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The Real Heaven: What the Bible Actually Says
Heaven has received a lot of attention in recent years as bestselling books and movies have told the stories of people who claim to have been there. But what does the Bible actually say about heaven? What difference does it make? What happens the moment after we die? What will our relationships be like in heaven?
Chip Ingram sets aside the hype and myths and digs into the Scriptures to discover what God actually wants us to know about the hereafter. Most importantly, Ingram shows why our understanding of heaven matters now , in this life. Because what we believe about heaven actually affects us today in ways we may not have imagined.
Chip Ingram sets aside the hype and myths and digs into the Scriptures to discover what God actually wants us to know about the hereafter. Most importantly, Ingram shows why our understanding of heaven matters now , in this life. Because what we believe about heaven actually affects us today in ways we may not have imagined.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2016
103 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Chip Ingram
288 books226 followersChip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 31, 2016
A special thank you to Baker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chip Ingram and Lance Witt's THE REAL HEAVEN: WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS, an insightful book based on the foundational premise that the one person who has authority to speak of Heaven is the One who created it.
Chip Ingram's passion as a pastor, author, coach and teacher for more than twenty-five years, has helped believers around the world --move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God's truth in their lives and relationships in transforming ways.
Many of us have a mix of views about Heaven--influenced by movies and other books about the afterlife. Some have even claimed to experienced death and brought back to life.
With much confusion, Ingram cuts through the clutter and focuses on a simple, clear, practical and Biblical view of God’s greatest hope and promise for His children: Heaven. Secure your spot for eternity.
The sixty-six books of the Bible make up one book. It is one story. God’s story.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." --Col 3:2-4
We all are going to die and even though we know Heaven is a place where believers will spend eternity, most of us do not give it much thought.
As Ingram references, some have more interest in where they are going for lunch, than where we they will spend their eternity. We are all terminal. Death rate 100%.
Challenging readers to go on a journey with him to discover what Heaven is really like—a clear picture of our tomorrow and how it will transform the life you live today. He focuses on what God has to say about heaven. With three main reasons to study Heaven:
• Our misconceptions are crippling us
• We are commanded to think about Heaven
• A faulty view of Heaven destines us to a wasted life on Earth.
Our contemporary culture is all about now. Instant gratification. No one likes to wait. Understanding Biblical truths about Heaven will change your perspective, desires, and priorities. It will change your life.
This world is temporary. It will wear out, give out, break down, and ultimately be thrown in the trash. Treasures we store up in Heaven are eternal and will never rot, rust, or ruin. It will not be marred by sin, disease, pollution, and disaster. The planet we live on is a gift from God, but it is stained and scarred by sin. God is preparing us for a New Heaven and a New Earth that far exceeds our wildest imagination.
Going back to the beginning of time. The Garden of Eden. An accurate picture of the ultimate New Heaven and New Earth. Eternity is real. God will not save us against our will. He has offered forgiveness and salvation. Our decision.
To fully grasp our future Heaven, it is critical we see the parallels between God’s original place for mankind and His future home for us. Heaven, is very much like the paradise he created in the beginning for Adam and Eve.
Once you die, your eternal destiny is set. Your future is secure. What you do in this life will have direct impact on the quality of life in Heaven. Heaven is a literal place and the purpose of Heaven has been clear from the beginning. He wants to be with us forever. A relationship. He loves us and sent Christ to pay for our sins and redeem us.
The question: Are you certain you are going to Heaven? The Bible is clear, so you will know for certain.
A critical focus of the book: It is not about trying hard, being religious, or hoping that it all works out. It isn’t about giving to your favorite charity or attending church, or doing good deeds.
It is a gift of grace from a God who love you, and sent His Son to die in your place to pay for all your sins once and for all. We need to share our faith. He uses everyday believers, like all of us to tell others.
The entire message of this book on Heaven rests on one element: that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. Everything written in this book is based on the belief that the Bible is credible, trustworthy, and accurate.
Having read and listened to many of Chip Ingram’s sermons and teachings over the years, he expands the explanation of how to have eternal life and know, with certainty you have a place in Heaven---beyond the book, with his incredible website with further readings, videos, and references at LivingOnTheEdge.com
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, THE REAL HEAVEN is a message explaining God’s special gift to each of us, and how we can receive this free gift of salvation, without doubt.
You can’t earn it or be good enough to merit it. Eternal life and a place in Heaven can be yours today if you believe and turn from sin and become His follower. John 3:16.
Highly recommend the audio book, narrated by Lloyd James in combination with the book format, for reference. If you have not read Ingram's previous books, his website is a great online starting place with insightful readings, radio, podcasts, videos, and teachings.
JDCMustReadBooks
Chip Ingram and Lance Witt's THE REAL HEAVEN: WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS, an insightful book based on the foundational premise that the one person who has authority to speak of Heaven is the One who created it.
Chip Ingram's passion as a pastor, author, coach and teacher for more than twenty-five years, has helped believers around the world --move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God's truth in their lives and relationships in transforming ways.
Many of us have a mix of views about Heaven--influenced by movies and other books about the afterlife. Some have even claimed to experienced death and brought back to life.
With much confusion, Ingram cuts through the clutter and focuses on a simple, clear, practical and Biblical view of God’s greatest hope and promise for His children: Heaven. Secure your spot for eternity.
The sixty-six books of the Bible make up one book. It is one story. God’s story.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." --Col 3:2-4
We all are going to die and even though we know Heaven is a place where believers will spend eternity, most of us do not give it much thought.
As Ingram references, some have more interest in where they are going for lunch, than where we they will spend their eternity. We are all terminal. Death rate 100%.
Challenging readers to go on a journey with him to discover what Heaven is really like—a clear picture of our tomorrow and how it will transform the life you live today. He focuses on what God has to say about heaven. With three main reasons to study Heaven:
• Our misconceptions are crippling us
• We are commanded to think about Heaven
• A faulty view of Heaven destines us to a wasted life on Earth.
Our contemporary culture is all about now. Instant gratification. No one likes to wait. Understanding Biblical truths about Heaven will change your perspective, desires, and priorities. It will change your life.
This world is temporary. It will wear out, give out, break down, and ultimately be thrown in the trash. Treasures we store up in Heaven are eternal and will never rot, rust, or ruin. It will not be marred by sin, disease, pollution, and disaster. The planet we live on is a gift from God, but it is stained and scarred by sin. God is preparing us for a New Heaven and a New Earth that far exceeds our wildest imagination.
Going back to the beginning of time. The Garden of Eden. An accurate picture of the ultimate New Heaven and New Earth. Eternity is real. God will not save us against our will. He has offered forgiveness and salvation. Our decision.
To fully grasp our future Heaven, it is critical we see the parallels between God’s original place for mankind and His future home for us. Heaven, is very much like the paradise he created in the beginning for Adam and Eve.
Once you die, your eternal destiny is set. Your future is secure. What you do in this life will have direct impact on the quality of life in Heaven. Heaven is a literal place and the purpose of Heaven has been clear from the beginning. He wants to be with us forever. A relationship. He loves us and sent Christ to pay for our sins and redeem us.
The question: Are you certain you are going to Heaven? The Bible is clear, so you will know for certain.
A critical focus of the book: It is not about trying hard, being religious, or hoping that it all works out. It isn’t about giving to your favorite charity or attending church, or doing good deeds.
It is a gift of grace from a God who love you, and sent His Son to die in your place to pay for all your sins once and for all. We need to share our faith. He uses everyday believers, like all of us to tell others.
The entire message of this book on Heaven rests on one element: that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. Everything written in this book is based on the belief that the Bible is credible, trustworthy, and accurate.
Having read and listened to many of Chip Ingram’s sermons and teachings over the years, he expands the explanation of how to have eternal life and know, with certainty you have a place in Heaven---beyond the book, with his incredible website with further readings, videos, and references at LivingOnTheEdge.com
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, THE REAL HEAVEN is a message explaining God’s special gift to each of us, and how we can receive this free gift of salvation, without doubt.
You can’t earn it or be good enough to merit it. Eternal life and a place in Heaven can be yours today if you believe and turn from sin and become His follower. John 3:16.
Highly recommend the audio book, narrated by Lloyd James in combination with the book format, for reference. If you have not read Ingram's previous books, his website is a great online starting place with insightful readings, radio, podcasts, videos, and teachings.
