Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place

by John Ortberg

Something in us is waiting—for what, we don’t know. Something different? Something better?For Christians, perhaps the deepest expression of what we’re waiting for is found in the phrase “eternal life.” But what is eternal life? Why do we want it? And how do we know if we have it?In Eternity Is Now in Session, bestselling author John Ortberg dispels the myth that eternal life is something way out in outer space that we can only hope to experience after we die—and that being saved is merely about meeting the minimal entrance requirements for getting into heaven. Instead, John unpacks the reality that the moment we trust Christ, we are initiated into “eternal living” with God as a here and now reality, one that will continue beyond our life on this earth.Jesus defined eternal life just once, in John 17:3: “. . . that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” The kind of “knowing God” that is eternal life is an interactive relationship, not just an affirmation of certain facts about God. Once we begin the transformative journey of truly knowing God, we can start to experience His presence, favor, and resurrection power right here on this earth—in the details, tasks, and challenges of daily, ordinary life.And as we begin to know God this way, we’ll realize each moment of our lives is a vehicle to the eternity we’ve been longing for all along.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Spirituality, Faith, Christianity, Nonfiction, Book Club

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[John Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Die Ewigkeit ist Jetzt“ hat mir echt gut gefallen. Ortberg geht es darum, aufzuzeigen, dass es beim Evangelium um mehr geht, als ein Sünden-Arrangement mit Gott zu treffen, durch das ich die Minimalanforderungen erreiche, um „in den Himmel zu kommen“. Es geht um Nachfolge Jesu. Das zeigt er v.a. aufgrund von Aussagen von Jesus selbst auf.

Das alles erinnert sehr stark an Dallas Willard und das ist m.E. nach auch kein Zufallen. Im Kern bricht Ortberg zentrale Gedanken und Konzepte von Willard herunter und stellt sie in einer sehr angenehmen Kürze dar (gerade wenn man bedenkt, dass Ortberg amerikanischer Evangelikaler ist). Dabei fand ich das Buch dadurch gar nicht flach, ich habe einige richtig starke Gedanken von Ortberg mitnehmen können, die ich echt treffend formuliert fand.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Subtitle to this book "A Radical Rediscovery" might be a bit of an overstatement. There was nothing new here I haven't seen from plenty of other evangelical preachers and theologians. The very fact that every other page contains a quote from Dallas Willard shows that the ideas that Ortberg is laying down are not of themselves original.

That said, John Ortberg is a master at taking profound concepts and making them seem simple. He is at his best when taking a slice of ordinary life and using it to illustrate a kingdom truth. Also, for those whose theological intake consists of little more than the 30-minute preaching of a mediocre preacher this book might very well be a "radical rediscovery".

In this book, JO examines a series of questions that challenge the way all too many all too often view the kingdom. Some of those questions are:
What if we stopped thinking about the gospel as simply the minimum entrance requirement to get into heaven?
What if we stopped thinking about eternal life as something we can only experience after we die?
What if we stopped thinking of Christians as people who “know about” God and instead focused on becoming disciples who are learning to “know” God?
What if salvation isn’t mostly about getting us into heaven but about getting heaven into us?

Whether these questions are revolutionary to you, or if they are ones you have used to challenge your own ideas countless times before, I would strongly recommend this book. It might not be radical or revolutionary, but it certainly is inspirational.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful. Familiar concepts talked about with intense clarity and directness. Calls out a lot of religious mojo, points to truth and facts. Convicting & inspiring.

Feel like I got maybe 60% of what I could have from listening to this vs reading, maybe I’m a poor listener?

[Jim Teggelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book, but powerful and packed with wisdom and insight. Ortberg, Reformed Christian theologian and psychologist, unpacks the meaning of the Christian Gospel. A good refresher or eye-opener for Christians, and good news for anyone who has ears to hear.

[Aleassa Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. John Ortberg is a helpful author to read if you appreciate Dallas Willard but need his teachings broken down into bite size pieces. This particular book seems to be a blend of Dallas Willard’s theology, Alcoholics Anonymous philosophy, and what sounded to me like lordship salvation. I believe Ortberg comes from a Reformed mindset and I caught a lot of that running in the background. Since I don’t lean in that direction, it did throw the book off for me.

