Heaven and Hell

by Edward Donnelly

A moving exposition, marked by biblical realism and pastoral warmth, of the solemn reality of hell and the matchless glory of heaven, by the author of Peter: Eyewitness of His Majesty.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Parker James Lipetska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry this review is long but honestly one of the my favorite books I have read in a long time. Recently I have been thinking a lot about heaven and hell and what these doctrines mean for me on this side of life. Edward Donnelly unapologetically takes you through the sobering realities of Hell and why christians need to understand it. Hell is not something most christians want to think of but Donnelly does a great job of being upfront and explaining how God has a purpose and receives glory through Hell. Then he ends the book with 5 chapters on Heaven! The author profoundly quotes that “heaven means being with Jesus (pg.80).” In today's society, most people including non-christian think that there is an afterlife and more so that one day they will be in Heaven. However, many of us when we think of heaven hope to receive all its gifts without running into or thinking about God at all. Thomas Goodwin once said “Heaven would be Hell to me without Christ.” This book proved as a reminder that we cannot separate Heaven from Jesus and cannot get into Heaven without him. Another one of my favorite quotes from this book is from Charles Spurgeon which says “If we do not get to heaven before we die, we shall never get there afterwards (pg.93).” The authors point being that if we do find ourselves satisfied in Jesus, the fount of all blessings, then we will enjoy his blessings in the afterlife. This book has made me pity the unconverted, pushed me to evangelize, pray for the lost, be thankful for Jesus, and lastly it has made me yearn to be home with Jesus forever.

[Caleb Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. Sorry for long reviews lollll !! If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive but engaging and pastoral review of biblical teaching on these two realities, then this book is super helpful. It's split about 50/50 between hell and then heaven. Some parts I learnt for the first time, and some parts were encouraging or challenging reminders. Reading of hell was weighty and emotionally taxing, but also part of me feels saddened that it is such a concealed reality by many Christians, often including myself, in an effort to focus on God's love (which should be a primary concern of ours, of course!) Perhaps the most horrifying part of the description of the hell is the evidence for it that Donnelly shows in the Bible - in other words, the truth of hell as eternal conscious torment. We need to be reminded of this and Donnelly is unsparing, transparent and unapologetic in representing as faithfully as he can the biblical picture. Yet the invitation to know Christ, to repent and turn from sin, and experience the fullness of joy of heaven, where the Lamb will be heaven's lamp, and where we shall be like him, is as bright, clear and beautiful as the images of hell are dark. This book has made me look forward to eternity with Christ so much more!

Two pictures that stood out, one from each section:

[Quoting Jonathan Edwards] "After you shall have worn out the age of the sun, moon and stars ... without rest day and night, or one minute's ease, yet you shall have no hope of ever being delivered; after you have worn a thousand more such ages you shall have no hope ... but that still there are the same groans, the same shrieks, the same doleful cries, incessantly to be made by you, and that the smoke of your torment shall still ascend up for ever and ever."

"There is so little time for it all! Do you feel these frustrations? Do you not hunger ravenously for more and more of life? Does your heart ache at the too swift passage of the years? Is there not a nagging sense of unfulfillment, no matter how happy you may be? ... Praise God for heaven! For every good longing within us is an intimation of immortality, an echo of eternity in our souls, a pointer to everlasting life. We were not created for seventy short years, 'not born for death' ... Our Creator did not design beings of such complexity and capacity for a mere handful of decades. 'He has put eternity in their hearts' (Eccles. 3:11) and we have not been redeemed to be frustrated. ... God has an eternity planned for us to blossom in."

Get keen!

[Matthew Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good!

[Craig Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am borrowing this book from a family friend I’ve known since my childhood, through Church. “I think this is the best book, it’s really good.” He tells me with a passionate glimmer in his eye, he becomes more animated, gesticulating—no mean feat for a man wielding two crutches. He carries a real fire for the gospel and Evangelism (Evangel meaning ‘Good News’), as do Nathan and Owen from my old Church, with deep love for talking about the Gospel and faith.

It’s not until I get home and stand with ‘Heaven and Hell’ by Edward Donnelly in my hands that I realise that I have read it before. The cover features an inversion of the same rose photo on the front and back. The front, pastoral and heavenly hues — the back, deep blue-blacks representing hell. I am fairly sure that when I was a teenager at Mirfield Evangelical Church I was lent this book, possibly even by the same man. I decide I’ll reread it as it’s been over a decade since I last read it.

Ted (which incidentally means God’s Gift is the name by which his publisher refers to him) has decided to dedicate a whole book to Hell which he rightly starts off by saying society treats as a joke, or a manipulative invention conjured up to control gullible people. And under this pressure from all sides theology is being doctored to water down hell. Ted arms us with all of the answers we need quoting the Bible almost every other sentence drawing from its evergreen truths to shield us from the corrupting forces in the world and guarding against doctored doctrines.

We messed up individually in the Garden of Eden and as a species ever since we have failed catastrophically over and over. Our rebellious nature inherited from the fall despises God, mocks him and his followers, calling them deluded and stupid.

Pride and selfishness (ego-self) were the original sin by which Satan fell ‘I will be like the most high’ (Isa. 14:14) luring the rest of mankind to fall ‘you will be like God’ (Gen 3:5). Any one who places self or any human principle on a pedestal is worshipping a false idol and not the one true God and His Son who died for our sins so that we may be saved from the darkness and eternal torment of hell.

One point Ted makes the point that the message of the Church should be on the destination. Christ is the way but Heaven or Hell is our destination. Sanctification offers us much but it is not the destination. And if the focus is not on the destination then we will get sidetracked. The devil can too easily offer us the same. Can ungodly people not find peace in marriage; or raise successful children who care for others; or ease pain? And are there not psychiatrists; prescriptions; and philosophies that can be transformative and life-changing? But are any of these things the destination. We are not telling people about the destination and are then surprised when they’re turning away disinterested. Do not get drawn into trying to fix people’s problems. Point them to their destination. Jesus Christ can give you glory forever. As Christians our destination his with Him in eternal joy, in our everlasting bodies when Heaven is brought to a new Earth and we are reconciled to the Father and reunited with our Christian brothers and sisters across all time in perfect relationship with one another and with God. The alternative destination is Hell where our conscience will eat at us day and night for eternity like worms eating their way out from within. You wouldn’t sell coffee—you’d sell the boost; you wouldn’t sell clothes—you’d sell confidence; you wouldn’t sell shoes—you’d sell performance; you wouldn’t sell watches—you’d sell status; you wouldn’t sell computers—you’d sell productivity. Talk about (or sell) the destination. Talk about Heaven.

‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things.’ - Luke 16:25
It will be too late. As the parable of the foolish virgins warns, we do not know when the Master shall return. And once he has returned he will say ‘I do not know you.’ To those foolish enough to have been unprepared for his coming. All those luxuries and indulgences born of self-centerdness will be our hubris. Maybe we think we are prepared and are awaiting His coming but what of our spiritual health. Are we valuing material things above our immortal souls.

Ted also touches upon disposition. As Christians we should be fun to be around and be able to be light-hearted. But underlying it should be a seriousness. Jesus was no doubt great to be around but as Isaiah tells us he is ‘a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ I think this is why the bible speaks of heartache and grief as blessings. Because they transform us into the image of Christ. Out of darkness and despair comes great humility, love, patience and kindness. As Christians we should not be afraid to show our emotion and past troubles and use them for our own spiritual growth. And above all else we should be real. Not faking our emotions or pretending to be happy with a fake ventriloquist’s grin. We should rejoice in Christ whenever we can but never be ashamed of sorrow, anguish and grief because even our saviour is was acquainted with them in his Human body.

