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After DeathAFTER DEATH Several years ago I was asked to give a paper dealing with the doctrine of eternal punishment. I borrowed a copy of the first edition of this book published in 1964 from a friend. It was the most helpful book I consulted. Some friends wrote to the publisher asking if they would do a reprint, but to no avail. Then Wallace Benn put a word in Malcolm Maclean's ear and Christian Focus Publications have been able to produce this second and enlarged edition. I once said, concerning the first edition, that if anyone in my congregation or among colleagues could find me a second-hand copy of the original I would pay gold for it. Christian Focus Publications have saved me a fortune. The book is set out in nine chapters beginning with the Love of God and going on to Immortality. Important questions dealing with the nature of eternal punishment, views of existence after death, the communion of saints, Christian expectation, snapshots of heaven and Jesus Christ our Lord. As can be expected from this author, his chapters are set out very clearly with excellent sub-divisions. It is a most readable book and is accessible even to those who may not be habitual readers. Mr. Motyer disagrees with those who advocate, even tentatively, Conditional Immortality or Annihilationism. He does so graciously and with humility in an exemplary manner. This is a book to read and re-read. It is worth its weight in gold. As the author himself says in his preface: 'I have tried to enter it (the door of opportunity to re-publish this book) with an ambition that has not varied for the last 50 years or more, to discover and explain what the Bible teaches.' It is my opinion that he has succeeded magnificently. The book concludes with indices of Bible references, authors and books, and selected topics, all very helpful. An ideal summer read and a must for every library! David J. Ellis© Evangelicals Now - September 1996 |