However, I actually read this specifically to better understand Dallas Willard’s teaching on the Kingdom and eternal life, and for that I give it the 4 stars. The concept of entering into the eternal life of Jesus upon salvation as opposed to eternal life being something that happens after you die is a paradigm shift that I am still processing.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this book in a discipleship context, and it worked great for that purpose. This really is a wonderful book.

[Mark Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Ortberg is a master wordsmith. This is a clear, pithy, delightfully-illustrated presentation of the with-God life that captures the imagination and corrects many of the damaging ways that Jesus' remarkably good news has been misunderstood and harmfully communicated in the recent generations. This book will correct the caricatures of the gospel that prevail among both Christians and their critics. Read this book and let it illuminate your faith.

[Riley Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is amazing! something I enjoyed about it was the author speaking on the idea that we get caught up in the legality of being a “Christian” and we draw lines where there are clear lines to draw and base our religion on that. i.e. drinking, sex, language. however, we were not called to be religious. and we were not called to be “Christians”. we were called to be disciples. and the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. there is no clear line in that, and so we must go to the vine for that. He must abide in us.

“the branches job is not to produce fruit. the branches job is to continually receive life from the vine-to abide. the fruit is a by-product of abiding.”

[Jason Mccutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and Thought Provoking
Coming from a tradition that emphasizes becoming a Christian by “just saying a prayer” can sometimes seem empty, as entry to heaven is emphasized above all else. There is more to being part of the kingdom than just “fire insurance” (as some have said). I found this book’s emphasis on being “in” Christ helpful and refreshing, as we as Christ followers invite others into the kingdom today and for eternity. “The prayer” is a wonderful beginning, not an end. I found myself saying “yes” in my spirit many times as I read.

[Sheila Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ortberg is an author who writes like I think. He always takes truth that I already know and takes me to the next level with it. I will read this book again and again.

[Zach Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Really intrigued me, and challenged me on the way I look at salvation and being “in Christ”

Highly recommend!!!

[Delaney Brake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful call to discipleship — salvation is both a moment & a journey.

[Diane Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his usual understandable and relatable style, John presents enlightening insights on what Jesus taught about salvation, eternity and heaven. I suggest that the eight-page introduction be used as an evangelistic training tool. So many people have the wrong idea of God, heaven, and eternal life. Christ followers should have the correct Good News message to share with others.

You do not want to miss how John answers these questions: What if we stopped thinking about the gospel as simply the minimum entrance requirement to get into heaven? What if we stopped thinking about eternal life as something we can only experience after we die? What if we stopped thinking of Christians as people who “know about” God and instead focused on becoming disciples who are learning to “know” God? What if salvation isn’t mostly about getting us into heaven but about getting heaven into us?

As a hiker and a recent visitor to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the section on a “mountain top experience” spoke to me:
“A Mountain is where heaven and earth come closest together. A mountain is where we go to see the earth around us from a new perspective. On a mountain we are elevated above our normal way of seeing. Obstacles that normally loom large are seen much smaller than we thought ... On a mountain we receive the gift of vision... A mountain is the place of awakening to a reality that we often can’t see in the valley.” "Spiritual awakening begins with an experience of God, when we become aware of his presence."

John explains how salvation is a journey, not a one-time event. "Salvation is never just salvation from. It is always also salvation for.” "Our greatest need is not to be saved from what might happen to us but to be saved from what might happen in us; not from where we might end up but from who we might become.” He writes about what it means to be a disciple and that discipleship is a whole-life endeavor. "Participation is the essential ingredient in Christianity."

I recommend this book to all Christ followers and those seeking to know more about Jesus, salvation, and heaven.

[Aaron Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing light to an often misunderstood truth in the Bible. Heaven is for now and not just later.

