Acknowledgments
What Does the Bible
Really Say About Hell?


Without the suggestions, constructive criticisms, and encouragement offered to me by the following persons, this book would not have been written. However, I am not saying that these friends are in full agreement with me about the conclusions of this study. In fact, I was warned by some that I must be prepared for a negative response from many. I appreciated their concern yet remain hopeful of some positive feedback as well.

First I want to pay tribute to my uncle, Peter Dyck, pastor, author, scholar, and one whose major contribution has been directing the Mennonite Central Committee in relief operations and refugee resettlement. Having seen enough of hell in the war-torn areas of Europe he was not necessarily enthused about my topic but provided very helpful guidance.

Reverend Wesley Nelson, well known to the Covenant Church family, is a popular teacher, preacher, and mentor to many of our pastors, including me. His friendship and advice has always been much appreciated, including some ideas for this book.

Dr. Klyne Snodgrass, professor of New Testament Studies at North Park Theological Seminary, gave my first draft a thorough and very helpful critique. This caused me to rewrite much of it, producing, I trust, a more biblically consistent treatment of the subject.

In a similar way, Dr. Robert K. Johnston, professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, provided insights for improving the text. His affirmation of “God’s YES is always bigger than his NO,” became a clinching theme for my book.

One of the hardest workers with the most tedious job was my gracious secretary, Terry Hill. She typed, retyped, and again retyped the manuscript, from my handwritten pages, without a complaint. Always it was done with a smile and the response, “No problem.” After our move from Arizona, Gigi Cobb picked up the computer assignment and did it with equal grace. Many thanks, Terry and Gigi.

I also extend a sincere word of thanks to Jeff Warner for editorial assistance with early versions of the manuscript, and to Barbara Robidoux for her most helpful critique of a later draft.

Finally I want to acknowledge the love and support of my wife, Joyce. Her constant reminder to “keep it light” has kept this text from sinking in the sea of theological jargon, wonderful as that may sound to some of us. Thanks for hanging in there with me, Joyce. “Hell” is not normally something married couples want to share. In this instance, Joyce was a constant reminder of heaven.

There are family members and friends I have not named who also provided encouragement in the writing of this book. For their help I am also very grateful, since God has a way of using all of his children to reveal the varied ingredients of his grace.

I am above all grateful for God’s presence with me throughout this study. Our Lord knows the intent was to understand God’s ways more clearly. God alone knows the degree to which this was achieved. I can testify that my worship of the Savior has deepened. I hope that will also be true for each reader.


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02/01/02