JDCMustReadBooks
May 23, 2016
Ingram and Witt offer up a very insightful book on what the Bible has to say about heaven, one that is clear, well-written, and laid out in easy to read chapters that can be read all at once or pondered one at a time. I have read many books on heaven, many written by people claiming to have visited the after-life in a near-death experience. What I appreciate about this one is that it is utterly grounded in the Word of God, and consequently is all the more compelling because readers can be certain it is based on truth. As we live in a culture that is all about satisfying our own desires and amassing treasures on Earth, this book is so very timely, as the authors urge us to keep our focus on the eternal life that is waiting for us. How quickly we can forget that all of these things we work so hard for, the good jobs and nice houses and things like that, ultimately don't matter in the face of eternity! I especially like how clearly the authors point out that we cannot earn our way to heaven, but that it is a gift of God's grace. So many people today seem confused about how to get to heaven, that you have to just be "good enough", which of course is impossible.
We all need the hope of Heaven to get us through the trials of life, and to keep our eyes set on what really matters in life. "The Real Heaven" is a wonderful addition to realm of literature focused on the afterlife, one that will point readers to the Truth of Scripture. 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
We all need the hope of Heaven to get us through the trials of life, and to keep our eyes set on what really matters in life. "The Real Heaven" is a wonderful addition to realm of literature focused on the afterlife, one that will point readers to the Truth of Scripture. 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 8, 2023
Good resource
This is a good resource. It provides references to all (all?) the passages about Heaven in the Bible. That alone is worth the price of the book - even if you take those and do your own reading and contemplation.
The book is longer than it needs to be. I thought the last few chapters turned repetitive and overly preachy. It also turned into a bit of an advertisement for the one author’s (Chip’s) website, which made me a bit skeptical of both authors’ intentions.
This is a good resource. It provides references to all (all?) the passages about Heaven in the Bible. That alone is worth the price of the book - even if you take those and do your own reading and contemplation.
The book is longer than it needs to be. I thought the last few chapters turned repetitive and overly preachy. It also turned into a bit of an advertisement for the one author’s (Chip’s) website, which made me a bit skeptical of both authors’ intentions.
December 11, 2016
The author wrote this book after his father, who had been born again for years, as he approached death, said that he was afraid to die. After reading a book about Heaven, he became confident about death because the process was no longer unknown.
He does a fairly simplistic job of describing what Heaven is like, what we will do there, and how the rapture, tribulation and millenium happen.
Many people would be satisfied with what he wrote. it is simple and clear.
But, overall, I did not like the book. I gave it a 4 because there is a difference between what I like and how a book is written. I might not like a meal that a chef has prepared but I cannot fault him on his method and ingredients. It is not his fault that I don't like the meal.
I felt that this book, even though it is backed by Scriptures, is too vague and general. He says that we are escorted to Heaven by angels, we will worship God there, we will have work to do and we will be continually learning.
To me, that is as effective as telling a child who has never gone to school what Kindergarten will be like. It doesn't really increase his confidence if he does not see what is in the school or at least know some specific details about what is going on.
It is natural, despite a life of love of God and service to Him, to be overawed at the idea of entering into the presence of a Holy God. It is easy to feel aware of our shortcomings when we compare ourselves with God. However, Jesus, when He sees us, treats us with love and forgiveness, not condemnation or shame. Even Benny Hinn, when his plane ran out of gas and he spent several minutes gliding to the runway, had foremost in his mind whether he had truly and completely served God. If Benny Hinn can feel that way, it is likely that most of us will feel that way.
So I think that this book needed a lot more specific details about Heaven. I feel that spiritual experience is valid. So many people have gone to Heaven and returned, whether by God's hand for a visit or by resuscitation during surgery or by near death experiences in accidents. These people have experiences which are specific, about both Heaven and Hell, and they provide specific details about Heaven which are not contradicted by the scriptures that Ingram used. I would have liked to read some of these testimonies. I have read many books which are much more thorough and useful than this book in helping a person to prepare for Heaven.
He does a fairly simplistic job of describing what Heaven is like, what we will do there, and how the rapture, tribulation and millenium happen.
Many people would be satisfied with what he wrote. it is simple and clear.
But, overall, I did not like the book. I gave it a 4 because there is a difference between what I like and how a book is written. I might not like a meal that a chef has prepared but I cannot fault him on his method and ingredients. It is not his fault that I don't like the meal.
I felt that this book, even though it is backed by Scriptures, is too vague and general. He says that we are escorted to Heaven by angels, we will worship God there, we will have work to do and we will be continually learning.
To me, that is as effective as telling a child who has never gone to school what Kindergarten will be like. It doesn't really increase his confidence if he does not see what is in the school or at least know some specific details about what is going on.
