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Advance Comment
What Does the
Bible
Really Say About Hell?
"Klassen’s study of what the
Bible says about hell is fruitful in at least three ways.
First, it bears evangelical fruit. The desire to help
people hear as 'good news' the invitation to join the
Christian faith community and to follow Jesus Christ was
central as he began the exploration of this book’s
topic. Second, this book bears theological fruit. An
understanding of God that is 'in harmony with Jesus
Christ' emerges from the perspective he offers (18).
Third, Klassen’s work bears ethical fruit. His
careful weaving together of the biblical teaching that
human deeds are indeed judged with the understanding that
eternal torment 'fails the test of justice' (87, 95)
provides a window through which to better view how God
deals with evil.
"Thus this book resourcefully
speaks to the fundamental questions that quite likely
will draw readers to it, and in the process shows us all
how serious and useful biblical interpretation can be
done."
—Nancy R. Heisey, Associate Professor of Biblical
Studies and Church History at Eastern Mennonite
University and President-Elect, Mennonite World
Conference, in the Responses chapter
"Klassen writes well, the language
is clear, and the central thought moves logically
forward. Not only theologians and pastors but lay people
too will understand what he is saying. . . . I am very
pleased with this manuscript. I hope . . . the book will
have a wide circulation."
—Peter J. Dyck, author, Up from the Rubble; former
pastor and director of Mennonite Central Committee
"The Christian faith proclaims
that God’s ‘Yes’ is bigger than his
‘No.’ It is about God’s continuing grace,
wholly undeserved but lavishly expressed. Why else would
we call ‘Good Friday’ good? In our desire to
help others discover the reality of God’s saving
grace, Christians have sometimes resorted to scare
tactics, to threats and fear. Klassen rightly challenges
such an approach, one that has to often made the
secondary biblical theme of hell a major emphasis in
witness and nurture. Let’s major on the majors!
Klassen’s book helps us do that."
—Robert K. Johnston, Professor of Theology and
Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary
"As always in Klassen’s work,
the note of hope sounds clear and there is logic in the
approach, buttressed by his searching of Scripture. There
is also a boldness about it which is a great gift to the
Church in that he presses the reader to deal with the
issue, however he or she may conclude."
"Randy Klassen is a lover both of
the Triune God and of people. His wrestlings here with
biblical texts and theological interpretations of
judgement and hell are clearly those of a devoted pastor
and ardent evangelist who wants everyone everywhere to
know Jesus Christ as Lord and the hope in him as
Savior."
—Jim Hawkinson, former editor, The Covenant
Companion; Executive Secretary, Covenant Publications
"As a pastor for fifty years, I
find it refreshing to read material on biblical subjects
that have been well-researched and offer new insights
into the Scriptures. We can crystalize in our beliefs and
become hardened to new guidance from the Holy Spirit. Or
a blessing awaits those of uswho humbly yield to
God’s revelations. Klassen’s research is worthy
of our attention, as he strives to show that, even on the
subject of hell, God’s grace is truly amazing."
—Jack Hill, pastor, education evaluator,
linguist, teacher
"I recommend this book. It is
well-documented as an academic work yet accessible to the
average reader. All the arguments are thoroughly
supported by Scripture—as well as the works of other
biblical scholars—yet the language is clear,
concise, and lively Furthermore, the book puts forth a
compassionate and truly Christ-like philosophy of a
Creator who is a loving Father rather than a figure of
vengeful wrath.
"This book would not only be a
worthy addition to current Christian literature but also
serve as a balancing influence in the face of much that
is rigid and narrow-minded."
—Jeff Warner copy editor, Walla Walla,
Washington, Union-Bulletin; former instructor,
English Department, University of Kansas
"Every affirmer of a traditional
hell must contend with Klassen’s statement that
‘there would no victory of God’s love if most
people are left screaming in the flames of hell.’
"Klassen goes on to say that
‘In wanting to declare the folly of rejecting
God’s mercy, the church allowed unbiblical features
to color its portrayal of hell until it became a terrible
distortion of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. By looking again at the Biblical texts and seeing
them in the light of Christ, we are given a view of hell
that points to the execution of divine justice that leads
ultimately to the full realization of God’s will for
all creation." This statement clinched his argument
for me in this reader-friendly, stimulating, biblically
based book.
—Doug Stevens, Director, The Renewal Project
"Is hell real? Klassen has
provided a response to this challenging question in a
manner that steers clear of a pat answer. His careful
exploration of a biblical basis for his own response
provides the reader with an excellent basis for one's own
wrestling with the question. In a day when many view
truth as relevant, regardless of the topic, the author
presents a much needed emphasis on the absolute truth of
God's everlasting love."
—Rev. Evelyn Johnson, Conference Superintendent,
Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant
Church
What Does the Bible Really
Say About Hell? orders:
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