The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture [Paperback]

George Eldon Ladd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 1990

Jesus Christ is coming again! That is the Blessed Hope which has since the earliest days of the church energized biblical Christians looking for the full revelation of God’s redemption But even among those who have most devoutly looked forward to the second coming of the Lord there have often been disputes about its nature. At their sharpest, these disputes can lead to the breakdown of fellowship among those who should be standing firmly together against unbelief. Through its many printings, this book by George Eldon Ladd has proved to be a helpful guide for Christians who want to discern clearly the basic biblical teachings about the Blessed Hope. Writing not for his fellow scholars as much as men and women in the pews, Ladd, whose numerous studies of New Testament interpretation earned him the reputation of being one of contemporary evangelicalism’s leading thinkers, sketches the history of interpretations of Christ’s second coming and then carefully and lucidly examines the biblical passages on which this doctrine is based. Ladd’s conclusion is that the blessed hope is the second coming of Jesus Christ, not a pretribulation rapture of believers in a secret coming of Jesus. Yet he concludes, too, that there should be liberty and charity within the Christian community for all who hold to the expectation of “the blessed hope and appearing in glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) was professor of New Testament exegesis and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. His numerous books include The New Testament and Criticism, A Commentary on the Revelation of John, and Theology of the New Testament.

Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; PF edition (March 20, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802811116
• ISBN-13: 978-0802811110
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent exegetical study! Highly recommended!, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture (Paperback)

In this higly readable study Ladd discusses the relationship between the rapture and the second advent of Christ. He studies the history of interpretation, starting with the second century church fathers, continues with the prophetic movements of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Then he continues with some exegetical chapters. Without polarising, Ladd manages to set forth his thesis that the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ are the same, indispensable event. Ladd takes by this a stand against dispensationalism but also against preteristic schools of interpretation. Highly recommendable, espescially for its tone-setting!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Work on Eschatology!, January 1, 2002

By 

David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture (Paperback)

This book is a keeper for any pastor or teacher wanting to understand an eschatology different than the popular dispensational premillennialism. Ladd draws upon his extensive knowledge of Scripture and church history to define what he sees as the church's "Blessed Hope." Obviously, he does not see that hope as a secret rapture of the church before seven years of tribulation. Ladd possesses a high view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture in this work. I recommend his book highly.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Convincing and Authoritative!, November 12, 2002

By 

Wesley Dennison "Book Lover" (Victorville, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture (Paperback)

As a Christian raised in the Pre-Trib Rapture tradition, I thought I was losing my mind when I found myself becoming more and more convinced that the rapture of the church COULDN'T take place before the tribulation. I found a copy of The Blessed Hope and was so thoroughly convinced and put at ease that I have never questioned the subject again. Ladd's scholarship is awesome, especially his revelation of the seamy early history of pre-trib teachings. After reading where this teaching came from, its a wonder that anyone can believe it!