A Place Called Heaven by Robert Jeffress

Why read another book on heaven? Jeffress writes, “...the more we think about the next world the more effective we become in this world.” (17) Thinking about heaven reminds us of the brevity of life and the certainty of future judgment. It motivates us to live God pleasing lives and it places suffering in perspective.

There were some aspects of this book that make it a good one to read. Jeffress writes about the present heaven where God resides now and where Christians go when they die. He also writes about the future heaven that Jesus is constructing for us and John described in Revelation. Jeffress says the topic confuses many Christians but he explains it well. I had not thought of these two heavens and I am glad he clarified it for me.

He also writes about the “I went to heaven” experiences. He reminds us that Scripture is our measuring rod for those who make such claims. I really like that he suggests such books might make us think that the Bible does not tell us all we need to know about heaven. Jeffress includes many criteria for evaluation so that we are not taken in by such accounts.

I found his section on what we will be doing in heaven interesting too. For example, he writes about Christians ruling and reigning with Christ. Jeffress writes, “Those who will rule and reign with Christ in the new world will be those who have the desire and ability to rule.” (111) If leadership responsibilities terrify us, we can relax. Chances are we will be working with our hands rather than directing people. (111) Jeffress adds this about leading in heaven, “The single greatest determiner of leadership responsibilities in the next life will be faithfulness to God in this life.” (112) I am still thinking about that.

Jeffress writes about hell too. He is a firm believer in its existence and that it is the destiny of many.

That gives potential readers an idea of what the book is like. Even though I have read many books on heaven, I still found new insights in this one. It is a good book for those who have not read much about heaven too. Many questions about it are answered, based on what the Bible says.

You can find out more about the book and watch a video here. You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of the 13,000 member First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, a Fox News contributor, and a member of the executive committee of the White House Faith Initiative. His daily radio program, Pathway to Victory, is heard on more than 930 stations nationwide, and his weekly television program is seen in the U.S. and nearly 200 countries around the world. He has been interviewed on more than 2,000 radio and television programs.

Baker Books, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.