Exile: Examining New Testament Prophecy and Eternal Destiny critically examines our mainstream and often sensationalized Christian views about eschatology, which is the theological study of last things. The book focuses particularly on the return of Jesus and fallen humanity's presumed immortality and final destiny in hell. The author demonstrates how awareness and effective use of the New Testament's historical context can lead to a radically different understanding of these beliefs. He shows how they can only truly be understood if studied through the lens of Israel's location in history at the time of the New Testament. The author invites us to re-examine our understanding of final things in light of that setting-Israel on the brink of exile- emphasizing the proper use of context and allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. He demonstrates how the language of New Testament prophecy was drawn directly from the voices of the prophets who prophesied and described the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC as well as the Assyrian invasion of 722 BC. Those same warnings and descriptions are echoed through the language of Jesus and the apostles, who warned of a similar destiny on the horizon in that very generation. This book will take readers on a journey of discovery-a journey that may fundamentally transform our understanding of the New Testament's prophetic outlook.