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10 Mistakes People Make About Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife
What's the Truth About Eternity? The afterlife seems like the great unknown. Human imagination and Hollywood have come up with many speculations about what lies beyond. How can we set aside the misconceptions and find the truth? What are the straightforward, biblical answers everyone needs to know about heaven, hell, and the afterlife? Mike Fabarez examines 10 faulty beliefs that are surprisingly widespread—and look to God's Word alone for the facts. You will find the truth about common misperceptions like You don't need to guess about the future—God's Word is ready to inform your mind and settle your heart. Let this book guide you toward a deeper joy, faith, and understanding of eternity.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2018
47 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Mike Fabarez
22 books12 followersDR. MIKE FABAREZ is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo, California. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology, and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program and has authored several books, including Lifelines for Tough Times, Preaching That Changes Lives, and Bible Survey for Kids. Mike and his wife Carlynn have three children, Matthew, John and Stephanie.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 6, 2021
A good, concise description of ten major misconceptions about life after this age. Covers topics about heaven, hell, life after death but before Christ’s return, even purgatory. Helpful for anyone with questions about the afterlife or who knows someone with questions about the afterlife. (Also makes a clear point to discuss the importance of knowing the gospel in order to reap the benefits in the life to come, with an appendix clearly laying out the gospel message.)
March 8, 2020
Despite the wholly interesting topic, this book was a slog to read and I don’t really know why. The question of heaven and hell is so intriguing and this author made it really boring. The scripture itself was fantastic, as expected; it was author’s writing style that made the topic completely disengaging. I was hoping this would be much better, quite disappointed.
November 26, 2018
Very insightful and very eye opening.....
September 17, 2023
First of all, I need to say that I "read" this by listening to the audiobook. So SOME of what I have to say may not apply, if I had read the actual book, because the organization might have been more apparent.
In the case of the audiobook, it was not at all apparent what the "10" mistakes were. For audiobook listeners/readers, if you say "10" it should be like the 10 commandments. Here, it all seemed lumped together. It was hard to separate one "mistake" from the next.
I did not really care for this book. The author comes at his material from a very conservative evangelical standpoint where the Bible is his only source and it is to be taken 100% literally. He DOES pepper scriptures throughout the entire book, so he tries very hard to document his claims. But that is what this all is. It is HIS interpretation of what the text in the Bible says.
And the Bible, instead of being inscribed by the index finger of God as this author seems to treat it, was written over hundreds of years, by human beings. It was then translated and retranslated and written down. We do not HAVE the original text, for the most part. So taking the Bible as the literal word of God requires a different kind of faith than I have. I think that as Christians, we need to be a bit more humble about our pontifications on God's word.
My biggest complaint with this is that instead of the Gospel being the "good news," the author seems to treat IT, the cross and the Bible more as a weapon. I once saw a comic about a preacher chasing someone down the road, trying to hit them over the head with the cross. This felt the same way to me. I don't think that is what God intended as "good news."
There are a few interesting and thought-provoking discussions and that (barely) kept me from not finishing this. Otherwise, I would not have finished it. The appendix actually started off pretty good and if he could have used more of that, it might have helped. If you are of the exact same mold as the author, his preaching will be to your choir, and you might find yourself shouting "amen" as he preaches his fire and brimstone sermon. As for me, I accept that my ONLY hope is Jesus. If there is anything else that I can do to mess things up for all eternity, then I am in trouble. I would not allow this book to persuade me that Jesus is not enough.
In the case of the audiobook, it was not at all apparent what the "10" mistakes were. For audiobook listeners/readers, if you say "10" it should be like the 10 commandments. Here, it all seemed lumped together. It was hard to separate one "mistake" from the next.
I did not really care for this book. The author comes at his material from a very conservative evangelical standpoint where the Bible is his only source and it is to be taken 100% literally. He DOES pepper scriptures throughout the entire book, so he tries very hard to document his claims. But that is what this all is. It is HIS interpretation of what the text in the Bible says.
