The Trigger by Hon Hoh

An Interview with Hon Hoh, Author of The Trigger

Q: When did you begin to take interest in and study the Book of Revelation?

Initially at Bible college, then later I did a thorough exegesis on the Apocalypse in my preparation to preach a series on the book as a pastor. In my second church, I re-exegeted the entire text and preached a new expository series to the congregation. Over the last twenty years, I’ve preached a 22-sermon series on the Book of Revelation three times to three different churches.

Q: How is The Trigger different from the typical End-Times novel?


There are many ways in which it is significantly different, and I haven’t as yet come across an End-Times novel that shares The Trigger’s theological viewpoint. I’ll highlight two distinctions for now. First, The Trigger is based on Matthew 24:14, tying the End Times to the progress of the Great Commission. Until the Gospel has reached the last remaining unevangelized people group, Christ will not return.


Second, the typical End-Times novel has a pre-tribulation rapture theme similar to the Left Behind series. The Trigger espouses a different theological view that has been well accepted throughout church history—a post-tribulation view of rapture. In other words, the rapture only occurs at the Second Coming when Christ returns. Christians do not escape the Great Tribulation via a “secret” rapture.


Q: You already wrote a non-fiction, theological book about the Revelation, Risen Lamb, Empowered Saints: The Book of Revelation Made Easy. What made you decide to write a novel based on the theology from your previously written book?


A novel has the potential to help people understand the Book of Revelation in ways that a non-fiction can’t. Some will read a novel on the End Times but they won’t touch a non-fiction on the same subject. As we progress further into the 21st century, it is vital that Christians understand the last book of the New Testament so that we can adequately prepare for the future that is already present in some ways, and ready ourselves for the return of the Lamb should that occur in our lifetime.


Q:  How do you hope that your book will impact the lives of its readers?


First, to help readers understand the Book of Revelation, after all it is the Word of God. Second, to inform them regarding an important End-Times theological view other than the one with which they’re comfortable. Third, to provide motivation to engage the Great Commission as expressed in Matthew 28:18-20. Fourth, to prepare for the very near unfolding future, so that we are not caught off-guard.


Q: Can you tell us a little about Living Impact Ministries?


A decade ago, Living Impact began as a church planting mission reaching some of the least evangelized nations of the world. Its vision has now expanded to include the aim of helping Christians understand the Book of Revelation and to appreciate the scriptural perspective that global missions and the End Times are intricately connected.