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From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
A masterpiece in narrative theology and missional church. Presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation, this saga reveals nothing less than the meaning of God's eternal purpose and highest passion. Endorsements by missional leaders at http://www.FromEternitytoHere.org as well as discussion guide.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
156 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Frank Viola
65 books204 followersFrank is a bestselling author and in-demand conference speaker. You can find his books, podcasts, articles, messages, and courses at http://frankviola.org.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 27, 2009
Frank Viola’s latest book, From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God is not an easy one for me to shove into a loved-it or hated-it slot on the shelf of books I’ve read. I was outraged, inspired, impassioned, incredulous, and challenged by this book.
From Eternity to Here tells of “the ageless purpose of God” in three parts, weaving what the author hopes is a compelling story that – as the subtitle suggests – dates from before time began.
I found two problems early on – one disappointing from an intellectual perspective, one spiritually disturbing.
First, I was a little disappointed to find a rehash of ideas popularized, though not originally conceived, by John Eldredge, an author whose works (Wild at Heart, Epic) have touched my life in pretty profound ways. Viola seems to borrow from Eldredge and others the idea that we are all born into the story that God is telling, though in his mind it’s a romance rather than an epic. To my relief, the book doesn’t take quite the straight line from this point that it appears to be on.
However, much more disturbing is the whole premise of part one – that God’s ultimate passion is His bride. Some reading this review may find nothing wrong with that statement, but based on my reading of Scripture I have to disagree with it. God’s ultimate passion is His glory. Everything that God does or commands serves the ultimate purpose of bringing Him glory.
Move on to part two, and we find that God is homeless and longs for a place to dwell. The God of the universe who is perfect and complete is homeless?
By this point, I just can’t believe the ridiculous statements I’m reading, and I’m finding ludicrous even much more mundane statements. Then, I read the statement that is very nearly the final straw for me – and would have been if I hadn’t promised to review the book! Viola writes that the house God is building or has built, which he has equated at one time or another to both Christ and the church, “becomes indistinguishable from the Builder.” Add to this the statement later that “the church is Christ,” and the most serious error of this book is obvious: Viola is putting God on our level.
The author has a lot of ideas here that I love. He speaks of the church not just as a group of people but – in turns – as a community, a colony, a family, a new species, even a single organism. These ideas are engaging, intelligent, and biblical. He writes, “The body of Christ exists to express God in the earth” and that “the conversion of lost souls is the means toward that end,” not a goal in itself.
One of my favorite statements from this book is this: “…one of the highest revelations you and I will ever receive is to see the church as Christ in corporate human expression.” Beautiful and true! The church is not an institution or a building or an event. It is us, and we are – in a very real way – the body of Christ, His physical expression in the world.
He also writes, “One of the greatest problems in the Christian faith today, I believe, is that Christians are taught to be salt and light in the world as individuals[emphasis mine:],” and, “…the great need of the hour is for Christians to begin learning how to gather together and embody Christ in a shared-life community where they live.”
These statements can be mind-blowing. Viola insists that the pictures of the church as the bride and dwelling place and body of Christ are not just metaphors but concrete truths. He sees and expresses the need for all its members to hold a much higher view of the church.
The problem is definitely not his high view of the church but his low view of God. The church is the body of Christ, but the church is not Christ. We are not to be equated with Him.
Christ embodies us – the church – but we cannot contain His limitless nature.
From Eternity to Here tells of “the ageless purpose of God” in three parts, weaving what the author hopes is a compelling story that – as the subtitle suggests – dates from before time began.
I found two problems early on – one disappointing from an intellectual perspective, one spiritually disturbing.
First, I was a little disappointed to find a rehash of ideas popularized, though not originally conceived, by John Eldredge, an author whose works (Wild at Heart, Epic) have touched my life in pretty profound ways. Viola seems to borrow from Eldredge and others the idea that we are all born into the story that God is telling, though in his mind it’s a romance rather than an epic. To my relief, the book doesn’t take quite the straight line from this point that it appears to be on.
