I loved Heaven. I bought your book for my mother who was not saved and through the witness of that book and some fine people at a local church, she came to Christ. Heaven has helped her tremendously. She was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and had a lot of very wrong ideas about what the Lord has in store for us. Thank you for putting the cookies on the bottom shelf. It’s been a tremendous blessing in our lives. — J. J.
My mother died recently. My training in seminary was so limited relative to knowledge about the intermediate Heaven. Heaven by Dr. Alcorn is like standing beneath a heavenly waterfall and becoming spiritually refreshed during my grieving process. Thank you for lifting me to a new paradigm of hope in Jesus Christ. — T. S.
Heaven has literally changed the way I look at so many things. God is so much bigger in my mind now-and life is much less scary. — B. R.
When a dear friend suddenly lost her beloved husband last year in a car accident, your book Heaven was the first thing I sent her, along with the child’s version to her little grandson. I felt blessed to be able to share this comfort with her, believing, though grieving heart. — J. E.
Three weeks ago my husband bought the book Heaven. One week later he ended up in the hospital with aggressive cancer in his liver and lungs. As we were standing around his bed, I mentioned that I was looking to see how much of the book he had read. He never got past the first page. I said, “Perhaps God knew you never had to read it because in a few days you would be experiencing it.” He nodded his head and said, “It is exquisite.” When I asked him if we are all crying and sad over him being there and he had a chance to come back for just a short time, would he? He shook his head and said, “NO WAY!” He also told his oldest grandson that God gave him a glimpse of Heaven while he was in the hospital. He was a godly man and loved missions and supported them when he didn’t have much for himself but we are rejoicing he is with the Lord even if it leaves a huge hole in our family. He has been there one week tomorrow. — C. B.
Today is the 4th anniversary of my youngest son's sudden death. It has been quite a journey and I just wanted Randy to know how much Heaven has meant to me. Someone gave my family that book at our son's memorial service and I read it continually for many months. God used Heaven to enlighten me to the real future and hope that awaits believers. We are now giving a copy of Heaven (3 so far) to those who God has put in our path who also need to hear the truth. Thank you for ministering to me and my family at a time of great sorrow and loss. I now read Heaven each anniversary and continue to be blessed by it. May God richly bless you and your ministry. - L. J.
I lost my only son recently in a tragic accident. My sorrow was so unbearable until my pastor told me to read your book Heaven. I am not done reading it, but I am already gaining comfort from your book. So many friends tried to comfort me, but they couldn't. It is your Scripture-based insight that helps me feel a connection with my son. I want to know what his life is like now, as mothers usually do. Many Christians and pastors were unable to satisfy my thirst of knowing Heaven. Thank you for your work that really helped a heartbroken mother. - T. C.
I lost my husband to cancer after a year of treatments. Yes, friends prayed for healing. I prayed for healing, a complete cure, then for the skills of the doctors, and finally, for peace for us. More importantly, I was praying for his salvation. He was a wonderful man, but he had no belief system. Last year when he was diagnosed, the specialists felt his time was very limited. We had an additional eight months more than they anticipated, and my husband did come to believe in those last months. Having that prayer answered outweighed physical healing!
Friends openly praying over my husband for complete healing when he was obviously losing ground, was troubling for us both...for me because I cared more about his soul, and for him because it was obvious that he was reaching the end of his days and a New Testament miracle was not likely to be in our future. I wanted them to pray for his soul!
Incidentally, it was my study of Heaven through Randy’s books and audio books that gave me the background and material to present the possibilities to my husband—possibilities that ultimately led to his acceptance of Christ. We will be eternally grateful for that! — F.
The Heaven book was a turning point in my Christian walk. It has revolutionized the way I look at this pilgrimage on Earth. I see the world with new eyes, awaiting the resurrection of my body and the world I'll dwell in forever with my Lord who loved me and died for me. You have given me a true gift and it will make the rest of my journey a more joyful one as I make my way home! – S. G.