It is natural, despite a life of love of God and service to Him, to be overawed at the idea of entering into the presence of a Holy God. It is easy to feel aware of our shortcomings when we compare ourselves with God. However, Jesus, when He sees us, treats us with love and forgiveness, not condemnation or shame. Even Benny Hinn, when his plane ran out of gas and he spent several minutes gliding to the runway, had foremost in his mind whether he had truly and completely served God. If Benny Hinn can feel that way, it is likely that most of us will feel that way.
So I think that this book needed a lot more specific details about Heaven. I feel that spiritual experience is valid. So many people have gone to Heaven and returned, whether by God's hand for a visit or by resuscitation during surgery or by near death experiences in accidents. These people have experiences which are specific, about both Heaven and Hell, and they provide specific details about Heaven which are not contradicted by the scriptures that Ingram used. I would have liked to read some of these testimonies. I have read many books which are much more thorough and useful than this book in helping a person to prepare for Heaven.
April 6, 2016
Chip Ingram has written a powerful book of facts about Heaven based on the only authority available on the matter: the inerrant and infallible Word of God. If you have ever wondered about the rapture, how to get into Heaven, or what to expect in Heaven, this book will give you the answers you are looking for. This is not full of fluff or based on Mr. Ingram's opinion. It is purely based on scripture. He does mention and shed some Biblical light on the recently popular books and stories about the afterlife and near death experiences, many of which have been proven false. I would recommend this book to all Christians and to anyone that may want an explanation of the afterlife based on Biblical truths. I received this as a free ARC from Baker Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2016
Narrator Thoughts: To be honest, I've seen Chip Ingram and I have heard many of his radio broadcasts. This narrator seemed so flat in comparison. It was hard to listen, even though the content was really good, because his voice. It may have been just me, but I didn't find his voice very engaging.
Book Thoughts: This is what I could gladly give 5 stars to. The content of the book itself is very good. With his simple and easy style, Chip walks you through the various passages on heaven and what happens when we die. I found this helpful and encouraging. How we think about heaven determines so much. This book helped me to clarify what I really think about heaven.
You can by this book from Christian Audio or Amazon.com
Book Thoughts: This is what I could gladly give 5 stars to. The content of the book itself is very good. With his simple and easy style, Chip walks you through the various passages on heaven and what happens when we die. I found this helpful and encouraging. How we think about heaven determines so much. This book helped me to clarify what I really think about heaven.
You can by this book from Christian Audio or Amazon.com
May 24, 2017
This was a really amazing book, giving a clear picture of what heaven will be like. I really loved that everything was Bible based, and very well thought out.
My only complaint was that some things felt skipped over.
But overall I would recommend this to people looking for a good, clear picture of what Heaven is like. It's comforting, and aweing to think of the place that will be my home someday.
My only complaint was that some things felt skipped over.
But overall I would recommend this to people looking for a good, clear picture of what Heaven is like. It's comforting, and aweing to think of the place that will be my home someday.
December 4, 2017
Loved this very thorough and hopeful glimpse of heaven ... gleaned from Bible passages we often overlook. Recommended for anyone who wants to shift their focus from an earthly one to an eternal perspective!
March 21, 2016
Heaven
Told simply with references from the Bible, the author reveals the path to salvation and the glorious reward for all who believe.
Told simply with references from the Bible, the author reveals the path to salvation and the glorious reward for all who believe.
October 2, 2016
Eye opening, encouraging, backed with scripture subject about heaven that is often not discussed in church!
February 6, 2017
Heaven is real
So much to learn and think about! This is truly a book that is a Bible based explanation of hope and joy .
So much to learn and think about! This is truly a book that is a Bible based explanation of hope and joy .
May 28, 2025
This book was recommended to me by my friends. I had my Bible out and made notes as I read through the short chapters. This is a good basic book for those that want to solidify their belief on what heaven will be like which I would encourage strongly that anyone should do. In the book he doesn't get into a lot of detail about the controversial topics until at the end. But you can visit livingontheedge.org for a more in-depth analysis on Heaven and hell from our author. Appendix A (Why I Believe the Bible) and Appendix B (FAQ) are very good as well. Since he is pre-tribulation in his beliefs, I concur but there are certainly arguments for other interpretations. Again, this book does not get into that part of the controversy. The main thing is to nail down what you believe about heaven and how to get there based upon what the Bible says. That is basically what this book is all about which has eternal significance to all.