However, much more disturbing is the whole premise of part one – that God’s ultimate passion is His bride. Some reading this review may find nothing wrong with that statement, but based on my reading of Scripture I have to disagree with it. God’s ultimate passion is His glory. Everything that God does or commands serves the ultimate purpose of bringing Him glory.
Move on to part two, and we find that God is homeless and longs for a place to dwell. The God of the universe who is perfect and complete is homeless?
By this point, I just can’t believe the ridiculous statements I’m reading, and I’m finding ludicrous even much more mundane statements. Then, I read the statement that is very nearly the final straw for me – and would have been if I hadn’t promised to review the book! Viola writes that the house God is building or has built, which he has equated at one time or another to both Christ and the church, “becomes indistinguishable from the Builder.” Add to this the statement later that “the church is Christ,” and the most serious error of this book is obvious: Viola is putting God on our level.
The author has a lot of ideas here that I love. He speaks of the church not just as a group of people but – in turns – as a community, a colony, a family, a new species, even a single organism. These ideas are engaging, intelligent, and biblical. He writes, “The body of Christ exists to express God in the earth” and that “the conversion of lost souls is the means toward that end,” not a goal in itself.
One of my favorite statements from this book is this: “…one of the highest revelations you and I will ever receive is to see the church as Christ in corporate human expression.” Beautiful and true! The church is not an institution or a building or an event. It is us, and we are – in a very real way – the body of Christ, His physical expression in the world.
He also writes, “One of the greatest problems in the Christian faith today, I believe, is that Christians are taught to be salt and light in the world as individuals[emphasis mine:],” and, “…the great need of the hour is for Christians to begin learning how to gather together and embody Christ in a shared-life community where they live.”
These statements can be mind-blowing. Viola insists that the pictures of the church as the bride and dwelling place and body of Christ are not just metaphors but concrete truths. He sees and expresses the need for all its members to hold a much higher view of the church.
The problem is definitely not his high view of the church but his low view of God. The church is the body of Christ, but the church is not Christ. We are not to be equated with Him.
Christ embodies us – the church – but we cannot contain His limitless nature.
May 20, 2012
Viola's Heart added to his Head
Up front, I expected I would enjoy and appreciate this book even before I opened it. I have read most of Viola's works and I've come to appreciate his very strong cerebral and disciplined approach to ecclesiology (the study of the Church).
I was very pleasantly surprised however in this book that there was something more; Viola's heart. Where Viola in his earlier books has worked to both deconstruct and reconstruct how "church" is viewed, practiced and experienced in the deeply culturally steeped western church, this book takes a decidedly different tack and appeals more to the heart through the use of stories and themes. Make no mistake, there is much in the way of meat for the mind as well, especially in the 3d section of the book which lays out plainly the themes of many New Testament texts.
The key I think is found in the dedication of the book. Viola dedicates this work to the follower of Jesus who knows within their deepest parts that there must be more to the Christian Faith.
Viola is part of a rising vanguard of followers of Jesus who are becoming increasingly disappointed with what passes for "Christianity" in the established institutions that have sadly been presumed and assumed in our culture to be the norm. In this, Viola is shown to be more than someone with a chip on his shoulder. It's not just that the methodology of the Church is not following what was laid out and practiced in earlier times, it's that what is being followed and practiced today is choking out the true faith that was delivered once and for all to the saints. When form is elevated above and replaces function, then something is seriously wrong. Viola shows himself to be in the line of those who throughout the history have sought to bring the attention back to Jesus himself and focus upon spiritual renewal and relationship.
This is a book that I plan to return to and read again several times as a check in my own life to falling into complacency and contentment with my own spiritual walk. I believe many others as well will find it to be so. Many who perhaps have questioned the motives of Viola and those taking up the cry that there must be something more than comfortable cultural and insitutional Christianity, may find as well that with the heart here added to the message, that what is happening is more than revolt .... it is reform, such as has been needed throughout the history of the church universal since the time of Christ's ministry on earth.
5 stars.
