‘Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock – What Does the Bible Say?’ by John Claeys – Book Review and Giveaway

I am, by nature, skeptical when someone tries to guess when the Apocalypse will happen. In his book, ‘Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock – What Does the Bible Say?,’ John Claeys provides a compelling argument using biblical and extra biblical evidence to help to explain the future of planet Earth.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

“Thousands of People Worldwide Seem to Be Preparing…For the End of Days in 2012.” Did Nostradamus, the Mayans, and others have a glimpse of God’s plan for the end of the earth? If so, will anyone survive 2012, or will that be the end of humanity? Is there a link between these two ancient prophecies and what the Bible presents about the End Times?

Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock reveals incredible and shocking information about the future of this world.

Here is the biography of this author:

John Claeys is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (B.A, English) and Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., New Testament Greek) and has pursued doctoral work at Phoenix Seminary. For the past 17 years, John has been an instructor of Bible with LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas and for the past 13 years has been on staff at Cypress Valley Bible Church in Marshall, Texas. He lives in Marshall with his beautiful wife, Connie, and his two handsome and phenomenal sons (of course, John is not biased!), Scott and Jason.

Here is the book trailer for this fascinating book:

And here is John talking about the reports of what could happen in 2012:

Many Christians are unaware that Jesus is returning. Mr. Claeys explains why:

It is understandable that non-Christians do not realize that the day of the Lord is approaching, but what is disturbing is that most Christians do not seem to realize it is coming. Why is that? It seems that the vast majority of teaching from pastors and church leaders today is centered on the here and now – how to deal with day-to-day issues and how to have a better life now. Unfortunately, this focus comes at the exclusion of teaching about the future, as indicated by the focus of books and articles written and sermons preached. Thus, Christians as a whole do not seem to be educated about future events. (p. 15)

I would have to concur with that assessment. I don’t remember ever having sat through a sermon series on Christ’s return.

There is debate about whether Christians will have to endure the wrath of the Lord; Mr. Claeys is of the opinion (Pre-Millennial) that Jesus will return before those events:

This deliverance is for all believers alive at that time, whether we wake or sleep. Since this phrase refers to a believer’s spiritual health, it [1 Thessalonians 5:9-11] is saying to us that whether a believer is awake to the soon return of Christ and demonstrating that alertness by faithfully serving Christ, or is asleep and showing spiritual lethargy by not being faithful to Christ, Paul promoted that all believers who are alive at the time Christ comes in the air will be taken up to be with him. In other words, all Christians, whether they are faithful or unfaithful, will be delivered from the coming wrath by the rapture. (p. 23)

I was intrigued by the question, ‘Who Really Is the Antichrist?’ That topic has been a main subject for speculation for millennia. Here is Mr. Claey’s opinion:

The biggest clue for the meaning of the term can be found in 1 John 4:1-3, where the apostle John is warning of false prophets – those who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. According to these verses, false prophets in the world are a preview of the ultimate false prophet, who is the Antichrist. This would indicate that the Antichrist is the false prophet. Therefore, the Antichrist is not the world ruler, but is instead the false prophet. (p. 138)

I was always under the impression that the Antichrist would be a world leader; it is interesting to learn that Mr. Claeys does not think that will be the case.

Another interesting topic is the Mark of the Beast. When credit cards first came into use, many people interpreted them as being the Mark of the Beast. There are so many ways that things can be interpreted! Here Mr. Claeys explains what taking the Mark means:

The connection between taking the mark of the beast and worshiping him (his image) is also made in [Revelation] 16:2: “So the first [angel] went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.” This verse describes a specific judgment of God during the last half of the future tribulation period upon those who possess the mark of the beast and who worship his image. (p. 142)

The end of this book includes a Glossary, Selected Bibliography, and End Notes.

I have never read a book that is more comprehensive about the Second Coming of Jesus. Mr. Claeys provides great detail and evidence to show his readers that the Lord is coming back for His people! It is not clear when this will happen, but regardless of when it happens, it will be glorious!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by VMI Publishers and provided by Bring It On! Communications for review and giveaway purposes.

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I have one copy of this book to pass along; thanks to Arielle at Bring It On! Communications for generously providing this copy! 

There are several ways to gain entry:           

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, giving me your thoughts on 2012 and the Second Coming in general. Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com. 

2) Follow me on Twitter; if you are already a follower, that counts, too!  Please leave a separate comment to that effect.

3) Tweet the following on Twitter:

Enter to win a copy of ‘Apocalypse 2012’ from @BringItOnComm & @andrealschultz. http://goo.gl/qnP42 #giveaway Please RT!

Please leave a comment with the link to your tweet. You can tweet up to once per day. Please add a new comment for each tweet.

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So there are numerous chances to enter and therefore win! Please limit one entry per option (except for the Twitter option), and don’t forget to include your email address, or, sad to say, the Random Number Generator will have to choose a different winner.

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is Monday, February 14, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 and will be contacted via email. The best to all of you!