And the Bible, instead of being inscribed by the index finger of God as this author seems to treat it, was written over hundreds of years, by human beings. It was then translated and retranslated and written down. We do not HAVE the original text, for the most part. So taking the Bible as the literal word of God requires a different kind of faith than I have. I think that as Christians, we need to be a bit more humble about our pontifications on God's word.
My biggest complaint with this is that instead of the Gospel being the "good news," the author seems to treat IT, the cross and the Bible more as a weapon. I once saw a comic about a preacher chasing someone down the road, trying to hit them over the head with the cross. This felt the same way to me. I don't think that is what God intended as "good news."
There are a few interesting and thought-provoking discussions and that (barely) kept me from not finishing this. Otherwise, I would not have finished it. The appendix actually started off pretty good and if he could have used more of that, it might have helped. If you are of the exact same mold as the author, his preaching will be to your choir, and you might find yourself shouting "amen" as he preaches his fire and brimstone sermon. As for me, I accept that my ONLY hope is Jesus. If there is anything else that I can do to mess things up for all eternity, then I am in trouble. I would not allow this book to persuade me that Jesus is not enough.
September 11, 2018
If you want a Biblical perspective about the life that awaits us after death, read this book! Mike Fabarez does an excellent job using the Scriptures to debunk common misconceptions about heaven, hell and the afterlife. It is a must read for all Christians! Think of all the time we spend doing research when we move to a new home or a new city or a new state. It is so much more important for us to know what the Bible has to say about where we will live for all of eternity. I know I am more eagerly anticipating my life in the New Jerusalem after reading this book. I’m also spurred on to evangelize the lost because I don’t want them to go to hell. Thank you, Pastor Mike, for taking the time to write this book!
December 8, 2018
I love the premise of this book and since it was given to me by my brother-in-law I moved it to the top of my ever-expanding reading list.
It has 10 chapters and rather than try to remember them I have listed them here below. Remember the chapters each deal with what the author views as mistakes [most of which, having read the titles, I would agree with him that they are mistakes. Not so much 5 & 10.
Chapter 10 is the weakest at 3 stars [author almost derisively dismisses valid arguments that go against his opinion]. Chapters 2, 4 & 5 get 3-4 stars, chapters 3, 6-9 get 4-5 stars, while chapter 1 and the appendix get 5 solid stars. WELL WORTH a read/study.
Chapter 1 - All Roads Lead to Heaven. Excellent chapter. 5 stars. Scriptural, sound, and sensible.
Chapter 2 - When I Die I'll Go to Sleep Until the Resurrection.
Chapter 3 - On My Way to Heaven I'll Have to Put in Some Time in Purgatory.
Chapter 4 - Heaven is Filled with See-Through Bodies and Cotton-Ball clouds
Chapter 5 - Heaven is Filled with Tract Homes and Government-Issued Uniforms
Chapter 6 - I'm Afraid I Might Sin My Way Out of Heaven
Chapter 7 - There Is No Hell
Chapter 8 - Hell's Going to Be One Big Party With My Friends
Chapter 9 - Hell Is the Exact Same Terrible Experience for Everyone
Chapter 10- It Doesn't Matter What Happens to My Body After I Die
It has 10 chapters and rather than try to remember them I have listed them here below. Remember the chapters each deal with what the author views as mistakes [most of which, having read the titles, I would agree with him that they are mistakes. Not so much 5 & 10.
Chapter 10 is the weakest at 3 stars [author almost derisively dismisses valid arguments that go against his opinion]. Chapters 2, 4 & 5 get 3-4 stars, chapters 3, 6-9 get 4-5 stars, while chapter 1 and the appendix get 5 solid stars. WELL WORTH a read/study.
Chapter 1 - All Roads Lead to Heaven. Excellent chapter. 5 stars. Scriptural, sound, and sensible.
Chapter 2 - When I Die I'll Go to Sleep Until the Resurrection.
Chapter 3 - On My Way to Heaven I'll Have to Put in Some Time in Purgatory.
Chapter 4 - Heaven is Filled with See-Through Bodies and Cotton-Ball clouds
Chapter 5 - Heaven is Filled with Tract Homes and Government-Issued Uniforms
Chapter 6 - I'm Afraid I Might Sin My Way Out of Heaven
Chapter 7 - There Is No Hell
Chapter 8 - Hell's Going to Be One Big Party With My Friends
Chapter 9 - Hell Is the Exact Same Terrible Experience for Everyone
Chapter 10- It Doesn't Matter What Happens to My Body After I Die
February 19, 2021
(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
Sound theology.
The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.
Sound theology.
May 28, 2018
This little book by Mike Fabarez is an easy to read popular level treatment of a dificult subject. He covers all the necessary bases and gives clear scriptural references. I wasn't quite ready for the injection of his premillennial take on end times, nor do I think it necessary in order to cover the topic well. This and the use of the word 'internment' in place of the correct 'interment' twice when discussing Christian burial in the last chapter were the only minor niggles.
August 30, 2019
Well researched with scriptural citations to support Dr. Fabarez' statements. Excellent book, clearly written with depth and understanding. I've learned new things, and I've had some readjustments to make in my understanding of this important topic. Written for both the Christian versed in scripture, but easily understood for those who have limited biblical experience. Very important topic, highly recommended.
May 18, 2023
This is the traditional religious rebuttal to Rob Bell's "Love Wins" and Rachel Held Evans' "Wholehearted Faith".
By the way, for an interesting debate between Rob Bell and Adrian Warnock about "Love Wins" listen to the Unbelievable Podcast found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
By the way, for an interesting debate between Rob Bell and Adrian Warnock about "Love Wins" listen to the Unbelievable Podcast found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
June 6, 2023
I have been in church all my life, but I am just now trying to learn and read. I’ve been reading the Bible every day this year and plan to read it entirely by the end of the year. Some thing in this book really made me think. I will need to revisit this book and possibly buy it for reference after I finish the Bible.
March 19, 2023
The Reality of Heaven and Hell
There are a lot of misconceptions about heaven and hell. This book clearly spells out how important faith in Christ is. As a bonus, there's a chapter on burial and cremation that is worth reading.
There are a lot of misconceptions about heaven and hell. This book clearly spells out how important faith in Christ is. As a bonus, there's a chapter on burial and cremation that is worth reading.
January 10, 2020
Fantastic book that details common inaccuracies in after life thought.
March 19, 2023
A must read for all!
Followers of Jesus and non-followers should all read this book with the open mind of a truth seeker! You’ll be glad you invested the time!
Followers of Jesus and non-followers should all read this book with the open mind of a truth seeker! You’ll be glad you invested the time!
September 11, 2018
This is a thought-provoking challenge to what people believe they know about what happens after death. If you’ve ever wondered or are convinced that you know, it would be a good idea to read this book.
The author presents the information from a Christian worldview and using the Bible as the main source for discussion. While some may say it is a Christian view that is being presented, the reality is that the majority of challenges to the topic are to the statements made by the Bible.
As the author states: “Because biblical Christianity is the only source that provides a verifiable solution to the problem of death, its information about the afterlife should be trusted.” However, there are people who will challenge even this statement, even if they don’t have another verifiable source which can challenge it. On the other hand, for those with questions and desirous of thinking through the subject with more than what they themselves think , this is a great place to begin. The author presents the information in a clear, well-thought out way that is appropriate for the everyday person. It is a subject worth taking a look into and it could change your life.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own
The author presents the information from a Christian worldview and using the Bible as the main source for discussion. While some may say it is a Christian view that is being presented, the reality is that the majority of challenges to the topic are to the statements made by the Bible.
As the author states: “Because biblical Christianity is the only source that provides a verifiable solution to the problem of death, its information about the afterlife should be trusted.” However, there are people who will challenge even this statement, even if they don’t have another verifiable source which can challenge it. On the other hand, for those with questions and desirous of thinking through the subject with more than what they themselves think , this is a great place to begin. The author presents the information in a clear, well-thought out way that is appropriate for the everyday person. It is a subject worth taking a look into and it could change your life.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews