Sam Storms’ transparency and honesty regarding his own struggles with prophetic interpretation increase the value of this book. At several points, for example, he admits his attraction to other eschatological views, especially postmillennialism and preterism. I would not at all be surprised if he changes positions and embraces a more optimistic view of the kingdom of God in history. He says, for example: “As an amillennialist, I must admit that the textual support cited in defense of postmillennialism is impressive, if not altogether persuasive” (p. 369). This openness about his uncertainty and the strength of an opposing view is refreshing.
The book suffers from the lack of an explicit explanation for how the amillennial framework itself was derived from Scripture. Storms explains the system but does not thoroughly demonstrate its exegetical derivation. This leads to some frustrating exegetical points. The distinction, for example, between “this age” and “the age to come” is consistently made to refer to the church age and eternity. The apostles probably thought in terms of the soon-to-end Mosaic age and the Messianic kingdom age about to begin. Another example is found the author’s discussion regarding the presence of death in the new heavens and new earth. He winds up saying “the young shall die” (Revelation 20:20) actually means they shall live forever, and that Isaiah and John used such statements because their readers were unable to conceive of eternal life!
That said, I must emphasize the value of this book. Storms consistently provides valuable insights into the meaning of Scripture. It is a worthy read.
