Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches about Life to Come

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Most of what I loved in Heaven On Earth came from quotes by other guys and the scripture he cites, so that's a sign that maybe I didn't completely embrace what he wrote.Thomas holds some different views on eschatology than I do, but that's not really a big deal. He takes definitive stances on things that I don't agree you can take. But again, not really my problem with the book. He cites Scripture thoroughly and appeals to the authority of the Word, and not his opinions or experiences. Just stop and consider how refreshingly rare that is these days.As a general, "think-about-heaven-and-worship-God" book Thomas does a great job. He tackles topics like the "rapture" event, the new heavens and the new earth, what our transformed bodies will look like, and even what immediately happens when Jesus returns. All good to think about.He also spends some considerable time thinking about whether dogs will be in heaven. Yes, dogs. He spends A LOT of time arguing that they will.Like this quote:"It is often suggested that the reason why dogs (or any other non-human life) are not in heaven is because they do not have souls. As we saw earlier, this line of reasoning is altogether misguided. It displays a Greek or Platonic understanding of soul rather than a biblical one. What distinguishes human beings from other life forms in the opening chapter of the Bible is not the possession (or lack of) a soul. It is the fact that human beings are made in the “image of God” (Gen. 1:27)."...or this one from the closing paragraphs..."In its final form, heaven is a new earth. Mountains, oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, sandy beaches, birds, fish, animals of every kind. And dogs. Sweet dogs to play and run with! All God’s creation now restored. For us to explore and investigate and try to understand. That means science, and travel, and composition, and art, and music, and poetry; all that is pure and lovely and good. New talents to learn (I do hope so). New experiences to enjoy."All things considered it's a decent read if you're interested in what the Bible teaches about last things. If you're interested in whether dogs go to heaven, then WOW, will you love this book.

This book brought me such comfort, after my husband went home to be with the Lord! It helped me keep the right focus, and anticipate heaven for myself as well! Loved it so much I bought a copy for each of our adult children. This will be my gift instead of a sympathy card from now on! Extremely encouraging, biblically sound and very easy to read!!!! Your heart will be lighter, from reading this book!

What I liked most about this book is that it's carefully written, solidly tethered to the texts of Scripture the author's dealing with. It's also a clearly-written (if brief) treatment of what is revealed in the Bible about Heaven. There's no speculation (except when he’s honest enough to tell you when he is...); it's all right there in the texts of Scripture and explained well by Dr. Thomas. I'd call it a "primer" on heaven written by someone who desires to communicate effectively in a simple yet profound way what the Bible tells us about our final, eternal destination. Having said that, let me encourage whoever is reading this book to also read in in tandem with John Elderedge's book "All Things New". Eldredge's book is more focused on "the new heavens and the new earth" aspect of where Christians will spend eternity. It's written in a more imaginative way, AND it’s more speculative and less theocentric than Derek's book, but still an engaging, emotive companion volume to Derek's warm and more cerebral book. Buy both; give both away. We need the hope both books bring to us -- especially during these days!

Derek Thomas walks us through passages of the Scriptures dealing with the new heavens and the new earth. He answers practical questions along the way such as: will dogs be in heaven? He answers with a joyful: "yes." At the end, after reading the book, my heart longed to be with God and his people forever in paradise.

The book helps you to imagine biblically what heaven would be like, and what life in the eternal state can be like.

This is a book every believer needs to read. It is will encourage your heart to be “steadfast, unmoved, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that our work is not in vain- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Have doubts about the eventual heaven on earth promise to us from God. This book will increase your confidence.

Throughness of thought, tired to the Bible.

A good little book focusing on the truths of heaven. Perhaps he oversteps a little in some instances into presumption.