Rev. A Brakel’s Commentary on Revelation
Distinguished Dutch Reformed theologian Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635 – 1711) wrote a compelling commentary on the book of Revelation as part of his magnum opus systematic theology. That systematic theology, entitled The Christian’s Reasonable Service, except primarily for his commentary on Revelation, was already translated into the English language. Now the English translation of his commentary has been completed and is available for purchase in printed and digital formats.
This is an important development, because the book of Revelation is Christ’s roadmap for His Church, covering the history from the Apostolic era to the future Second Coming of Christ. That history has been predestined by the sovereign God, in accordance with His Holy will, to bring glory to His Name. It speaks to circumstances in our own day, even as it has spoken to past periods and to future periods. If Rev. à Brakel’s interpretation is correct, we should not be at all surprised that we are living in a period characterized thus: “all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication.” But we should also not be surprised that in the future many Jews will convert to Biblical Christianity, ushering in a period of gospel prosperity and a renewed Protestant Reformation that is worldwide in scope, before Christ’s Second Advent. Although corporately and individually we are darkened by sin and corruption, yet the “smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.”
In addition, we are warned in such a time as this not to follow the mainstream, but rather to remain true to Biblical Christianity in our religious convictions and walk, even though the numbers are not with us at this time. It is important to maintain a Biblical testimony that lays the groundwork for the coming Reformation. We can trust that God will bring this to pass in His time and according to His schedule. God has allowed man to rebel and form a modern manifestation of Babel, but God will overthrow it by the proclamation of the gospel and establish an order wherein Jesus Christ is honored and His moral law observed by the nations, in gratitude for God’s great works through Him of Creation and Redemption. We ought to live in the light that we are all sinners deserving of God’s eternal wrath, but that God has made a way of escape for His people through Jesus Christ.
Rev. à Brakel articulates the well considered reformed mainstream of prophetic interpretation at the conclusion of the Protestant Reformation. His basic interpretation is as valid and cogent today as when he wrote it. It should not be ignored, but studiously digested.
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CJ2CUNG – Softbound and Digital versions for sale
For those in the United Kingdom:
Softbound version for Sale in the UK
Digital version for Sale in the UK
“The LORD hath said unto me, Thou are my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.”