As Christians we should be set apart from the world. Modern capitalist society functions on creating artificial discontent. Advertising is designed to make us dissatisfied and constantly desiring more, bigger and better. Our attention has become the product, with advertising being thrown at us all the time on ‘free platforms’. Whenever anything in the capitalist world is ‘free’ alarm bells should be sounding. I won’t even get into the dark side of social media where young women market themselves as ‘demons’ and make money from the attention of dissatisfied, lonely and isolated young men. The devices we hold in our hands put us in direct contact with the capitalist system and through social media, a different person at each swipe of the finger many of them enemies of the one true God and his people. We do not need this ‘stuff’, especially when it takes us away from God. Paul wrote these words from prison ‘I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.’ — Philippians 4:11

The good news is that at the very moment a person comes to believe in Him it can be said that they have entered Heaven. Then step by step they grow in grace through the Spirit and Christ Jesus. ‘ I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.’— John 14:6. ‘None of us could continue for one second in Christian life unless, moment by moment, the Lord Jesus Christ were interceding for us with the Father in Heaven, upholding us by His Spirit. If he were to remove His hand, we would fall at once.’ (pp 83).

I fully recommend this book to all Christians or those curious about all of our individual and collective destinations. 5* give it a read.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: A discussion of the traditional doctrines of hell and heaven that we might flee hell and embrace the hope of heaven.

For many of us who believe in some form of existence after death, we hope it will be in some form of “heaven.” And in many cases, we don’t want to think of the “other place,” unless it is for the truly evil like Hitler or Pol Pot. Many struggle to reconcile the idea of a loving and saving God with a place of everlasting punishment. In this book, Edward Donnelly helps us to “think about the unthinkable” as well as bring clarity to what we know of heaven, how we might be sure of going there, and how truly glorious such a future hope is.

The first half of the book is about hell. He begins by addressing why think of the unthinkable. In addition to the massive weight of biblical testimony, he argues that we need to weigh the sober content of the doctrine, that it concerns us directly, and there is a clear way of escape available for all. He also argues for this study because of the massive unbelief in hell, even among supposed “evangelical” Christians. Underlying all of this is our self-centeredness that denies the reality of sin and the holiness of God.

Then, Donnelly turns to examine the biblical evidence, showing that it is a real place created by God and a place of just and everlasting punishment. It is for the devil, his angels, and for those who do not believe. He shows that it is not Satan but God who rules over hell. But isn’t everlasting punishment too severe? The ultimate argument is that without hell, the cross makes no sense. If sin were a trivial matter, the sacrifice of the cross makes no sense. Likewise, he addresses the contention that a loving God wouldn’t create hell. He observes that God is holy as well as loving. and also that love doesn’t overlook evil. And finally, a merciful remedy exists by which no one need go to hell. Rather, than torment us, scripture warns us of hell that we might embrace the remedy!

Furthermore, the destruction is everlasting, the same word use to speak of everlasting life. He describes bluntly what it is like to be utterly separated from God, from all the goodness even those who do not believe now experience. and he discusses what those in hell suffer. While scripture uses imagery (flames, darkness), the reality is still a real experience of pain, even if not never ending fire. But what are the implications for those who believe? First it encourages us to put sin to death. Then, it means we live with contentment in all circumstances. Third, it calls us to a serious, though not gloomy approach, realizing we live among those headed toward a Christless eternity. Fourthly, it fosters a deeper appreciation of Christ. Fifthly, it lends urgency to our witness.

A couple comments. One is that it seems this book assumes those who have never heard are headed to hell, as far as I can tell. I would argue that scripture is silent on this other than to urge us to reach the unreached. I would leave their final fate to God’s just judgement. The other is I would have liked to see more of a case against annihilation, which is only mentioned to dismiss it as an example of evangelicals who argue against everlasting conscious punishment. While I would agree on the basis of biblical texts, not least of which are the statements of Jesus, that there are good reasons to affirm traditional view, those like John Stott have advanced biblical arguments for annihilation, that I would like to have seen addressed thoughtfully.