[Ben House · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!" True words. Praise God for all the promises regarding everlasting life, heaven, being with Christ, being glorified, and so. But John Ortberg's book Eternity is Now in Session seeks to correct an error or oversight or, maybe, wrongful emphasis. Christians can be saved, in Christ, and believing right things, but still get the priorities and details confused.
Eternity is Now in Session by John Ortberg is published by Tyndale Press and came out this year.
"What if salvation is not about getting us into heaven, but about getting heaven into us?" Pastor Ortberg asks. The title itself was inspired, as is much of Ortberg's work, by Dallas Willard. The gist of the book is about discipleship. As indicated already, "getting saved" or getting eternal fire insurance is not what Christianity is all about. Thank God for those cases of contrary folks who linger on their death beds and find the grace of God as life lingers away. But that is not the ideal. For years, many have been trying to awaken the Church from resting content with professions of faith. Life and obedience, transformation, Christian living, growing in grace--these are the needed elements.
From beginning to end, this book is a strong exhortation to not be fooled by mere profession, but to actually follow Christ. I will share a few key portions of the book that I made note of.
"Jesus didn't tell his friends, 'Go into all the world and make Christians.' But he did tell them to go into the world and make disciples. In fact, the Bible uses the word disciple 269 times. As Dallas Willard writes, 'The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples.'" page 50 (Note this: Ortberg quotes Dallas Willard many, many times in this book.)
"Jesus never said, 'Believe the right things about me, and I'll let you into heaven after you die.' His news was something far grander, more cosmic, more life-changing, more compelling, and more humbling than that." page 51
On page 61, another Willard quote: "There is no problem in human life that apprenticeship to Jesus cannot solve." Then Ortberg shows how wide-ranging his view of the Gospel is as he lists problems: "You name the problem--greed, fear, racism, injustice, divorce, sexual assault, neglect, pollution, suffering, addiction, rejection, bitterness, violence, apathy, grief, war, death."
Concerning religious experiences and awakening, he writes, "...awakening is not just something that happens to us at the beginning of our spiritual lives. We need awakening each day." page 96
One of the most brilliant quotes that Ortberg uses comes from Dr. Vincent Felitti who wrote about addiction saying, "It is hard to get enough of something that almost works." Not that this book is about addiction (of any and all sorts) per se, this is a remarkable insight into all manner of sinful draws, which Ortberg, echoing the Bible, calls idols. Pages 100-101
"To have saving faith is not to believe the minimum amount so God has to let you in. To have saving faith is to believe what Jesus himself believed, to see what Jesus himself saw, so that you naturally do what Jesus himself would do." page 137
Something I am going to try to remember next time I am involved in a wedding (or even a discussion about marriage) is this point: "A couple gets married and the minister says, 'The two shall become one'--but which one? I want it to be me." Page 157. His point is that the same thing tends to happen in regard to God. We want union, but we want it to mean that God is doing what I want.
This book is a step by step progression through the Gospel and what should and must be its impact on our lives. Starting with what the Good News actually means, it takes us to the topic of awakening to God being everywhere. A chapter called Purgation deals with the painful, but necessary work of sanctification and the abandoning of sins and idols. Illumination reminds us that need to have our minds enlightened at every step. The final chapter on union reminds us that we are never alone, that union with God is the goal both here and in the future heavenly eternity.
Going back through this book, which I read twice, reminds me that almost every page includes a great quote, an exhortation, an application of a Bible truth. This book is great for morning devotions. It would also work well for a study group, a class, or one-on-one discipleship. This is the second book I have read by Ortberg, and he has quickly risen in the ranks to be a much favored writer for me.

[Karen Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Ortberg has asked an important question that all of us need to consider: “What if salvation isn’t mostly about getting us into heaven but about getting heaven into us?” (p. 7).

In Eternity Is Now in Session, Ortberg examines the meaning of salvation in light of eternity.

This book arrived from the publisher two weeks before I was scheduled to teach on John 3. I devoured the book, rereading passages and highlighting key thoughts. God’s timing is always perfect! I used quotes from this book in the teaching.

Ortberg writes that salvation is more than saying the sinner’s prayer; in fact, we don’t have the sinner’s prayer in the Bible, he points out. He writes that salvation includes much more than entry into heaven after we die. “To the contrary, Jesus’ Good News is that eternal life–life with God and for God, life under God’s care and life by God’s power–is available now. If you want that life, the logical step is to become a disciple–a student, and apprentice, a follower–of Jesus” (p. 52).