August 17, 2021
Similar content to Randy Alcorn’s Heaven but a much easier read. My mom recently went to Heaven. If you have a recent death in your life and are looking for reassurance about Heaven I am not sure this is the book. Both this book and Alcorn’s introduce an intermediate Heaven. While this may be Biblical it was not reassuring to me as to what my mom is experiencing now. Most of the details given in the Bible about Heaven seem to be about the New Heaven which has not yet come, though it will be a believers eternal home.
January 26, 2025
I read this as a way to understand the mindset my dad may have been in when he first assed away. He knew he was going to heaven and even told me he was excited even though it made him sad to think about the things he might miss with us. After reading, I felt a sense of peace knowing that maybe he wasn't as scared of dying as I thought he might have been. If he thought like this, then he wasn't probably really excited. The book also gave me more things to think about that I didn't expect. I really enjoyed it.
October 24, 2018
Ingram says "Heaven was … merely an abstract, vague and ethereal." That is much of the teaching I heard growing up. "Much of our anxiety and lack of peace and struggle in this life is the result of not having a clear understanding of Heaven and an eternal perspective... A clear understanding of Heaven results in a longing for Heaven, which empowers me to make wise decisions about my priorities in this life." This is a book worth the read.
December 5, 2022
so Many Questions about Heaven
Chip Ingram is a delightful speaker as well as a writer. If you are interested in understanding more about Heaven, Chip explains it very well. If you have doubts about the Bible being accurate, Chip can explain that as well. If you want to share Jesus with others, this book is full of great information. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Jesus and the Heaven He left earth to complete for us!
Chip Ingram is a delightful speaker as well as a writer. If you are interested in understanding more about Heaven, Chip explains it very well. If you have doubts about the Bible being accurate, Chip can explain that as well. If you want to share Jesus with others, this book is full of great information. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Jesus and the Heaven He left earth to complete for us!
Read
December 16, 2025I appreciated the straight-forward Biblical approach to talking about Heaven. The last few chapters in the book helped me visualize the New Heaven and New Earth even more. Also gave me some encouragement about the lack of sea someday which still seems strange and sad to me that we might not get to boogie-board. :) I’m sure there is something even better.
January 7, 2020
It was an interesting read and gave a decent overview of the tangible Heaven to come as contrasted to the purely spiritual vision many people have today. However, he left out many passages that also touch on the subject and give a broader understanding.
July 11, 2020
Excellent Resource
An excellent book on what Scripture says about Heaven. The book most importantly separates popular conceptions of Heaven with what God actually says to us in the Bible.
An excellent book on what Scripture says about Heaven. The book most importantly separates popular conceptions of Heaven with what God actually says to us in the Bible.
August 16, 2020
The topic of heaven isn't preached enough in churches. Because we don't understand it well enough, we don't anticipate it the way we should. I think this book helps fill some of that gap.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
I listened to this as an audiobook.
January 6, 2021
Excellent
Excellent and encouraging, This world is not our home. The author clearly reminds us of that fact and with some detail, encourages us and reminds us that Heaven will be spectacular.
Excellent and encouraging, This world is not our home. The author clearly reminds us of that fact and with some detail, encourages us and reminds us that Heaven will be spectacular.
September 1, 2024
Chip nails it
Loved the straightforward simple description of heaven, how we get there, who will be there, what the Bible says it will be like. Come Lord Jesus, come so we can go home with you.
Loved the straightforward simple description of heaven, how we get there, who will be there, what the Bible says it will be like. Come Lord Jesus, come so we can go home with you.
November 18, 2024
This book was really interesting! I really enjoyed reading about where I am going when I die! The bible study was really good too! It was so good to know that heaven is going to be on earth one day! So very cool! Glad I read this book!
March 1, 2017
Easy to read. Clear presentation of what the Bible says about heaven and how we get there.
September 6, 2018
Great informative book about Heaven
May 6, 2019
Heaven and judgement are two subjects that require deep biblical insight. Thank you Chip for covering all the bases.
December 20, 2020
Excellent read. What the Bible says. What we need to know.
April 2, 2021
A clear biblical perspective covering Old testament and New testament prophecy.
March 16, 2022
A very helpful book by chip ingram. I was very excited reading it.makes you close to God and heaven
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2023
Excellent easy read based on scripture, it tells you what heaven will be like, what we will be like, in heaven, what we can expect and how to know for sure you are going there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews