Publisher's Synopsis
At this particular point in history confusion about heaven is for real, as is confusion about death. The profound reality of death and heaven and hell has been replaced with wishful thinking and make-believe. Sadly, even Christian believers wander into wishful thinking. Few have a clear set of beliefs about death and the future life. But, nothing cries more for clear thinking than the reality of death and all that happens after this life. This book seeks to challenge wishful thinking while giving a clear witness to what Christians have historically believed as part of the core doctrines of their faith. In this book you will find a meaningful selection of Christian writings about death and our eternal hope from authors who have lived across many centuries. First, you will find key Scripture passages on death and eternal life, followed by key sections from important creeds of the church. In addition, you will find writings from John Newton, Samuel Rutherford, Thomas Brooks and Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter and Richard Sibbes, John Bunyan, Andrew Bonar, Charles Spurgeon, and several others. The goal of this compilation is to shed light on what we can and must expect when we leave this earth at death. But this book is meant for more than just knowledge and clear thinking. It is meant to bring courage and comfort to you who are, for one reason or another, facing death. When death is forced upon us by the passing of a family member or a friend, or by our own serious illness, it is essential to find a place of comfort. Christians have received a great inheritance. We are blessed eternally, so we are wise to allow the truths of our inheritance to fill us with joy and hope. This book will also be useful to pastors. Pastors and ministers are called upon more than most to come alongside those who are facing death or who are in grief over the death of others. Now, more than ever, Christian pastors need a clear grasp on historic Christian belief about death and the afterlife. At such primal moments the grieving need more than superficial clichés and vague encouragements. A life of promise is prepared for those who rest entirely in the salvation that was purchased for us by Jesus Christ our Lord. May this work encourage many to find their full and final rest in Jesus Christ.