That said, this part of the book offers one of the clearest modern statements on the biblical teaching on hell and judgment. Furthermore, it makes the case for why we do well to flee to Christ and for the urgency of our witness.

Then Donnelly turns to heaven. He begins by observing that while many believe in heaven, we find those beliefs are often superficial. He explores both the reasons for our neglect and why the glorious hope of heaven matters. Again, he presents the biblical teaching about heaven. Donnelly emphasizes that heaven exists first of all for God’s glory, that both heaven and earth were created for God’s glory. But human rebellion diminished that glory. God has worked to restore that glory through calling a people, redeemed through Christ. Then he proceeds to show how Christ is the heart of heaven’s blessings. He is the Lamb who was slain and has conquered death.

Donnelly goes on to speak of how we will be like Christ. He makes us perfect, sinless, raises us bodily, in glory and power. Above all, he delights in us. Finally, he speaks of our fullness of joy. We, who are new creations, dwell in a renewed creation, even more beautiful than earth’s greatest beauties. We enjoy family relations with all God’s people–a large, varied, united, attractive, and satisfying family. And we will enjoy both rest and service in worshiping God with all our being and gifts.

I suspect some will object to Donnelly’s unapologetic statement of the doctrine of hell. Yet there are many unpleasant things in life we are better off knowing about. By knowing we can avoid them. Also, setting hell and heaven side by side points up the incredible gift Christ has made possible at great cost. It makes clear both the fearsome reality of hell, and that none of us need go there. God has made available a remedy offering a far better future. If true, we’d have to be crazy to neglect it.

_____________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Steve Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent synopsis of the doctrine of Heaven and Hell. Very challenging and call to the believer to keep pressing on for this present place is not our home. A grander future awaits all who trust in Christ.

[Stephen Mccollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the first section on hell makes you so thankful for the final section on heaven. This book is direct and challenging. A sense of eternity is essential to our sanctification.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was given this book by my (now) wife. Very sobering and encouraging. Informed my prayers greatly. Recommend to all, including those who aren’t Christians

[Jordan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the stale title mislead you. I discovered this unknown gem on Tim Challies' list of recommended books. The first half of the book covers the reality of hell explaining the reason for it, the horrors of it, and the difficulty of such a doctrine. The second half of the book describes the reality of heaven and all its wonder. A great short read describing all that we can understand from the Bible. The book is practical in showing us that we need to be always aware of the reality of hell and heaven. The chapters list ways in how it should shape our thinking, how to relate to others, and how merciful of a God we have. Encouraged me to more consistently live with eternity in mind.

Quotes:
Why an eternal hell seems cruel-"Man-centeredness is at the root of objections to hell, including the evangelical objections."
"People do not want to hear about hell because it tells them that sin is more serious and more terrible than they have ever wanted to imagine."

Personally convicting-"If we do not evangelize, we are in effect saying that we do not really believe in hell."
"They hope to go to heaven, claim to be looking forward to it eagerly. Yet the essence of the heaven they profess to long for is that communion with Christ in which they show so little interest."

[Chien-Wei Kung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, yet rich and biblically faithful presentation of heaven and hell. The sections on hell are sobering and terrifying to read through, but rightfully so. The implications are too great to get wrong the reality of hell and what it is and what it is like. Donnelly addresses non-biblical views of hell that would detract from its horror.
In the latter half of the book, he paints for us the greatness of heaven. He addresses what will happen to our bodies and what there will be in heaven. I appreciate that he points out that we are physical-spiritual beings, not merely a soul encapsulated in a physical shell, for in heaven we will have bodies. He also affirms that the joys on earth we experience now are only a foretaste on what we will experience on the redeemeded earth, where earth and heaven will be blended (since heaven in essence is where God's glory fully dwells.)
Overall this book is a great primer, and worth rereading every so often to remind us of eternity.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study on the doctrines of heaven and hell from author Edward Donnelly. Knowing the biblical teaching on hell is vital simply because of the sheer weight of biblical testimony, but also because of the reality of the doctrine, and the pervasive unbelief in a literal hell today. Hell reminds us of our littleness, the awfulness of sin, and brings us face to face with the overwhelming presence of God (14). Hell blows back the fog of our own man-centeredness (9).

