Heaven

As the years pass and we watch more and more of our family, friends and mentors pass away, it is only natural to ask questions about heaven. However, our understanding of heaven is often limited to a few half-forgotten Sunday school lessons and the insubstantial images provided by popular movies and T.V. Fortunately, in Heaven Randy Alcorn provides us with a thoroughly researched and biblically definitive description of heaven. As Alcorn addresses our most serious questions about heaven, including the nature of judgment, and answers a few of our less serious questions as well, including the accessibility of cafe mochas the sweet by and by, we will develop a deeper understanding of our eternal destination and will find the courage to strive for heaven while we're living on earth.

What will heaven be like? Randy Alcorn presents a thoroughly biblical answer, based on years of careful study, presented in an engaging, reader-friendly style. His conclusions will surprise readers and stretch their thinking about this important subject. Heaven will inspire readers to long for heaven while they’re living on earth.

The last decade saw a growing number of "life after life"-themed books entering the marketplace, each trying to provide a glimpse into the next world. This one is destined to hold a unique place among those titles. Drawing on sound biblical and historical fact, noted Christian writer and speaker Alcorn tries to correct some of the popular myths generated by the mass media. Part 1 is certainly the more substantive section, for here the author skillfully establishes complex theological foundations in accessible language with wonderfully illustrative stories. Part 2 may be more interesting as it addresses such popular questions as what the resurrected Earth will be like, what our bodies will look like, what will happen to our pets, and what will occupy our time in heaven. However, the book is most effective when read consecutively, for the theological background in Part 1 is essential to understanding Alcorn's conclusions in Part 2. Although Alcorn is writing for popular consumption, the detailed notes and select bibliography will satisfy more scholarly interests. Recommended for larger public libraries.-John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., Platteville Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

According to Alcorn (The Treasure Principle; Deadline; Safely Home), the subject of heaven rates as one of the least accurately discussed subjects in the whole of Christendom. Even seminarians fail to give appropriate time and attention to heaven as described throughout the Bible because other themes take pre-eminence both chronologically and preferentially. Alcorn is likewise astounded that the majority of Christians who do take time to consider heaven often possess faulty, nonbiblical assumptions, one of the most common being the misconception of heaven as a place of unending church services. The author, who is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), has spent years studying what the Bible says about heaven, and in this compelling and comprehensive resource, he offers every conceivable question about heaven, or the "New Earth," as a Christian believer's ultimate destination. Alcorn answers the expected queries on heavenly life as well as quirkier ones: will Christians drink coffee in heaven? Will there be homeownership, and what about sex? Will our pets be in heaven? Evangelical scholars and laypersons alike will appreciate Alcorn's expansive-though perhaps long-winded-musings on this neglected subject, a real boon in a time when many people are eager to understand what happens after death. (Oct.) Forecast: Tyndale is committing $80,000 to promote this title, which will certainly be a CBA bestseller and perhaps a crossover hit. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

"When Randy Alcorn speaks, I listen; when he writes, I read. This is not only because Alcorn is a uniquely gifted communicator but because his walk matches his talk. To put it plainly, he is the real deal!" —Hank Hanegraaff, President of the Christian Research Institute International and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Charlene Fransen (Pittsford, NY), January 29, 2010

I love this book. It has completely changed my view of Heaven, the New Heaven and the New Earth. What a wonderful place earth would have continued to be if sin had not entered the world! I look forward to the New Earth and will be thrilled to walk it with Jesus and my believing family.

Reviewed by Cynthia Austin (Houghton, NY), January 11, 2010

What an excellent book! This isn't a "quick read" but is great for a devotional! I read a chapter a day...it's full of Scripture! Has a great topical index as well as a Bible reference index. This book is a great resource! The version for children is also very well written and I highly recommend it for everyone!

Reviewed by Rita Ray (Columbus, OH), January 05, 2010

A must read; a great word picture for learning how important it is to share the Good News of Christ Jesus and really just gets you excited for going Home. Highly Recommend!

Reviewed by Kathryn Mercer (Wilmington, NC), January 01, 2010

This is a facinating book. I thought it important enough to buy for my adult children for Christmas.

Reviewed by Charlene Fransen (Pittsford, NY), December 28, 2009

Randy has made me think about the New Heaven and New Earth like never before. I really understand it now and lay in bed in the middle of the night imagining what it will be like on an earth like we live on now, but perfect. A place where righteousness dwells and sin no longer prevails. A place where we will walk with God as Adam and Eve did and where we will again hug our loved ones. Sometimes I forget this is not the only life I'll live. Randy's book makes Heaven the place I look forward to going to.

Reviewed by Donna Harper (Winnipeg, Mb,), December 23, 2009

This book has been an inspiration and encouragement for the days ahead, in that I have total many others about it, and have ordered two more, for friends.. Thank-you Randy, I am not afraid of what Heaven will be like and where I am going! A must to read!

Reviewed by Kathleen Bennett (Lakewood, WA), December 15, 2009

I love to read Rick Alcorn's answers to many basic questions about where we go when we pass on. Our son recently passed away and I find it comforting to read and learn.

Reviewed by James E Busch (Loretto , MN), December 14, 2009

This is a wonderful book. It clears up many misconceptions one typically has about what heaven is like and what we will experience when we get there. Most of all, it has given me encouragement and a "bright hope for tomorrow." I look forward very much to experiencing heaven, and God face to face.

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