When another book on end time theology comes onto the market it is always worth asking if it is distinctive in some ‘Last Days and End Times’ way. Is it possible for it to be saying something new in an area that has become saturated over the past decades?

Seeking Jesus’ clear directives

In this case Sammons has hit a clear chord which resonates through the whole book. The author believes that one outcome of the separation of the church from its Hebraic root “has been its inability to distinguish properly between the last days and the end time.” (p.12) His book seeks to shine light on this distinction and enable readers to get this clearer in their own minds.

According to the author, the book is written primarily for true disciples of Jesus, those who trust him for their future and want to heed better Jesus’ warning to be ready for what lies ahead. Sammons is prepared to put to one side the varying theologies about the end times whose adherents seem more concerned to promote their own views than properly understand and represent Jesus’ clear directives about the future.

As an example of this, Sammons takes a very sensible approach towards dispensationalism, He dismisses this as a theological construct, while accepting there is some value in certain aspects of it. There are certain periods wherein God has worked out a particular purpose, but the overall theology created out of this is largely to be rejected. This will please some but may dismay others.

Sammons dismisses dispensationalism as a theological construct, while accepting there is some value in certain aspects of it.

What’s left out

Sammons also makes clear what not to expect from his book. Those topics which lie outside the scope of the book include the last judgment, the wrath of God, heaven and hell, and Gog and Magog (as found in Ezekiel chs 38-39). These omissions by no means detract from the main thrust of the book or the outstanding way in which the author tackles his main argument.

The book contains the usual amount of schematics which has become typical of his writings. Some may enjoy these and find them helpful. Others may decide to skip over them, or at least put them to one side for a while and come back to them later to see if they really do illustrate what he is saying.

The final phase

Chapter 2 is entitled The Last Days, a term which Sammons says is found in many places in Scripture to describe the final phase of this world in its present guise. It is this period which is eventually terminated by the ‘end time’, a phrase that is hardly used in Scripture, though the concept is clearly there. The next chapter (Ch 3) is entitled The End Times, and explores what the scriptures do say about this, including the key phrase ‘The Day of the Lord’.

The Last Days, a term which Sammons says is found in many places in Scripture to describe the final phase of this world in its present guise.

Chapter 4 is a relatively short exposition on Israel’s central role at the end, with some brief summaries of what various theologies make of this. In the next chapter, Sammons attempts to provide a road map towards the end via the appointed feasts (moedim).

The second coming

After this, a very brief chapter on the shofar blasts takes us to Chapter 7, entitled The Second Coming. This chapter is in the form of an extended thematic Bible study and is borrowed with permission (and minor edits) from the book ‘The Bible Student’ which is also available from Christian Publications International.

Chapter 8 explains that some scriptures have an intended obscurity but this should not put us off studying the future, while Chapter 9 is an excellent review of Matthew 24. Next we are led to consider what the preaching of the gospel will be like in the End Time, including ‘the times of the Gentiles’.

Chapter 11 goes back into the Old Testament to unpack Daniel’s ‘Seventy weeks’, and this is followed by a chapter entitled ‘The Catching Up’ in which the author tackles what it might mean to be raptured (or enraptured?) at some point. Chapter 13 has the Millennial rule as its subject and the concluding chapter, entitled 'Praise God', aims to keep our focus on the Kingdom of God rather than undue speculations about future events.

The concluding chapter, 'Praise God', aims to keep our focus on the Kingdom of God rather than undue speculations about future events.

First-rate study

The book has several appendices, mainly involving more diagrams and schematics, but Appendix 6 is a useful explanation of how prophecy can have multiple fulfilments. The book ends with a helpful list of Further Reading, but there is no index.

This is not a large book, containing a very manageable 200 pages, but it is comprehensive in its own way. The most benefit is gained from reading it slowly and carefully, even if this is on a second read through.

From the opening, it was clear to me that this was a first-rate study. It consolidated my own understanding through its excellently constructed sentences and clear explanations. Highly commended.

‘Last Days and End Times’ (197pp) is published by Christian Publications International and is available from Amazon for £15.99 (inc p&p).