I began reading the Heaven book in early August and finished just after midnight on New Year’s Eve. I purposely read the book slowly because there was so much to absorb and I really did not want it to end! It is by far the best book (other than the Bible) that I have ever read and it has given me the most hope and joy I have known along with confirming many things I have felt since I was 5 years old! (I'm 54 now) My husband is now reading it and I know that copy will be in his hands for a long time.
Your book Heaven is the best book I have ever read! I read a lot, but this book was the best. I am a Christian and believe what you believe, but this book made me long for the day when I too will go home. Everything you said made total sense and it's based on the Bible. I thank you so much for writing it, and since my husband passed away recently, you have helped me so much because I wanted to know what he might be doing now and what it is like there. I gave two of the Heaven books as gifts to others, so they can have the same joy as me. Thank you so much. – Anonymous
My wife recently went to Heaven and I just want to tell you how much Heaven meant to us, especially during the final days of her life here. Frankly, I’m saddened by how little I understood about Heaven even though I’ve been a follower of Christ for 31 years. — P. R.
Two years ago a new co-worker of mine lost her 16-year-old son in an automobile accident. Searching at my local Christian bookstore for something to comfort her, I found Heaven. She was not a believer, and I came to find out she had many unresolved issues with her mother’s death from years before. She found a complete new faith in Heaven, and I bought the book for myself as well. I watched every day at work as she transformed from gloom-and-doom to “tell me about the Bible.”
I just finished your book Heaven. I found out about your book from my Grandpa. He passed away in November, and I have no doubt that he is with the Lord! I know he was looking forward to Heaven as he was the last survivor of everyone in his generation and even one of his own children. Grandpa would’ve been 98 in March. We often talked about Heaven, and he was even more excited about it after finishing your book. As a golfer, he was delighted with the prospect of playing golf with Payne Stewart! He would call his pastor frequently to talk about your book.
His pastor and I are very good friends. He respected Grandpa very much and was happy to officiate the memorial service. The night before the service, he and I went to get a copy of your book because he wanted to use it as part of the service. I thought, “What the heck, I might as well grab one and see what Grandpa was so excited about.”
Much of your book deals with many of the misguided lessons taught to congregations and validates much of what I’ve learned over the past few years. I’m sorry to say that I was one of the folks who was clueless about Heaven from a biblical perspective. I am a firm believer at taking God at His word. I appreciate how well you supported your ideas scripturally, and I also appreciate how you supported your opinion without being dogmatic about an issue, like millennialism. My impression of Heaven changed dramatically after reading your book. — T. S. I was at a good friend’s home and they had a copy of your book Heaven on their coffee table, which I picked up (being a good book fan) and started reading. I couldn’t believe what I was reading, but I knew I had to get a copy, and after getting one, I started reading it. I normally am a pretty fast reader, but not this time. I read it very slowly and checked your Scripture references thoroughly. I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence with me as I read it and re-read many passages. As his children, to think and meditate on our future home—wow is all I can say. I can’t wait to go, whenever the Lord calls me home. One thing I hope the Lord will permit me to do is to go on a grand tour of His universe, without the hindrances of what is involved today with space travel. Like you, I enjoy the water and oceans and have scuba dived. Maybe we’ll be able to do what you described in your book in the New Earth’s oceans and fresh water—who knows. Thanks again for writing such a beautiful account of what it might be like when we get there. — P. L.
This book helped answer so many questions after my Mother passed on. It has helped everyone in my family that has read it. It was a gift from a dear friend, and it turned out to be one of the best books anyone could have ever given me. When your grief is overwhelming, this book helps find comfort knowing that the answers you find are based on the Bible. — D. S. I have recently read Randy’s book Heaven for the fourth time. It has totally changed my perspective and has given me so much hope! It is so very impressive since everything is backed up by Scripture. Now I know that no matter what happens on this Earth, I have the consolation of the reality of Heaven on the New Earth. — J. P.
