Most people believe that hell is the final state of the condemned following the final judgment. At the same time, many people cannot comprehend why God created hell for the unsaved. Respected church fathers held a variety of views dating back to the early centuries of the church. This book explains views on why hell exists: unending suffering, the annihilation of the unrepentant, and the rehabilitation of the lost. Most Christians are unaware of the scriptural basis for each of these positions. Why Hell? is meant to educate the interested reader without advocating for any one point of view. The following are some of the book's features:
- Biblical vocabulary of hell and positions held throughout early Christian history
- Positive cases presented on three perspectives: traditionalist, conditionalist, and restorationist
- Critiques of each view
- Helpful charts at the back of the book that summarize and cross-examine the arguments for each view
Steve Gregg provides food for thought for both trained theologians and serious Christian readers who want all the data and then consider for themselves the consequences of three Christian perspectives on hell.
Would you be a disciple of Jesus? From the Foreword: 'This book is the second on the subject of the Empire of the Risen Son...As Book One dealt with the Kingdom of God conceptually, this book deals with the Kingdom in practical terms. What does it mean, or require, to be a part of this Kingdom?' ******************** This is not a book, it's a life-changing journey! Within these pages, Dr. Gregg effectively becomes our passionate tour guide through a Royal Empire of cosmic proportions. Page after page will help you appreciate that this kingdom has its own benevolent laws, its own righteous economy, its own victorious foreign policy, and its own holy culture. Dr. Gregg skillfully explains exactly what it means to be a citizen of this divine domain. Personally, I have not read anything to date that does a better job at explaining the Lordship of Christ nor what it means to be His disciple. This must-read will leave you either sorrowful, like the rich young ruler, or you too will find yourself singing the joyful anthem of this Kingdom's Christ! - David Martinez International evangelist and teacher of the Bible Steve Gregg is a national talk-show host, author, and international lecturer on the Bible, theology, and discipleship. He is the author of two previous books published by Thomas Nelson: 'Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary' (1997, 2013) and 'All You Want to Know About Hell: Three Christian Views' (2013). His talk show, 'The Narrow Path,' broadcasts on stations across the USA and is streamed to the internet from the website and mobile app: thenarrowpath.com. His full bio can be found at the website.
Steve Gregg said it best when he wrote, 'Apart from the Kingdom, nothing exists that gives transcendent meaning to world history and human endeavors.' Yet, so few ever take the time to understand the biblical insights that are so profoundly expounded in this book. On every page the author brings deep insight, conviction and clarity about what God's Kingdom work is all about.'-- Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists'Never the intentional provocateur, the author does upset some of the most commonly held perspectives on the Kingdom regardless of the stature or popularity of the scholars who affirm them.'-- Braxton Hunter, President, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, Evansville, IN'This is not an academic treatise written for the theological guild, but it reflects an implicit understanding of major theological interpretations...Steve Gregg's unfolding of God's plan is biblically comprehensive and theologically astute. I not only endorse his explanation, but I share his passion.'-- Dr. Vic Reasoner, Pastor, Author, Professor, Southern Methodist College
This book (and its companion volume) presents the teaching of scripture about the kingdom of God. The book proceeds on the assumption that most readers do not already have a clear concept associated with that term. The book surveys a variety of viewpoints about the kingdom before providing a definition and exposition on what Jesus meant by the use of that term. This book provides a thorough analysis of the kingdom's significance in world history and in our time. It prepares the way for the second book on the topic, which is a practical guide to living in the reality of the kingdom.