The first two chapters alone are worth the price of the book. Donnelly avoids hypothetical conjecture and remains firmly tied to the biblical texts. He gives an expansive view of heaven and hell in the relatively short space of about 125 pages.

[John Benzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of years ago upon the recommendation of a good friend, I listened to the sermons (available at Sermonaudio.com) upon which this book is based. I can’t think of a book that has such a great message teamed with a such a terrible message. As great as heaven will be for those who call upon Christ to save them, so terrible hell will be for those who do not. Christians, read it and let your gratitude to God grow even stronger; those who don’t know Jesus Christ as Savior, read it and be converted!

[Qi Wen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read about Heaven and Hell. So many passages in the bible talks about the doctrines of heaven and hell but although I've read over those verses countless times, I never truly understood or thought about what they truly were saying about Heaven and Hell. God has put eternity in our hearts and we were not created for the purpose of perishing. May heaven be truly home!

[Alex Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Not a bad book, but spends a lot of time complaining, then giving opinions and assertions as dogmatic without showing sufficient working.

The best bits are just quotes from the puritans, so I'd much rather go read them directly.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Micah Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and Scripturally supported book.

[Reginald Detabali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the second time and I am still true to what I said, that this is one of the best books I've ever read. Much as I respect the author, I also respect the hermeneutical presentation. The author is also pretty pastoral in applying these truths to his readers.

Pastor Donnelly challenges the readers to reject the humanistic spirit and self-centered apathy when confronted with the reality of hell, and at the same time, encourages to view heaven in light of God's main purpose of its creation - His glory. When we start to see our own wickedness, there is hell confronting us with the holy God who is immense in His anger for sin. The dreadness - the absolute poverty, the agonizing pain, the angry presence, and the appaling prospect - should cause every sinner to tremble before the holy God and plead for mercy. It will be awful to have found no life and be apart from God. All the kindness and grace of God will come to an end in hell. It will be terrible and painful as worms won't die and the flame won't stop.

Yet, a faithful study on these truths disallows the focus of one more than the other. Heaven, on the other hand, made by God to bring forth His riches in abundance from Himself to those who trusted in Christ. His people will be able to appreciate the greatest incentive when our faith is rooted in Christ. God's people will be with Christ in his absolute beauty and splendidness.

When everything else in this lost world fails, there is the perfect place where there will be no more frustration, unhappiness, sadness, pain, and persecution. But joy, love, and peace forever and ever with Christ is the greatest hope a man can ever have.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loud wake-up call! As sobering as it is heart-warming in its broad consideration of the life to come, this book should cause us all to bolt upright and check our life's direction and ambitions. I know I did. Especially challenging is the author's observation that, the less the Church warns unbelievers of the hell that awaits them, the less unbelievers can be expected to actually believe in hell. But a good balance is struck overall between both destinies, heaven and hell, and everything is thoroughly biblical (as you should expect with such important subject matter). I also appreciated the book's minimal use of personal anecdotes as this keeps things focussed and concise - while it is also written in good English, making for pleasing reading. Read this and expect to be challenged!

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource to those searching for knowledge about the biblical doctrines of heaven and hell. Pastor Donnelly speaks about such things with ease and gentleness, yet also holds nothing back in terms of the harsh realities of these truths. I found myself being moved to prayer at almost every page, as he is constantly reminding the reader to search within themselves and assess where their hearts stands on these matters. I would recommend this book to anybody searching for knowledge of the afterlife - a believer or not.