Fear Not!: Death and the Afterlife from a Christian Perspective

‘Most people, even Christians, live in a state of semi-denial about death. We hesitate to say a dearly loved relative or friend “died.” We prefer to say she “passed away” or she “went to be with the Lord.” Even unbelievers who assume that everyone ends up in Heaven are known to say something such as “he’s gone to a better place.” ‘We, however, do not have to live in ignorance about life after death for either believers or unbelievers. God’s Word, the Bible, tells us everything we need to know. It doesn’t tell us everything we might want to know, but it tells us everything God wants us to know—which means everything we need to know for our instruction and comfort. And then God has provided ministers to mine His Word for its truths and teach them to the rest of us. ‘Such a man is J. Ligon Duncan, who is both a scholar and a pastor. With a scholar’s mind and a pastor’s heart, Dr. Duncan has given to us the excellent book, Fear Not, which covers extensively all aspects of death, including what happens to believers immediately after death, the resurrection, the final judgment and then the eternal state. Along the way, he sheds helpful light on several troublesome passages, especially concerning the final Day of Judgment. This is a book to inform and encourage every Christian. All of us will be edified by its pages. It is my pleasure to commend it to every Christian reader.’ Jerry Bridges