Heaven, How I Got Here – Book Review
Whenever I read the New Testament passages about Jesus’s crucifixion (Luke 23:16-43), I am always fascinated by the story of the two thieves on the cross.
One hardened criminal remains unrepentant for his crimes to the very end. He mocks the Son Of God with his dying breath.
But the penitent thief confesses his sin and asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus responds by saying:
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.
This Easter, if you are looking for a unique story about who Jesus is – why He came – and what He can do for you – then consider reading Heaven, How I Got Here – The Story Of The Thief On The Cross by Colin S. Smith!
Heaven, How I Got Here provides a fictionalized, first-person account of the penitent thief that tells about his life and how he got to heaven. Unlike historical novels where the focus is on the fiction, however, Colin’s emphasis is on weaving theological truths into the book that point the reader to Christ and salvation.
Colin uses the story of the repentant thief to illustrate that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This is what Colin says about the book:
It’s the story of the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus.
The last day of his life was quite extraordinary.
It began in the misery of a prison cell and ended in the joy of heaven.
Someone has said that the thief had breakfast with the devil
And supper with the Savior.
That’s an amazing transformation, and
It shows what Jesus Christ can do for a person in a single day.
Heaven, How I Got Here provides readers with a unique take on a familiar story that is often intense – intense in its imagery – intense in its presentation – intense in its message.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
About Colin S. Smith
Colin S. Smith is Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. His preaching ministry is shared through the daily radio program, Unlocking the Bible and through his website, UnlockingtheBible.org.
Resources
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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What a great book for the Easter season. Thanks for sharing on Literacy Musing Mondays.
Thanks Mary – I thought the concept was creative!
Now this is another book that I am interested in reading. Thanks again. I love books that help me to see historical figures fleshed out. Andy Andrews books are great for this and this sounds like another.