Bart Breen
Up front, I expected I would enjoy and appreciate this book even before I opened it. I have read most of Viola's works and I've come to appreciate his very strong cerebral and disciplined approach to ecclesiology (the study of the Church).
I was very pleasantly surprised however in this book that there was something more; Viola's heart. Where Viola in his earlier books has worked to both deconstruct and reconstruct how "church" is viewed, practiced and experienced in the deeply culturally steeped western church, this book takes a decidedly different tack and appeals more to the heart through the use of stories and themes. Make no mistake, there is much in the way of meat for the mind as well, especially in the 3d section of the book which lays out plainly the themes of many New Testament texts.
The key I think is found in the dedication of the book. Viola dedicates this work to the follower of Jesus who knows within their deepest parts that there must be more to the Christian Faith.
Viola is part of a rising vanguard of followers of Jesus who are becoming increasingly disappointed with what passes for "Christianity" in the established institutions that have sadly been presumed and assumed in our culture to be the norm. In this, Viola is shown to be more than someone with a chip on his shoulder. It's not just that the methodology of the Church is not following what was laid out and practiced in earlier times, it's that what is being followed and practiced today is choking out the true faith that was delivered once and for all to the saints. When form is elevated above and replaces function, then something is seriously wrong. Viola shows himself to be in the line of those who throughout the history have sought to bring the attention back to Jesus himself and focus upon spiritual renewal and relationship.
This is a book that I plan to return to and read again several times as a check in my own life to falling into complacency and contentment with my own spiritual walk. I believe many others as well will find it to be so. Many who perhaps have questioned the motives of Viola and those taking up the cry that there must be something more than comfortable cultural and insitutional Christianity, may find as well that with the heart here added to the message, that what is happening is more than revolt .... it is reform, such as has been needed throughout the history of the church universal since the time of Christ's ministry on earth.
5 stars.
Bart Breen
June 22, 2009
This may very well be the most revolutionary book I've read outside of The Bible, itself. Frank Viola has presented some radical truth in his newest book. He already had me reeling from his historical treatment of what's wrong with today's "church" in Pagan Christianity, and then gave us a great description of what "church" should look like in Reimagining Church. This book, while not quite about the same topic, takes the purpose of the Church even further.
Presented in three sections, From Eternity to Here examines the true destiny that we have as believers in Christ. Using much Scripture, Viola lays out that we, the Church, are 1)the Body of Christ, 2) a House for God, and 3) a completely new species or race of people.
Now, I've heard all my life that the Church is "the body of Christ," but I've never heard it presented quite so literally. It's going to take an additional reading just to fully grasp all the concepts that he presents in the book. And I do play to do that.
I enjoy Frank's writing style, and recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective on life in Christ, and who is looking to have their beliefs shaken up a bit.
Presented in three sections, From Eternity to Here examines the true destiny that we have as believers in Christ. Using much Scripture, Viola lays out that we, the Church, are 1)the Body of Christ, 2) a House for God, and 3) a completely new species or race of people.
Now, I've heard all my life that the Church is "the body of Christ," but I've never heard it presented quite so literally. It's going to take an additional reading just to fully grasp all the concepts that he presents in the book. And I do play to do that.
I enjoy Frank's writing style, and recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective on life in Christ, and who is looking to have their beliefs shaken up a bit.
May 4, 2009
To discover God's original intent for humanity, Frank Viola explores the imagery found in the only four chapters of the Bible which have not been tainted by The Fall: Genesis 1 & 2 (pre-fall) and Revelation 21 & 22 (after the effects of the fall have been erased). God's ageless purpose has always been to acquire a Bride, a House, a Family, and a Body that is by him, to him, and through him.
September 1, 2019
This book gave me a lot to think about!
January 25, 2018
WOW!!!
I have never had such a clear explanation of God's plan for His creation. I read this on my Kindle, but I will be buying the physical book so thatI can study it again and annotate my Bible accordingly. Thank you for such a wonderful clarification! As one living out of my car, still employed but having lost everything, I know the Lord brought me here to know HIM more and to know His care. And so I have nothing... but His peace.
Catherine S.
Los Angeles
I have never had such a clear explanation of God's plan for His creation. I read this on my Kindle, but I will be buying the physical book so thatI can study it again and annotate my Bible accordingly. Thank you for such a wonderful clarification! As one living out of my car, still employed but having lost everything, I know the Lord brought me here to know HIM more and to know His care. And so I have nothing... but His peace.
Catherine S.
Los Angeles
June 3, 2011
I really wanted to like this book, and for the most part I did. However, the 2 star rating is due to some dubious extrapolations from scripture used to support Viola's chosen metaphors to express God's purpose. For example, it is totally valid to talk about the Church as a girl Christ pursues, and about God's purpose to make His bride beautiful, but it is maybe not so much to say that scripture says 90 year old Sarah was physically transformed into a young hot babe after God's promise to give her and Abraham a son. I may be being nitpicky, as this book is hardly a work of academic theology, but still, such things annoy me and make me wish Christian writers of talent would treat the scriptures with a little more care.
That said, Viola is a writer of talent. He is engaging, thoughtful, creative, and concise in his expressions. He is also saying something worth saying. Viola traces God's purpose for creation and humanity through the whole story of Israel's history up to the coming of Christ and projects into the future speculating as to what God is up to, discounting none of the revelation of the future without assuming that revelation is complete or that we fully understand it.
Worth the read, though with a bit of filtering for exegetic license.
That said, Viola is a writer of talent. He is engaging, thoughtful, creative, and concise in his expressions. He is also saying something worth saying. Viola traces God's purpose for creation and humanity through the whole story of Israel's history up to the coming of Christ and projects into the future speculating as to what God is up to, discounting none of the revelation of the future without assuming that revelation is complete or that we fully understand it.
Worth the read, though with a bit of filtering for exegetic license.
September 7, 2020
Viola is powerfully enthusiastic about the insights he shares in this book, but I I found the enthusiasm a bit too strong and some of the metaphors overdone. It’s an emotional book, and I lean toward more of a reasoned approach to theology, at least at this stage of my journey. I don’t want to overstate this, but I came away with the strong impression that Viola somewhat dismisses the pursuit of reasoned theology, apologetics, and even “organized religion.” But many need just those approaches. If you, as I, are at a different stage in your faith journey I don’t recommend this book for you. It garners two stars from me largely on the final chapter.
July 30, 2012
This is a modern day masterpiece. The writing style is powerful and the message is one that we rarely hear today. I've been studying the Bible for many years and almost every page was an "aha" moment where I discovered a new insight. The book connects the dots of Scripture into a beautiful sweeping narrative. I bought the book because of the endorsements from the top missional leaders today http://www.FromEternitytoHere.org
"From Eternity to Here" is a modern day classic.
"From Eternity to Here" is a modern day classic.
April 7, 2013
This for me had a deep affect on my life, I cannot but highly recommend this book to everyone whether you're Christian or not. It will challenge some people, but it really is scriptural. And, it's well written.
June 13, 2013
Viola always rattles me with a solid foundation and well built explanation.
His writings have filled in the dots for many answers I have sought for in Scripture.
Thank you Mr. Viola for pointing to Jesus, instead of a system of beliefs.
His writings have filled in the dots for many answers I have sought for in Scripture.
Thank you Mr. Viola for pointing to Jesus, instead of a system of beliefs.
April 14, 2014
I found this book eye opening in the way he expresses us in Christ, a concept I have always believed, but never saw such depth in. Each thought took a familiar concept, the bride, the house, the family, and made it into a flowing life in Christ.
March 24, 2010
The "big picture" on God's purpose (as if He needed one!) Excellent summation of the Bible and all its themes. Viola's Magnum Opus!
May 7, 2010
already read this once last year sometime, excellent handling of what the church could really be like, given a fresh approach to how God sees His church.
September 18, 2013
I appreciated the way that Viola wrote the same story three ways. I thought it improved the understanding to have it presented for different perspectives.
Read
July 16, 2012This book is a must read for any true believer the God of bible.I could not put it down , it lines up with scripture.
August 12, 2016
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, this is one of those books that may actually be life-changing.
April 4, 2013
I am amazed at the depth of wisdom displayed in this book.Frank Viola writes like he plays with words and above portrays Jesus Christ in a manner that a baby would fall in love with.
May 19, 2013
If you want to grow as a Christian, this book is a must read!! Wow!!
September 27, 2025
I just finished this book for the second time! Excellent book!
May 1, 2018
Viola's work is a passionate call for Christians to root their spiritual experience in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout the book, the writer is challenging pseudo-practices that rely on our intellect, moral resolve our commitment. He openly shares his faith journey through revivalist thinking, charismatic foci, theological formation, worship centered thinking and eschatological fixation as he pleads for a more holistic focus on the love between the Church and her bridegroom Jesus.
I found many of his Scripture insights in the second half of the book to be thought provoking and enriching. That said, I was not as embracing of how typology was used frequently (particularly in the first main section). Some of his points seemed pushed or too reliant on contemporary perspectives.
The strengths of this book are: the obvious love that the author has for Jesus and the Church, the way the book consistently calls us back to abiding in Jesus and the abundance of Scriptural/theological references which add a gravitas to the overall message. For this reason, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a more relational faith rooted in Jesus and not simply a tradition laced understanding of the Christian life.
My cautions are that while the modern call to abandon nominal faith and return to intimacy with Jesus is vital, there are times when the book de-emphasizes the necessary intellectual framework upon which that relationship is based. This work is a corrective message so the overemphasis is understandable, however, calling people to love Jesus is calling them to love His nature, His attributes, His moral demands, etc. While the author does not dispute this at all but there are times when his passionate call may lead the reader to abandon theological reflection in the pursuit of an experience with Jesus. It is each disciple's responsibility to allow truth to form our understanding of the Jesus whom we love. Experience must run through the grid of biblical truth. I believe Viola whole heartedly endorses this but I'm not sure it is consistently stated (particularly in the last chapter).
I walk away from this reading with a lot of quotes that have entered my journal ponderings so it is worthy of taking up and seeing what God would say to you.
I found many of his Scripture insights in the second half of the book to be thought provoking and enriching. That said, I was not as embracing of how typology was used frequently (particularly in the first main section). Some of his points seemed pushed or too reliant on contemporary perspectives.
The strengths of this book are: the obvious love that the author has for Jesus and the Church, the way the book consistently calls us back to abiding in Jesus and the abundance of Scriptural/theological references which add a gravitas to the overall message. For this reason, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a more relational faith rooted in Jesus and not simply a tradition laced understanding of the Christian life.
My cautions are that while the modern call to abandon nominal faith and return to intimacy with Jesus is vital, there are times when the book de-emphasizes the necessary intellectual framework upon which that relationship is based. This work is a corrective message so the overemphasis is understandable, however, calling people to love Jesus is calling them to love His nature, His attributes, His moral demands, etc. While the author does not dispute this at all but there are times when his passionate call may lead the reader to abandon theological reflection in the pursuit of an experience with Jesus. It is each disciple's responsibility to allow truth to form our understanding of the Jesus whom we love. Experience must run through the grid of biblical truth. I believe Viola whole heartedly endorses this but I'm not sure it is consistently stated (particularly in the last chapter).
I walk away from this reading with a lot of quotes that have entered my journal ponderings so it is worthy of taking up and seeing what God would say to you.
September 2, 2020
I have been reading Frank Viola's books for the last 20 years. God's Favorite Place On Earth is one of my favorite books of all time. So I obviously like the writer.
I have owned this book for some time, but just didn't feel like it was time to pick it up. I found that I was reading From Eternity To Here at just the right time for me. God put it in my peripheral at just the time I would need it most. I have heard Frank speak on some of these topics in the past, but this brought a much more concise and easier to explain approach to them. Small Caveat: I have never had this experience before with a favorite author, but I actually struggle with his vocal delivery. It's strange because I resonate deeply with his writing. I think the style is different and I just connect so much more with his writing.
But back to the book at hand, all I can say is I love it. My spirit resonates so deeply with this perspective. I often feel like religion gives us a watered down version and small scope view of God. But the Jesus I know is infinite. He can't be put in a box and His reach is so much deeper than what religion offers us. Without spoiling it, I believe the perspective Frank shares is much closer to the story God was and is writing. I love all the intricacies of how we are connected and how you can see from the very beginning this was His intent. All of the beautiful parallels between scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and in between bring new life and fuller perspective to things I know in my heart are true and right. I feel there are some small connections that I believe are a little far reaching and I am not sure I agree with it in its entirety, but the big picture concepts of bride, home, body, and family resonate deeply with me.
In my own time with God, I was so moved that the same longings He carries He has placed in me. We share a longing for a home and a family! And I was written into Him from the very beginning. These are deep, beautiful treasures for my heart. Thank you Frank for this important work. It's a perspective the world is crying out for!
Oh and in case you're wondering . . . I highly recommend you read the book!
I have owned this book for some time, but just didn't feel like it was time to pick it up. I found that I was reading From Eternity To Here at just the right time for me. God put it in my peripheral at just the time I would need it most. I have heard Frank speak on some of these topics in the past, but this brought a much more concise and easier to explain approach to them. Small Caveat: I have never had this experience before with a favorite author, but I actually struggle with his vocal delivery. It's strange because I resonate deeply with his writing. I think the style is different and I just connect so much more with his writing.
But back to the book at hand, all I can say is I love it. My spirit resonates so deeply with this perspective. I often feel like religion gives us a watered down version and small scope view of God. But the Jesus I know is infinite. He can't be put in a box and His reach is so much deeper than what religion offers us. Without spoiling it, I believe the perspective Frank shares is much closer to the story God was and is writing. I love all the intricacies of how we are connected and how you can see from the very beginning this was His intent. All of the beautiful parallels between scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and in between bring new life and fuller perspective to things I know in my heart are true and right. I feel there are some small connections that I believe are a little far reaching and I am not sure I agree with it in its entirety, but the big picture concepts of bride, home, body, and family resonate deeply with me.
In my own time with God, I was so moved that the same longings He carries He has placed in me. We share a longing for a home and a family! And I was written into Him from the very beginning. These are deep, beautiful treasures for my heart. Thank you Frank for this important work. It's a perspective the world is crying out for!
Oh and in case you're wondering . . . I highly recommend you read the book!
December 15, 2025
"From Eternity to Here" by Frank Viola is a sweeping, imaginative exploration of God’s eternal purpose that reads more like an epic love story than a typical theology book. It draws the reader into a grand narrative that stretches from before creation into the future, centering everything on Christ and His church.
Viola’s central claim is that Scripture tells one cohesive story: God’s passionate pursuit of a bride for His Son, a dwelling place for His presence, and a new humanity that expresses His life together on earth. Each of these themes is traced from Genesis to Revelation, giving readers a bigger, more God-centered vision of salvation and the church. The book does not merely explain doctrines; it re-frames the entire Christian life around God’s “ageless purpose” rather than our individual needs and projects. (The book of Ephesians calls it "the eternal purpose.")
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Viola weaves biblical images and narratives together in a way that is both accessible and deeply stirring, often causing familiar passages to land with fresh force. The tone is devotional as well as theological, so readers are not just informed about God’s purpose but invited to encounter the love of Christ in a more experiential way.
"From Eternity to Here" has the potential to recalibrate a believer’s understanding of church from a weekly event to a living, corporate expression of Christ on earth. It challenges consumer Christianity and individualistic spirituality by presenting the church as central to God’s heart, not a religious add-on. Readers who engage this book with an open Bible and a humble heart may find their priorities, affections, and view of God’s people profoundly realigned.
The content of this book is fresh and unique and doesn't draw on any contemporary authors. Original, I'd say, in may respects, but biblically faithful and theologically sound. Highly recommended.
Viola’s central claim is that Scripture tells one cohesive story: God’s passionate pursuit of a bride for His Son, a dwelling place for His presence, and a new humanity that expresses His life together on earth. Each of these themes is traced from Genesis to Revelation, giving readers a bigger, more God-centered vision of salvation and the church. The book does not merely explain doctrines; it re-frames the entire Christian life around God’s “ageless purpose” rather than our individual needs and projects. (The book of Ephesians calls it "the eternal purpose.")
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Viola weaves biblical images and narratives together in a way that is both accessible and deeply stirring, often causing familiar passages to land with fresh force. The tone is devotional as well as theological, so readers are not just informed about God’s purpose but invited to encounter the love of Christ in a more experiential way.
"From Eternity to Here" has the potential to recalibrate a believer’s understanding of church from a weekly event to a living, corporate expression of Christ on earth. It challenges consumer Christianity and individualistic spirituality by presenting the church as central to God’s heart, not a religious add-on. Readers who engage this book with an open Bible and a humble heart may find their priorities, affections, and view of God’s people profoundly realigned.
The content of this book is fresh and unique and doesn't draw on any contemporary authors. Original, I'd say, in may respects, but biblically faithful and theologically sound. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2024
"From Eternity to Here" by Frank Viola is a profound and inspiring exploration of God's eternal purpose and the church's role within it. Viola masterfully weaves together biblical narratives and theological insights to create a compelling vision of God's ultimate plan for humanity. The book's engaging style and deep spiritual insights make it accessible to both new believers and seasoned Christians alike. Viola's ability to distill complex theological concepts into understandable and relatable terms is truly remarkable, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of God's overarching narrative.
One of the most striking aspects of "From Eternity to Here" is its focus on the church as the bride of Christ. Viola eloquently describes the intimate and passionate love story between God and His people, drawing readers into a deeper appreciation of their identity and purpose as part of the body of Christ. The vivid imagery and scriptural backing provided by Viola breathe new life into familiar biblical themes, helping readers to see the church's role in God's eternal plan with fresh eyes. This perspective is both uplifting and motivating, encouraging believers to embrace their calling with renewed fervor.
Viola's writing is not only theologically rich but also deeply personal and practical. He challenges readers to move beyond a superficial understanding of Christianity and to engage fully with God's purpose for their lives. The book is filled with thought-provoking questions and practical applications, making it an excellent choice for both personal reflection and group study. Overall, "From Eternity to Here" is a beautifully written and spiritually enriching book that invites readers to discover and embrace their place in God's eternal story.
One of the most striking aspects of "From Eternity to Here" is its focus on the church as the bride of Christ. Viola eloquently describes the intimate and passionate love story between God and His people, drawing readers into a deeper appreciation of their identity and purpose as part of the body of Christ. The vivid imagery and scriptural backing provided by Viola breathe new life into familiar biblical themes, helping readers to see the church's role in God's eternal plan with fresh eyes. This perspective is both uplifting and motivating, encouraging believers to embrace their calling with renewed fervor.
Viola's writing is not only theologically rich but also deeply personal and practical. He challenges readers to move beyond a superficial understanding of Christianity and to engage fully with God's purpose for their lives. The book is filled with thought-provoking questions and practical applications, making it an excellent choice for both personal reflection and group study. Overall, "From Eternity to Here" is a beautifully written and spiritually enriching book that invites readers to discover and embrace their place in God's eternal story.
November 5, 2019
Frank Viola gives a lot to think about in this book. I learned a lot about God's plan for a bride and the house of God. I especially appreciate his emphasis on the church being all about Christ. This emphasis is sorely needed in the church, not just in this age but every age.
A part of my typical method with reading this kind of book is to go through Scripture references and see if they fit in context. Though I took six weeks to go through the book, there were simply too many references to accomplish this for them all. Of the ones I did, sometimes I did not find Frank's point about the reference at all inherent in the text. A few times I thought he made his point too strongly, as I thought of exceptions. I ended up with the feeling he may have a tendency to overstate his case. However, Frank Viola has plenty of passages included that make his main points and From Eternity to Here is well worth the read.
I did feel the book could use more illustrations and stories to help the reader understand, drive these things home, and maintain interest.
A part of my typical method with reading this kind of book is to go through Scripture references and see if they fit in context. Though I took six weeks to go through the book, there were simply too many references to accomplish this for them all. Of the ones I did, sometimes I did not find Frank's point about the reference at all inherent in the text. A few times I thought he made his point too strongly, as I thought of exceptions. I ended up with the feeling he may have a tendency to overstate his case. However, Frank Viola has plenty of passages included that make his main points and From Eternity to Here is well worth the read.
I did feel the book could use more illustrations and stories to help the reader understand, drive these things home, and maintain interest.
June 13, 2021
As much as I appreciate the systematic way in which Viola writes this book, I have fundamental disagreements with his theology. I almost stopped reading in the first chapter but decided to finish it to consider his reasoning.
I won't go into a summary of all his points but will only give my disagreement: In elevating the Church to being God's ageless purpose, he makes an all-sufficient, triune God not sufficient enough in himself. While believers are partakers of the divine nature, called into his family, and “spotless by the blood of the lamb,” theologically I can't elevate the church to being in the same position as the three persons of the Trinity.
I want to be careful in how I word my review as these are secondary issues. I read this book because a dear friend totally agrees and said it was life changing for her, and I look forward to discussing it with her!
I won't go into a summary of all his points but will only give my disagreement: In elevating the Church to being God's ageless purpose, he makes an all-sufficient, triune God not sufficient enough in himself. While believers are partakers of the divine nature, called into his family, and “spotless by the blood of the lamb,” theologically I can't elevate the church to being in the same position as the three persons of the Trinity.
I want to be careful in how I word my review as these are secondary issues. I read this book because a dear friend totally agrees and said it was life changing for her, and I look forward to discussing it with her!
January 6, 2023
Viola paints a beautiful and stunning picture of what God desires and has been purposing from before the foundation of the world.
Picking up themes that run through the scriptures in Viola the book is divided into three parts:
1) The bride of Christ
2) The house of God
3) The body of Christ and the family of God
These are of course pictures and metaphors used for the Church in the new testament, and for anyone who is interested in seeing these themes brought out in colour (so to speak) I highly recommend this book.
Picking up themes that run through the scriptures in Viola the book is divided into three parts:
1) The bride of Christ
2) The house of God
3) The body of Christ and the family of God
These are of course pictures and metaphors used for the Church in the new testament, and for anyone who is interested in seeing these themes brought out in colour (so to speak) I highly recommend this book.
March 2, 2018
Changed me - will keep changing me!
Several times as I read, my conservative Baptist training shouted, "NO!!!" But somewhere in my spirit I felt things quietly say, "yes... That finally makes sense," That's kind of a hallmark of Viola's work for many readers, I suspect. Don't read this unless you're ready for the challenge it will lay in you. Face the challenge and free your heart again....
Several times as I read, my conservative Baptist training shouted, "NO!!!" But somewhere in my spirit I felt things quietly say, "yes... That finally makes sense," That's kind of a hallmark of Viola's work for many readers, I suspect. Don't read this unless you're ready for the challenge it will lay in you. Face the challenge and free your heart again....
January 18, 2018
Very thought provoking! This book may challenge some of your previous thinking & your beliefs. Be ready to either accept what Frank.Viola is is expressing or toss them out all together.
However, I am so thankful to have read this. In fact, after reading it the first time, I am now re-reading it. I hope on enjoy it as much as I did, and still do. May God Bless you as you read it.
However, I am so thankful to have read this. In fact, after reading it the first time, I am now re-reading it. I hope on enjoy it as much as I did, and still do. May God Bless you as you read it.
January 25, 2023
Out of the three Viola books I’ve read, Pagan Christianity is #1, Reimagining Church is #2, and this would be #6. He belabors his analogy. His historical fiction account of Mary Magdalene is troublesome, especially since Viola is usually very careful with his exegesis. I didn’t care for it. But i have a few more of his to read & hopefully they’re better than this one.
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