In other words, “Jesus’ gospel is the offer of life as an apprentice of Jesus, by grace, through faith, in this world and the world to come” (p. 62).

The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 asks the reader to rethink salvation and consider that it is much more than the minimum requirement to enter heaven. The second part asks the reader to consider eternity as the reader walks with Jesus. This walk includes seeing God everywhere, leaving baggage behind, adopting a new mental map, and becoming aware of union with Christ.

This is a well-researched, Scripture-filled book that would serve as a great small-group Bible study. Ortberg refers to C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rankin Wilbourne, Dallas Willard, and others throughout the book.

He includes personal stories, historical stories, and Bible stories at just the right moment to keep the reader engaged.

In addition to this valuable resource for Christians, Ortberg developed a five-session study with a DVD to accompany the participant’s guide. I did not receive the DVD or participant’s guide.

I received a complimentary copy of Eternity Is Now in Session from the publisher for my honest review.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of John Ortberg’s book, Eternity is Now in Session.

“Are we there yet?” is a question we have all asked at one time or another. Though we may not give it much thought or reflection, it is a question that keeps us literally sitting on the edge of our seats. It is the evidence that we are all longing for something much greater and far grander than what we are currently experiencing or feeling.

However, what Ortberg flawlessly does in his book, Eternity is Now in Session, is navigate the reader to see that eternal life is not just about us eventually getting to a place of unending peace and tranquility. It is not simply a distant land in some future time, but it is a present reality for all who have placed their faith in Christ for salvation. Jesus said, “…this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Yes, there is a future fulfillment in which all followers of Christ will eternally dwell in both security and luxury with the God of salvation, but true believers have been given the abundant life right here and now (John 10:10).

I have read seven books so far this year and this is by far the best one yet! Ortberg is a creative writer with the ability to captivate the reader’s attention. Honestly, it was hard to put this book down and I finished it in less twenty-four hours after opening to the first page. If you were to flip through my copy of this book, you would see numerous highlighted sections and personal notes all the way through from start to finish.

Ortberg is a master of language and an excellent communicator using engaging illustrations and captivating stories throughout the pages. I recommend this book to everyone – both Christians and non-Christians!

[Shane Lems · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ortberg's book, "Eternity Is Now In Session" is an attempt to correct the watered down Christian belief that you're saved and then you go to heaven - and that's that. I have to say I always appreciate it when someone attempts to correct a watered down version of Christianity and explain a more biblical view of it. For this reason, I'd say, Yes, I liked parts of Ortberg's book. I'm glad he talked about discipleship, following Jesus, being united to him, living by grace, and enjoying a foretaste of heaven now. Some parts of the book were helpful.

However, I'd also have to say, No, I didn't like everything about the book. First, it seems like he made several false dichotomies. For example, he seemed to set doctrinal belief against obedience, as if the two are at odds (p. 68). Similarly, on page 133 he sets belief against following Jesus by suggesting that Jesus didn't say, "believe the right things about me..." but "follow me." However, quite obviously in the New Testament, it is essential that disciples believe the right things about Jesus (e.g. John 20:31).

Another weakness of this book is the fact that there are some questionable phrases: "Jesus' main problem on earth is going to be the church" (p. 142). Really - his bride? "To have saving faith is to believe what Jesus himself believed..." (p. 137). That's not how Scripture defines faith! "His [Jesus'] one command was to pursue the Kingdom" (p. 19). What about his command to love? Anyway, perhaps Ortberg is using hyperbole or this is just his writing style, but I found it quite annoying and unhelpful.

Anyway, this isn't the best book on eternity. In fact, I'd pass it up and look for one that doesn't have false dichotomies and uses more clear biblical language.

[betanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I acquired this book in a Goodreads give away, and I’d like to thank the publisher and the author for that generous gift.

John Ortberg has a way of expressing deep thoughts and complex ideas in everyday language. That has been true in previous books of his and continues to be true here.

In a lot of ways, this book feels like a companion book for it a prequel to God Is Closer Than You Think. He carries the idea of God’s Kingdom being a reality on this fallen Earth today in a different light. He works to delicately slice the difference between earning salvation by what we do and how our behavior changes when God is present in our hearts. He walks through the metamorphosis that happens in our lives, knowing we, like Peter, may have to cover some ground a couple of times.

