The Truth Behind Left Behind: A Biblical View of the End Times [Paperback]

Mark Hitchcock (Author), Thomas Ice (Author), Tim LaHaye (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2004

With the unparalleled worldwide success of the Left Behind series, both fans and critics are curious about the relationship between Bible prophecy and the events depicted in the novels. Responding to recent works that question Left Behind's biblical accuracy, two respected theologians set forth solid, biblical answers in this reader-friendly resource. Beginning with a clear presentation of prophecy interpretation and dispensationalism, the authors examine specific end times events represented in Left Behind and offer historical and biblical support for each event.

The popular Left Behind books are works of fiction. But how seriously can you take their predictions about the end of the world - and you own future?

In this reader-friendly resource, two respected theologians respond to recent attacks on Left Behind's interpretation of Bible prophecy, providing clear historical and biblical support for specific end times events described in the novels.

Gain a deeper appreciation of these phenomenal bestsellers - and a deeper understanding of earth's cataclysmic final days!

Story Behind the Book

With the incredible success of this series, we believe that it would be beneficial to the body of Christ for someone to publish a book that gives solid, thoughtful, biblical answers to the critics of the Left Behind theology. With the questions that are being raised and will continue to be raised, many may begin to wonder if the Left Behind theology is really biblical. Some of the impact of the series could be undermined. This book would set forth substantive biblical points in favor of the various end times events presented in the series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Hitchcock

Mark Hitchcock earned his master of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is presently a Ph.D. candidate at the same school. He has pastored Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, since 1991 and has written eleven books. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Oklahoma with their two sons, Justin and Samuel.

Thomas Ice

Thomas Ice, executive director of the Pre-Trib Research Center, holds a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Tyndale Theological Seminary. Ice is the author or coauthor of more than twenty books and dozens of articles. He has served as a pastor for fifteen years. Tommy and his wife, Janice, have three sons and live in Arlington, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (March 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590523660
• ISBN-13: 978-1590523667
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #754,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Attorney Mark Hitchcock thought his career was set after graduating from law school in 1984 and getting a job working with a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. But after what Mark calls a "clear call to full-time ministry," he changed course and went to Dallas Theological Seminary, completing a masters degree in 1991 and a doctoral degree in 2006. Since 1991 Mark has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has authored 15 books related to end-time Bible prophecy and was the contributing editor for the Internet-based Left Behind Prophecy Club for four years. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond with their two sons, Justin and Samuel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why Not Believe the Truth?, April 22, 2004

By 

Stan Schone (Edmond, OK USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth Behind Left Behind: A Biblical View of the End Times (Paperback)

I have just finished reading "The Truth Behind Left Behind" by Hitchcock and Ice. As a layman who considers himself to be a well read and versed student on the subject of Bible prophecy, I would consider this book to be an highly accurate and well documented explaination of the end times as they are written in the Bible. Many people who study prophecy have many different interpretations of what, when and how the Bible says that the world will end and Gods Kingdom will be ushered in. To many of those people I would say, "stop trying to read between the lines!" The Bible is the inerrant Word of God and what it says as you read it is exactly what it means. People try to put too much conjecture into Gods Word that simply isn't there. The books of the Old Testament and their prophecies of the end times identically match those in the New Testament so I truly do not understand where most of these detractors of the "Left Behind" series come up with their arguments that say the books are untrue and not well founded. These people are supposed to be Biblical scholars, well they either aren't reading the same Bible I do or they need to work on their comprehension skills. "The Truth Behind Left Behind" is right on the money in explaining the Biblical accuracy and validity of the "Left Behind" series of books concerning end times events. So as I stated in my title, "Why Not Believe the Truth?" this book is a must read for all of those who have been distracted by the detractors. I would recommend that everyone who is seriously interested in the truth about end times events should read "The Truth Behind Left Behind"!

24 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good explanation of the truth behind Left Behind., April 4, 2004

By 

Angeldude98 (San Bernardino, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth Behind Left Behind: A Biblical View of the End Times (Paperback)

This book has very good explanations for the questions raised by many of the readers of the Left Behind series. It is a good companion to "Are We Living In The End Times?" by LaHaye and Jenkins. I encourage readers to read this book side by side with a Bible, in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
There are several views of interpretation of the End Times, and I happen to agree with the view presented in Left Behind.
For all serious seekers and skeptics out there, there are many good books on Bible Prophecy and Eschathology, but the best answers will always come from the Bible.
To anyone interested in this subject, I suggest taking a good course on it at your local Bible college, or attend a class or teaching of prophecy at your local church.
The LB series is fictional, but the events are very real nevertheless. They will happen. Weather they will happen as portrayed or not, they will happen regardless.
This is a very good book indeed, although I did expect a little more of it than what was delivered (thus the 4 stars), but it's still good enough for answering basic questions.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction, January 19, 2009

By 

Randle Rector "Randy" (Fort Scott, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Truth Behind Left Behind: A Biblical View of the End Times (Paperback)

Darbyism (more commonly known as Dispensationalism-the eschatology expounded in this book) is only a Johnny-Come-Lately interpretation of the Bible in the minds of some people. How anyone can read "The Truth Behind Left Behind" and totally miss the ancient evidence given by the authors makes it difficult not to attribute it to willful blindness. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Edwards, Spurgeon in their time were all considered Johnny-Come-Latelies by somebody or other. Whatever truth they expounded was in the Scriptures from the beginning, but wasn't emphasized until their day. Martin Luther was hardly considered a "respected Christian theologian" when he began to preach justification by faith alone. Just so, the abuses heaped upon John Nelson Darby are often founded on rumors, innuendo, and hearsay rather than a careful analysis of what he actually taught. Once you have read "The Truth Behind Left Behind," I recommend reading "John Nelson Darby/a Biography" by the German author Max S. Weremchuk; and for a fuller exposition of Dispensationalism "Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology" by J. Dwight Pentecost. Both are available through amazon.com.