'The Return of Jesus Christ' by Mark Dunman (New Wine Press, 2015, 208 pages, available from the publisher for £10.99, or from the author's site for £10. Save £2 when you buy with 'Has God Really Finished With Israel?')

This is Mark's second book and continues the excellent standard of writing and analysis demonstrated in his first (Has God Really Finished With Israel?).

The author has skilfully navigated his way through the many issues and complexities surrounding the return of Jesus and we can follow him with confidence. He demonstrates a maturity and honesty over his own thinking on these matters, being prepared to say where he has changed his mind or is no longer certain.

Refreshingly he has allowed the study of the Scripture to overrule any emotional responses he may previously have had. He now knows what he believes but he still understands the tensions between various opinions and does not downgrade genuine views that have some Biblical support. He is always fair-minded; persuasive without being argumentative.

In this second book, Mark skilfully navigates many complex issues surrounding the return of Jesus, with refreshing honesty and devotion to Scripture.

Another Book on the End Times?

Mark is open enough to ask why there is need for another book on this topic - though clearly he believes there is. His main concern is that most Christians avoid this area because there is such a multiplicity of views which can be off-putting. He admits this state of affairs cannot be avoided but offers to help us grasp the principal views and then build on these once a basic understanding becomes established. Here is a real teacher at work.

He does not insist on a single view on everything, but will leave some things open to further insight. He recognises it is unrealistic to always expect a unanimous view but asserts it is possible to narrow down the options, clear away the weaker arguments and to indicate one view to be more likely than another. That, he states, "is what I hope to do" (p15) - and this he certainly does.

Topical Approach

His introductory chapter leads us confidently into the analyses that follow. His approach is mainly topical. He tackles the Millennium first, as it is his conviction that what we believe about this will affect other areas, such as the tribulation and rapture. This gives the book a sound structure that is easy to follow.

His second chapter is an excellent exposition on the various views on the Millennium with a very helpful summary chart at the start and other diagrams to guide us as we read on. We then move on to consider the tribulation, Antichrist and the rapture, all handled with expert ease.

Here is a real teacher at work – who admits the complexity of the situation and then helps us build up a basic understanding, without insisting on a single view on everything.

Eventually we work our way into the Gospels and the signs Jesus mentions, and inevitably some attention is given to the various views on the book of Revelation and the conundrums it contains. However, he does not go into these in great detail. His main concern is to show how Revelation ties in with similar Old Testament prophecies. Two other chapters worth a special mention are those on the mystery of Babylon, and the day of the Lord and God's wrath.

Improved Resources

As in his first book there are excellent endnotes to each chapter, which helps keep the main text uncluttered. However, unlike before, this time the appendices, glossary and indexes are placed within the book - not on his website; a definite improvement and worth the extra £1 and additional pages! There are also five appendices. Particularly illuminating are those on the Biblical measurement of time, the interpretative rule of double fulfilment and Ezekiel's temple.

There is one slight overlap with his first book - the chapter where he explains his approach to Scripture and how to interpret it. The material here is very similar but it is necessary to repeat within this book. The only question is why it is left until chapter 7 and not placed earlier on.

Fresh and Relevant

Recent events and dangers regarding the Middle East provided Mark with the motivation to write another book to ensure that Christians are not overtaken by events and to urge them to pray into these situations. Certainly there is a great need for teaching on the return of Christ, whether imminent or not. Christians have a duty to keep this theme in the forefront of their faith and to pass it on to each generation. This book shows how this can be done. We no longer have any excuse to shirk our responsibility or be scared of it.

Overall, this is a superb piece of work that cannot be recommended highly enough. It has to be one of the best recent books on the return of Christ. Every page is thoughtful and well-written. Read it at whatever pace you wish: quickly to get a clear overview if you are not yet familiar with the ideas, or repeatedly and at leisure to build up more understanding. It will remain fresh and powerful however many times you revisit it.

This is a superb piece of work – it has to be one of the best recent books on the return of Christ.