I’ve been a Christian for almost 13 years, but I’ve sorely misunderstood what is in store for us in the eternal Heaven until recently.
Two weeks ago a friend gave me your book, Heaven. I’m on page 275, and I can’t put it down! I dream about it, talk about, and think about it every day. My past has been hard. My present has many challenges...but I know that my future with our Lord Jesus is truly something to anticipate with joy, thanksgiving, and wonder. I’ve secretly hoped for the very things you’ve shared in your book, but felt that those very truths would be rejected if I told others my thoughts. I now feel free to be openly enthusiastic about what our eternal home with Jesus will be like! I praise God for opening my eyes through His Word and through the wisdom He has given to you in order that you have been able to share it with me. — J. S. Before my son left for Iraq/Afghanistan last month I sent him a box of gifts, including several books. A few days later I called him to make sure they had arrived. He said, “I am fascinated with the book you sent me.” Well, I expected it to be one of the smaller books I had sent! He had received the box the day before and was already halfway through Heaven, quite an impressive feat in itself! I was thrilled, and awed, and so thankful for all those months when you were faithful to obey the Lord and do what it took to write this book. He can rarely communicate from over there, so it is a very real comfort to this mom to know that he gets it, he understands, and can share the truth with his fellow airmen as opportunity arises. What you do matters. Thank you. — Z. W. EPM had the privilege of sending some Heaven books to a woman who uses them to minister to female prisoners at a local prison. She sent us the following story:
One of the ladies at the prison so appreciated the book on Heaven. She has held on to anger over the death of her five-year-old daughter for years, and this anger has brought her to where she is now. When I got to talk with her and share about the death of my daughter and what I knew God had for my daughter, her daughter and for her (if she chose Him), I told her we must be overwhelmed with His love and goodness. She started repenting of her anger while in jail through many Christians who ministered to her and looked to Christ. She is a wonderful testimony of God’s desire to restore us from our pain. (So am I.) The Heaven book will only continue her healing for her daughter and also strengthen her love for Jesus. In the mid 1980s you came to speak at our missionary conference and I was so blessed by your ministry. I am now 74 years old and have been a Christian for almost 50 years and have read many books by well known Christian authors with great profit. Apart from the Bible, Heaven is the most significant book I have ever read. I have read it four times already and I treasure it more than any other book I have. I continue to return to it. — T. B. I spent a number of weeks this past summer studying Heaven with some of my closest Bible Study friends. We all came away from the study with great anticipation towards our eternal home with Jesus. I personally believe this book has helped me, when reading the Bible, to recognize God’s promises for us about the Kingdom of God and our eternal home as it encompasses the New Heavens and the New Earth. This book has done a wonderful job of teaching the truth of God’s Word. — B. M. I’ve read Heaven three times. Each time I read it, I see something new. In July of 2008, I lost somebody that I loved very much. The more I know about Heaven and the reality that we will come back to planet Earth, the more inspired I get about going to Heaven. Although, there are still some aspects that concern me. Thank you for writing the book. — J. S. I feel this is the best book on Heaven. I am reading through it slowly. It is such a blessing, and thank you for all the years of work you have done on your biblical research. I am familiar with most all of the Bible verses if not all of them, and I have many times over my years of reading the Bible caught glimpses spiritually of what you are talking about relating to Heaven, although it is not talked about in churches. This book is a treasure! — D. C.
Outstanding! Finished reading it for the 5th time, and have to say that each time, my spirit says “I can hardly wait.” Guaranteed to make you “homesick” for Heaven—and God. Blows the teachings of a stuffy, spiritual Heaven that I was taught about to shreds—Halleluiah! — J. C.
After reading Heaven, you will see the Bible in a whole new and exciting light. This is a wonderful book that is very encouraging. Of course, you will not agree with everything. But it is so uplifting and life-changing that you are left wondering how you missed these awesome truths in your previous Bible studies. This is a great book to give to someone who has just lost a loved one who was a believer. It is a great book for unbelievers because the Gospel is so clearly presented. It even contains a very sober and important treatise on the doctrine of Hell. Mr. Alcorn has taken great pains to present clear scriptural references for many of his main points. Countless times, I found myself saying “I never saw that before!” There is so much more in the Bible concerning our life in Heaven that most people would ever expect. This is a great book to use as a Sunday evening or mid-week Bible study tool. It will make you want to share your faith even more. Get this book. You won’t regret it. — C. V.
This book Heaven by Randy Alcorn is really an exhaustive research project on all biblical references to Heaven. The author does a good job of pointing out the false thoughts and statements about Heaven that permeate society, some of which have been around for a long time. He also paints Heaven in such a great way, helping the reader to realize what an amazingly beautiful and wonderful place it will be. He also teaches how our life here on Earth (for those who put their trust in Christ) is preparation for our eternity in Heaven. Reading this book really helps the Christ follower get excited for eternity. It also may help those who have not yet put their faith in Christ, to learn more about that, so that they too will be able to spend their eternity in the unbelievably wonderful Heaven God is creating. — D. B.
This book explains many of the mysteries and unbeliefs of the general population. It should be required reading and is completely balanced with Scripture. All of us should be aware that there is not only a Heaven, but there is also a Hell and we each must do everything we can to avoid going there by default. It explains how we must know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior in order to enjoy the wonders and perfection of Eternal Life. I wish I had known about it many years ago. It would make a great Christmas gift. — N. B.
This book was a real eye-opener for me. It’s one I want to read again and again because there is so much to absorb. Absolutely fascinating! — I. G.
It is amazing how little we consider the topic of Heaven. We are so tied up in earthly cares and concerns that we do not spend the time to consider the specifics of our eternal destination. In this regard, Randy Alcorn has put together a tremendous book on the subject that is both well researched in terms of biblical truth and well thought out in terms of the challenges and distractions that we each face. I strongly urge you to buy this book. It will help you focus your life differently. It will help you to do what we are commanded in Colossians 3:1-2 ... “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Read it, learn it, know it—you won’t regret it!” — C. F.
Randy Alcorn did a superb job of painting a potentially realistic picture of Heaven. He used numerous Scriptural references as well as his imagination, to come up with his descriptions of what may very well be what Heaven will be like for believers. I recommend it highly as a book that can encourage us in our daily lives and comfort us as we face the death of loved ones and our own immortality. — J. N.
Alcorn has written a terrific book on the topic of Heaven. One of the wonderful experiences when reading Heaven was that I felt my understanding about Heaven and life after death being challenged. Heaven gave me an opportunity to rethink my understanding and interpretation in the Scriptures on this particular topic. Alcorn has made some sound exegesis and used some very good examples from the Scriptures to support his view and argument. Alcorn mindfully explains and elaborates his point of view on Heaven. Alcorn is able to turn Heaven as described in the Scriptures into a 3 dimensional picture allowing his audience to visualize what the actual life of Heaven will possibly be like. He makes Heaven a very interesting topic to think about. Alcorn has great insight into the topic of Heaven and his effort in putting this book together should be acknowledged. However, it is also true and fair to say that many of Alcorn’s views on Heaven are speculations and personal opinions. It needs to be read with cautions and tested with the golden standard, the Bible. I have to say Heaven is indeed a worth reading and definitely inspiring book to read. — K. H. I have attended evangelical churches all my life, and even graduated from Moody Bible Institute. Yet I do not recall the truths of Heaven ever being presented as clearly as you did in your book, Heaven. I've heard of the "New Heavens and New Earth" many times, but never really understood much about it. Nor do I recall ever hearing of the "Intermediate Heaven." Thank you so much for your wonderful treatment of a subject about which, sadly, Christians are ignorant. I too was part of that group until I read your book. To paraphrase the quote on the dust cover, "I can now imagine what Heaven will be like." — E. C.
