In the late sixties, I was scanning the shelves of Dightman's Bible Book Store when I came across Clarence Larkin's book, Dispensational Truth. Originally published in 1918, it is the quintessential prophecy chart book from the heyday of the Scofield Reference Bible. Who wouldn't get excited about having such a detailed prophetic road map? It's like a great directory of time with a red "you are here" arrow to help you anticipate "what's next."
Mr. Larkin was both a Bible student and draftsman, and his chart filled opus has all the tidiness of an architect's blueprint: There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. The example to the left is just half of one of the 90 charts in his book! The prophetic framework popularized by Scofield and charted by Larkin informs the "Left Behind" series that has sold 65 million copies! In this framework, "the next big thing" is the rapture, an event in which believers will meet Jesus "off planet" while those who are left behind go through seven years of tribulation.
The key associated passage seems straight-forward: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17). At some point in time, believers will be united with Jesus among the clouds, never to be separated from Him again. I believe that this passage is descriptive of something we CAN look forward to. But when? Now that's a great question! Warning: Please do not read subsequent posts on this topic unless you are willing to have your presuppositions challenged and your charts messed up.
Clarence Larkin’s book, Book of Charts, really helped me with my study of the book of Daniel. Reverend Larkin’s charts are very easy to read. He has charts on the “seventy weeks” and the “seventieth week.” My favorite is “Daniel and Revelation Compared.” This one is beautifully detailed!
Now, my presuppositions, you can have them! I’m tired of being conditioned by the world! Give me truth!
Posted by: wc | March 26, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I truly applaud Larkin's opus. It reflects a lifetime of diligence in the Word. That said, the linear eschatological chronology he outlines could easily be accepted blindly by some without the personal study required to bring honesty and an "overcomer" mentality to the study. His charts are neat and tidy, but I don't find that kind of clarity surrounding certain events he outlines. I look forward to this discussion.
As the days grow more evil it will be important for Christians to walk by faith and cling to what the Bible clearly says; it might be a rude awakening for some who have relied on pat answers and speculation when they face trial, tribulation, or even martyrdom. We're going to have to build our "overcomer" muscles and be content with knowing the "what," not the "when." The "when" is "need to know" and only the Father knows.
Posted by: CF | March 26, 2008 at 11:56 AM