This book has lots of good intentions but bothers me on some levels. Sure, the fact that Enns writes on heaven is fine. However, he starts off the book with how he misses his deceased wife. The rest of the book seems to convey the notion that heaven will be a fantastic place where one can be reunited with loved ones and lead the best life possible. While Jesus is mentioned--we can't get to heaven without Him, anyway--there is not an emphasis on it. For instance, what I look forward to most about heaven will not just be reunions or fantasticness but the notion that I will finally be able to love God as I should (will all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind) and that I won't be able to ever sin or fall from Him again (if this were possible, there'd need to be a New New Heaven and a New New Earth. Also, for lots of verses, Enns just assumes they mean what he wants them to mean and does not cross-reference. Take Genesis 25:8. Enns says this means Abraham was taken to heaven. Other translations add "in death" after "Abraham joined his ancestors." Also, in 1 Corinthians 15:52 (in addition to various other parts of the Bible like Revelation 20:11-15), it is said that the dead will be raised to be judged and be with the Lord at the Second Coming. Before then, the Bible refers to a deep sleep (John 11:13 amongst other places). Sure, God made exceptions (like Elijah and Enoch), but for the rest of us, one can't say without a shadow of a doubt that we'll instantly be in heaven. I do believe God controls time and that our rest will feel very short (like a person doesn't feel the number of hours they sleep). All in all, Enns' intentions don't seem all that bad. However, if you want to know what heaven will really be like, please just crack open your own Bible and see for yourself. God wants to see you face to face there (2 John 1:12).
*The publisher gave me an extra copy to give away. If you want it, leave a comment with your email and say what you look forward to most with regards to heaven.
1 comment:
I look forward to eternal peace and happiness. I look forward to feeling God's Love in an even more tangible manner than this flesh allows. ramonak921@gmail.com
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