Books

My Top 5 Books On Heaven

Picks from Paul Enns, author of ‘Heaven Revealed’

Heaven Randy Alcorn (Tyndale House)

This is without question the most thoroughly researched, biblically oriented publication on heaven. Alcorn shows how the new heaven and new earth reflect the culmination of God’s original purpose for mankind—his kingdom restored on a new earth.

One Minute After You Die Erwin W. Lutzer (Moody)

In dealing with both heaven and hell, Lutzer writes with passion and compassion. This book will minister to the brokenhearted believer, giving joy and hope of reunion with believing loved ones. The third and fourth chapters alone—on ascending to and arriving in heaven—are worth the price of the book.

A Brief History of Heaven Alister E. McGrath (Blackwell)

Reminding readers that “imagining heaven” is a “God-given human capacity,” McGrath traces the variant views of heaven over the centuries, providing insight on how people have understood heaven, culminating with the consolation of heaven and the longing for heaven as seen in the writings of C. S. Lewis.

Heaven: Better by Far: Answers to Questions About the Believer’s Final Hope J. Oswald Sanders (Discovery House)

Writing on a popular level, Sanders, who was twice a widower, speaks to the heart. He explains the transition to heaven and addresses other often-asked questions: Will we know one another? Is heaven a place or a state? What will we do there?

The Biblical Doctrine of Heaven Wilbur M. Smith (Moody)

Smith takes the reader through a thorough biblical study, rebuffing modern philosophers and then addressing questions such as the intermediate state, our inheritance and occupations in heaven, and the new heaven and new earth.

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Related Elsewhere:

Paul Enns is author of Heaven Revealed.

Heaven, One Minute After You Die, A Brief History of Heaven, Heaven: Better by Far, and The Biblical Doctrine of Heaven are available from ChristianBook.com and other book retailers.

Previous Top 5 lists have featured technology, forgiveness, dating, poetry, C.S. Lewis, the historical Jesus, family ministry, the problem of evil, biographies of theologians, orphans, prayer, doubt, community, sports, parenting, Advent, life ethics, emerging movement, Islam, loss, Calvin, spiritual memoirs, neglected doctrines, spiritual memoirs, marriage, Lent, fiction books for the soul, managing your money, devotionals, how character shapes belief, food, atheism, China, presidents, world Christianity, ancient-future faith, the civil rights era, social justice, church history, popular culture, the Civil War, apologetics, atheism, and sex.

Christianity Today has more music, movies, books, and other media reviews.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Cover Story

Refocusing on the Family

Jesus: Democratic King

Joy in the Midst of Terror

Back to the Garden

City Parish: An Australian Builds NYC Networks

The Power and the Glamour

The Paul We Think We Know

News

Youth Movement: Finns Seek Renewal

Review

Picturing Paradise: A Review of 'Heaven in the American Imagination'

Dying Decisions: Should Relatives Intervene?

A Second-Coming Christian

Harry Potter Is Here to Stay

News

A Liberating Woman: A Reflection on the Founder of Christians for Biblical Equality

Review

Common Grace and Amazing Grace: A Review of David Brooks's 'The Social Animal'

Books to Note

India's Grassroots Revival

News

Syria's Christians Back Assad

Readers Write

Excerpt

God Behaving Badly

Q & A: Bishop Kallistos Ware on the Fullness and the Center

News

Go Figure

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Ministerial Murkiness: Biggest Religion Case in 20 Years?

A Change of Focus

Family Talk, Family Business

News

Christian President Retains Office, Pastor Kidnapped in Mexico, & Other News

News

Passages

News

Quotation Marks

YouVersion's Volunteer Army

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Should Marital Infidelity Disqualify a Candidate from Office?

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Multi-Site Churches Go Interstate

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Renewal Groups Strategize after the PC(USA) Drops Celibacy Clause for Gay Clergy

Editorial

Harold Camping Is (Sort of) Right

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