[(Fear Not!)] [By (author) Ligon Duncan] published on

by J. Ligon Duncan III

Most people, even Christians, live in a state of semidenial about death. We hesitate to say a dearly loved relative or friend died. We prefer to say she passed away or she went to be with the Lord. Even unbelievers who assume that everyone ends up in Heaven are known to say something such as hes gone to a better place. We, however, do not have to live in ignorance about life after death for either believers or unbelievers. Gods Word, the Bible, tells us everything we need to know. It doesnt tell us everything we might want to know, but it tells us everything God wants us to knowwhich means everything we need to know for our instruction and comfort. And then God has provided ministers to mine His Word for its truths and teach them to the rest of us. Such a man is J. Ligon Duncan, who is both a scholar and a pastor. With a scholars mind and a pastors heart, Dr. Duncan has given to us the excellent book, Fear Not, which covers extensively all aspects of death, including what happens to believers immediately after death, the resurrection, the final judgment and then the eternal state. Along the way, he sheds helpful light on several troublesome passages, especially concerning the final Day of Judgment. This is a book to inform and encourage every Christian. All of us will be edified by its pages. It is my pleasure to commend it to every Christian reader. Jerry Bridges

Genres: Theology, Christian, Death, Counselling, Christian Living

Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Ligon Duncan is the Senior Minister of the historic First Presbyterian Church (1837), Jackson, Mississippi, President of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Chairman of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Convener of the Twin Lakes Fellowship, and Adjunct Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary. He served as the 32nd Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in America (2004-2005), the youngest minister ever to fill that post.

Reviews

[Brandon.capuano Capuano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging. Informative. Biblical. Pastoral. Comforting.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful, short read on Christian understandings of death, heaven, and the afterlife. There's nothing stupendous about this little book, but it's quite helpful for getting a basic handle on those questions regarding death. I found it quite encouraging and pastoral in its explanations and expositions. The organization is a bit jumpy; I couldn't get a grip on why its organized the way it is, and often had a hard time tracking why certain themes were placed where they were. There's certainly deeper things on these subjects, but this is a good and quick perusal on these doctrines. I'd feel confident giving this to a parishioner or a visitor to the church wondering about these topics. It won't take you long to read, it's faithful to the Scripture, and it's helpful in navigating through these challenging doctrines.

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small book lays out a biblical perspective on death, the final judgment that awaits all, the interim state, heaven, and hell. Its brevity has plusses and minuses. On the positive side, the book is easily attainable for an exceptionally broad audience. It can be read in an afternoon or studied in a small group over the course of a month. It is packed full with Scripture. On the negative side, it is far from exhaustive. The careful reader or deep thinker will have to look elsewhere for a more robust treatment of a biblical worldview on death, heaven, hell, and the final judgment.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great book for Christians who need a deeper Biblical reassurance of why you shouldn't be afraid of death and the afterlife. However, I found it redundant as several of the same things are stated numerous times (even though the sub topic is different). I was also given this book for dealing with grief and loss, which it doesn't. I will be looking for more books which deal with that.

[Peter Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best short books on the subject of death from an incredibly gifted expositor! Very clear, organized and demonstrates a clear grasp on what the Bible teaches about this subject. Also, a sensitive, pastoral look at this subject. I highly encourage you to read this book! If you are a human being, this book is for you, since we will all face the reality of death in our lives.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, simple read full of scripture-based truths about death and Heaven. It was overwhelming and comforting all at once. 3.5 stars for redundancy.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad or false, it's just written, edited, and arranged in a manner that doesn't commend it being shared or re-read.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book.... because everyone is going to die. It's only 94 pages and it reads very quickly. Ligon Duncan does a great job of comforting the believer & warning the unbeliever of the truth of the afterlife.
Dr. Duncan reminds us that even though the Christian should not fear death, that does not mean that death is easy or without its trials & grief.
He closes by directing the thoughts & focus of the reader to heaven & the realities of eternity with our Savior... all in all, a very uplifting read.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adapted from a series of messages, this book is a brief look at death and the afterlife from a Christian perspective. Although it is primarily a surface-level introduction to the issues of heaven, hell, and how to be prepared for death, it provides solid information delivered in a helpful way. There isn’t much content here for those seeking an in-depth study of these issues, but Duncan has put together a serviceable overview of an oft-neglected topic.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent little book about death and the afterlife from a reformed perspective. Certainly not an exhaustive work on the subject; more of a popular work. Helpful for preaching - i used it for a sermon "What Happens When I Die?"

[Matt Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but solid book. Duncan is a seasoned pastor, not to mention an eminent biblical scholar, with years of experience in helping people face our greatest fear. His writing here is both clear and sensitive.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender, hopeful discussion on death and the afterlife with one of my favorites. His focus on Jesus in it all is so refreshing and hope giving.

"Heaven is eternity in the presence of God with the One who totally eradicated sin from your life, the Lord Jesus Christ."

[Joe Merydith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book covering the Biblical perspective of death and the afterlife. Helpful for the Christian to read for his own benefit and useful for teaching and ministering to others.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and balanced book on death, resurrection, Christ's return, and the final judgement. Worth it for the smattering of great quotes from the Puritans.

[Steve Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed book. Has many lovely illustrations

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short read

Excellent short read on death, judgement, and Heaven. Great pastoral exposition on these topics. A lot is packed into this short book. Take and read.

[Daniel Stegeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book on an important subject