Heaven: Better by Far- Answers to Questions About the Believer's Final Hope

by J. Oswald Sanders

Sanders combs the Scripture to learn about the Christian's final 'So incredibly glorious is heaven that we are compelled to express it in...symbols of granduer and majesty.'

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

J. OSWALD SANDERS (1902-1992) was a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and authored more than forty books on the Christian life including The Incomparable Christ, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Leadership, and Spiritual Maturity. He left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand. Dr. Sanders later became general director of the China Inland Mission (now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship), and was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia.

Reviews

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book that Sanders wrote before he died at age 90 in 1992.

This is a readable, easy to understand book on Heaven, written in Question/Answer style. He said that he wanted to study Heaven because he felt he was going there soon and wanted to know more about it.

Seven chapters include the following titles:
1. Death --- Enemy or Benefactor?
- depends on ones belief system
2. A Place or a State
- here he says he believes it is real place
3. Changes and Progress in Heaven
-Opinions differ but believers will see change and progress in Heaven
4. Rewards and Resurrection Bodies
- both will occur
5. Heavenly Occupations
- worship, service, reigning with Him
6. Second Advent and Judgment
- Christ receives believers who will be rewarded; unbelievers and Satan will be judged
7. New Heavens and New Jerusalem
- is symbolic but God's presence among believers is real

I pretty much tracked with this book until the end part about his understanding of the New Heavens and the New Jerusalem.

I think it is a worthwhile book.

[Tim Lenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanders argues it is not only okay to ponder that coming kingdom but also a worthy and productive thing to do. Through Biblical reflection, composite sources, and his own thoughts, Sanders does a good job answering some interesting questions about eternity future.

This quick Q&A style book does a great job making one ponder what the promise of heaven looks like but is sometimes too confident with its own interpretations. Still, the main point of Sander’s arguments ring true if heaven is anything it must be a place that is “better by far”

[Denise Meine-Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about Heaven and it wasn't nearly as meaty & intimidating as Randy Alcorn's Heaven book. It's hard to concentrate when you're newly bereaved!

[Steven Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book

Anyone hoping to be in Heaven later should read this book. How inspiring. The reading level is advanced as he uses a very diverse vocabulary. But it is understandable and probably one of the best books on Heaven I've read. Highly recommend!

[Iain Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging yes, but mainly encouraging.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book presenting answers about the Believer's hope. Questions include Life after death?, what is death?, will I know my spouse in Heaven? Who gets the rewards in Heaven? What are the jobs in Heaven? Will I see God? What about those who've never heard the Godpel? And many more questions answered using Scripture. This is a very comprehensive book about Heaven using Scripture to answer the questions posed.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little "comfort" book. Answers some questions about heaven (always in conservative theology, but not always in keeping with what's in the Bible).

[Sandra Eggleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great learning tool. Long read for me. But, read as much as I could. Reviewed the rest.