Where Do We Go from Here? How Tomorrow’s Prophecies Foreshadow Today’s Problems. By David Jeremiah. Nashville, TN: W Publishing, 2021. 243 pp. Hardcover, $26.99.
David Jeremiah is an extremely popular author and speaker. This book is easy to read and deals with ten events that Jesus prophesied. Jeremiah believes that in today’s news we are seeing precursors to these events, indicating that the tribulation is near. As we see these events, we are not to be discouraged, but to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
Jeremiah contends that the rise of socialism in the U.S. is an example of the Lord’s prediction that in the last days it will be as it was in the days of Noah (Matt 24:37). Socialism appears tailor-made for the rise of the Antichrist’s rule (p. 5). It is a system inspired by Satan (p. 9). As Christians, we should therefore resist the growth of socialism (p. 22).
The destruction by leftwing radicals of U.S. historical monuments is also seen as a sign of the times. It is a violation of the Biblical command to remember one’s past (p. 13). Globalism—seen in the growth of powerful billionaires and Big Tech companies—is another sign of the times and will eventually lead to a one-world government (p. 31). Jeremiah says that Christians should also be globally-minded by taking the gospel around the world.
The COVID pandemic could also be a foreshadowing of the coming tribulation. God uses diseases to accomplish His purposes (p. 53). The Lord said that there will be pestilences in the last days (p. 54).
The economic chaos of our day is also foretold in the Bible. The technology of the current economic system could be used for the future mark of the Beast (p.75). Digital currency, which Jeremiah calls “sinister,” also points to this. The current chaos is causing gross financial inequalities. Revelation 6 describes how this will become the norm during the tribulation (pp. 77-81).
The moral depravity of our culture is also an indication that the tribulation is soon to begin. In 2 Tim 3:1-5, Paul speaks of the rise in sinful activities during the last days (p. 121). Interestingly, Jeremiah says that the rise of social media is also a sign of the times because of its narcissism (p. 123).
Jeremiah draws a parallel between our cancel culture and Jesus’ teaching that many will be offended in the last days (Matt 24:10). People are canceled because they are not loved by their neighbor (Matt 22:37-39). The Lord’s words indicate that this hatred should not surprise us since we know that the rapture could occur at any moment (p. 143).
The Prophet Amos spoke of the spiritual famine of Israel in his day (Amos 8:11-12). In the best part of Jeremiah’s book, he encourages his readers to get back into the Word of God. That is the cure for any famine we are experiencing (p. 164). We should also have a burden for the spiritually dead. Pastors need to emphasize the teaching of God’s Word (p. 172).
Jeremiah also sees the need to focus on the current nation of Israel. We need to pray for it. He reminds the reader that the church will live in the New Jerusalem. He includes an interesting graph that shows the size of this future city (p. 190).
Even though the world at large is rejecting Christianity, Jeremiah is very encouraged by what he sees going on in the church. He sees great spiritual growth, especially among the young (p. 209). The gospel is going to triumph because Christ will overcome all obstacles. The author does not spell out what he thinks this will mean or what changes we can expect.
Jeremiah admits that all the signs of moral depravity we see today do not guarantee that the rapture is near, but he strongly suggests that these things point to it. One of the book’s weaknesses is that it discusses things that will occur after the rapture and says that these signs are seen in what happens before the rapture. Perhaps they do. But the most we can accurately say is that we are living in a culture beset by blatant depravity.
Most readers of the JOTGES will appreciate that Jeremiah is pretribulational and premillennial. They will also appreciate his concern over the moral rot around us and his wondering about where it will lead. This book is a reminder that sin brings the wrath of God on any society (Rom 1:18-32). Another plus is that Jeremiah gives good practical advice. Christians should be active in a local church, should pray, and should study the Bible during these difficult times.
However, the book’s terrible presentations of the gospel are an area of real concern. Jeremiah does not proclaim a Free Grace gospel. He teaches that apostates were never saved. True believers will persevere in good works and faith, based on Phil 1:6 (p. 100). He believes that the current lack of interest in Christ and the widespread falling away from the faith by believers are signs of the end of the age (2 Thess 2:1-3). He says that Christ Himself spoke of this in Matt 24:12.
Not surprisingly, then, Jeremiah says that in the Parable of the Four Soils, only the good soil represents believers (pp. 106-107). Professing believers need to examine themselves to see if they are truly saved (2 Cor 13:5). To be sure of his salvation, a person needs to repent of his sins. It might be helpful, with the help of someone else, to kneel and pray aloud (p. 108).
Jeremiah’s presentation of the gospel is extremely confusing. He does not speak of eternal life, but of the ability to see that Christ is the way of joy and peace (p. 127). The unbeliever needs to give his life to Jesus (p. 132). In another example, Jeremiah says that the gospel is the unbeliever’s realization that what he needs is not religion, but a relationship with God. The unbeliever can come to that realization by engaging in certain emotional, but spiritual, activities (p. 197).
The reader will likely have questions about how Jeremiah uses the Olivet Discourse to interpret what is happening around us today. One may also question some of the parallels he sees between the events of today and certain verses in the NT. These considerations––as well as Jeremiah’s poor handling of the gospel––outweigh any benefits a reader may find in this book. For these reasons, I do not recommend it.
Kathryn Wright
GES Missions Coordinator
Columbia, SC
