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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.
What Does the Bible Really
Say About Hell? orders:
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