My criteria for five stars include challenging me to think and see in new ways. This may fall under confirmation bias in some ways as I’ve been of this persuasion for some time. However, Ortberg brought new perspectives that round out my perspective on the matter. Ortberg’s writing is very accessible and reads easily, but causes me to think deeply, which is something I value greatly. Just as importantly, I leave the book encouraged. He reminds me that being in God’s presence is something God wants, too.

I recommend this book to anybody who is wrestling with the roles of faith, behavior, and worship in their lives. I would recommend it to those who are wrestling with thoughts of whether living a Christian life is worth the effort.

Thank you Mr Ortberg for showing us that God is all in on us and is anxious to bring his kingdom into our lives today.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us think of eternity as something that begins when we die. John Ortberg shows us that Jesus defined “eternal life” only once but somehow, we seemed to have forgotten that. We have been using this fine book as a summer study, there is a DVD series out also, so it you are interested in one of John’s finest new books here it is. The subtitle is “a radical rediscovery of what Jesus really taught about salvation, eternity, and getting to the good place”
The chapter “minimum entrance requirements” really whet my imagination as we might not think we think that way, but our behavior says we want to do it OUR way, just getting by doing the Lord’s will the easiest and least painful way. To know God is to live a rich, moment-by-moment life with our beloved friend. It isn’t far off in the future but now. This book is drawing you into a rich interactive life with our savior now, lets get on with it.
“Salvation isn’t about getting you into heaven, but getting heaven into you” says John Ortberg. We all remember being saved countless times, and then we go back and seem to require it again and again. Would you go to heaven if you died tonight, what are you saving your best for?
I am always drawn to the notes in the back of the book, some of my favorite authors and their books are present, many old friends, both in the scripture and song words and illustrations in this book are very fresh and exciting. You will find yourself striving harder in the present when you thought that wasn’t possible. This book is so fresh and refreshing, not the old tried and tired stuff.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of us, if we are honest, think of eternity as a future event--something that starts after we die. But, Jesus never talked about eternity as an after-death event.

In "Eternity Is Now In Session", John Ortberg looks at eternity as something we can experience in the here and now.  He asks "what if we stopped thinking of Christians as people who profess beliefs about God and instead focused on becoming disciples who know God?"  Ortberg asks us to rediscover the Christian concept of salvation as not something that happens after we die but something that affects us where we are today.

Ortberg's book reads more like a theological essay.  Parts of it are informative and engaging while other parts were dry and slow to read.  It is important that we understand the importance of living in eternity today, but I wish Ortberg had said it better.  I have read some of his older books and have enjoyed them.  One of my favorite books is "If You Want to Walk On Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat". 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Sandy Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an inspiring and encouraging book! John Ortberg has done a phenomenal job of explaining just what eternity is, and when it begins. So when do you think eternity begins? When you die? Surprisingly that is the view many have of eternity. It seems to be something so very far away, something to be hoped for and attained, yet if we read the scriptures, we find that eternity begins the very moment we believe in Christ for salvation. Once we grasp that realization, we become more motivated to "lay up treasures" in heaven. We may also find ourselves looking for a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS, afterall, the very reason we're offered eternity with Him. This book brings to light the realization that we should be striving toward eternity, as something we already have, yet want to add to. While Tyndale House Publishers has provided a copy of this book to me at no charge, they have in no way tried to influence my review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion and mindset. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper insight into what eternity really is.

[Gabe Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially the chapter on “The Minimum Entrance Requirements.” Ortberg does a great job dismantling the idea that salvation is just about securing a spot in heaven, reframing it instead as entering into a life with God now. His writing is engaging and clear, and he has a gift for making challenging theological ideas feel both practical and personal.

That said, much of this book is essentially a repackaging of Dallas Willard’s work. If you’ve read The Divine Conspiracy, you’ll recognize a lot of the concepts, sometimes almost point for point. That’s not a bad thing for readers new to Willard’s ideas, but for those already familiar, it may feel more like a refresher than something groundbreaking.

Overall, this is a strong, readable introduction to a life-with-God understanding of the gospel, especially for those who might be put off by denser theological works. Ortberg captures the heart of the message well, even if the originality is limited.

[Scott Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book with a good point, but it still seemed dragged out
I appreciated John Ortberg's point that we can and should know God in a personal way, not as a concept. Walking with Christ means knowing Him so well and loving Him that our actions and words align with His teaching and His example. This is not easy - there is a reason Jesus tells us to 'take up our cross' and follow Him, but to experience a fulfilling life ('and have it abundantly') we need to live our faith rather than just have faith.
While this book is reasonably short it seemed highly repetitive to me, covering the same ground over and over. Yes it is a good point, but one made, and repeated for emphasis, my ears start to become dulled by the repetition (though I hate to say that pertaining to anything that is focused on God).

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The previous book I read: Soul Keeping, was great. I think I am spoiled by it. I assumed Eternity is Now In Session would be like it. I'm a little disappointed. It's probably just as good. It could (theoretically, be better, but I don't think it was. I'm probably being entirely unfair to Mr. Ortberg.
My lack of enthusiasm isn't his fault. I highlighted some really good passages that I should go back through and journal about.
Years ago, I discovered that God gives us three different kinds of gifts (at least.) One kind is confirmation. We see it and we think, "Yep." Another is epiphany. To it, we say, "Wow!" Third is mystery, and we respond with a "Huh?" I wanted epiphany. I got mostly confirmation. It's a good gift, but I wanted "Wow."

[Starla Gooch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book and good content. Would give 3.5 stars if I could. I just think these chapters may have worked better as sermons than in the written form. I appreciate Ortberg’s conversational style, but sometimes his use of quotes feels like he’s bouncing around from idea to idea without fully sitting thoroughly with one specific thought so it can really stick. Overall, while I liked the overall content and direction, I think the way this book seemed to merely skim the surface of the main ideas makes it rather forgettable. Nothing particular stands out as poignant, and I found my thoughts drifting as I read. While this may be better for people completely new to the topic, I still think I’d recommend other books first.

[Trevor Winsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first experience with Ortberg's writing was refreshing and life-giving. In his book, Eternity is Now in Session, Ortberg makes a case for seeing Salvation in Christ not as the "minimum requirements" to getting into heaven, but more of "getting heaven into you." Ortberg shows us that being a Christian isn't "getting into the club," but becoming more and more like Jesus in our daily lives.

This was a great book with great insights. I love Ortberg's style of writing. You can hear his experience as a pastor and a doctor of clinical psychology in his writing. It's a beautiful weaving of a holistic style to communicating.

Thankful to have read this book!

[Breah Ponce · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a must-read! I appreciate so much about this book, the idea of centered-ness around Christ as opposed to a bounded-set mindset, the good news that Christ himself was spreading, the idea of heaven , His kingdom, coming to earth now as opposed to "us going there" someday, and also the idea that there is no "do the minimum requirements to get entrance in heaven". might be my favorite book of the year! this is so well-written, easy to understand and full of truth. it makes so much sense, and I'm thankful that it was written and that I read it! I know this is one that I will read again and again.

[Ezechel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, not just in style but also in its emotional and philosophical imagery. A true follow-up (or companion book) to Dallas Willard's "Divine Conspiracy", which is one of my top formative books. A challenge to shift our perspective on what we mean by well-worn gospel expressions like "eternal life" and "the kingdom of heaven" and what Jesus really wanted his audience to understand.
I've listened to it as an audiobook, but honestly I will have to do it again as print. Not because it was hard to understand, but because it's the kind of book I want to influence me more, I want to take it slow and absorb it, and let the life of Christ grow in me.

[Ryan George · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Orberg’s thesis proves subversive—but not in a conniving, seditious way. No, he winsomely invites readers into a more robust and more beautiful way of engaging with Jesus. Especially in the first few chapters, he challenges assumptions Christians have made about the nature of the kingdom Jesus referenced often. I wonder if apocalyptic conspiracies would be as rampant in America if more pastors taught the themes of this book. As someone who also lacks enough physical coordination to dance, I really connected Ortberg’s closing analogy of ballroom dancing in reference to participating in the movement of the kingdom.