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.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of theology, spirituality, and Christian literature, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on Chip Ingram and Lance Witt's book, "THE REAL HEAVEN: WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS." Having extensively studied and engaged with theological literature, including the works of prominent pastors and authors, I am well-versed in the subject matter.
The article discusses Chip Ingram's extensive experience of more than twenty-five years as a pastor, author, coach, and teacher. I am familiar with Ingram's background and his significant contributions to helping believers worldwide transform into authentic disciples of Jesus. His passion for guiding individuals to live out God's truth is evident in his long and impactful career.
The article emphasizes the foundational premise of the book, asserting that the one person with authority to speak about Heaven is the One who created it. This aligns with a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's perspective on the afterlife.
Furthermore, the article touches on the prevailing mix of views about Heaven influenced by movies and other books, and the need for clarity amid confusion. Chip Ingram is presented as a guide who cuts through the clutter, offering a simple, clear, practical, and Biblical view of Heaven. This resonates with my understanding of the importance of grounding theological discussions in biblical principles.
Ingram challenges readers to embark on a journey to discover what Heaven is really like, emphasizing three main reasons to study Heaven: addressing misconceptions, following the command to think about Heaven, and avoiding a faulty view that leads to a wasted life on Earth. This aligns with my knowledge of the theological importance of understanding eschatology and its impact on one's perspective, desires, and priorities.
The article underscores the temporary nature of the world and the eternal nature of treasures stored in Heaven. This theological concept aligns with biblical teachings on the impermanence of the material world and the everlasting nature of spiritual treasures.
The connection made between the Garden of Eden and the ultimate New Heaven and New Earth is a theological parallel that underscores the continuity of God's plan throughout history. This perspective aligns with my understanding of biblical theology and the importance of tracing themes across the Scriptures.
The article also highlights the centrality of the Bible in understanding Heaven, emphasizing that everything in the book is based on the belief that the Bible is credible, trustworthy, and accurate. This aligns with a foundational principle in Christian theology that views the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God.
In addition to the book, the article mentions Chip Ingram's website, LivingOnTheEdge.com, as a valuable resource for further readings, videos, and references. This aligns with my awareness of the increasing use of digital platforms by theologians and pastors to extend their teachings beyond traditional mediums.
In conclusion, my expertise in theology and Christian literature enables me to appreciate the depth and significance of the concepts discussed in the article related to Chip Ingram and Lance Witt's book, "THE REAL HEAVEN: WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAYS." The theological insights presented in the article align with a robust understanding of Christian doctrine and biblical teachings.
