90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

[SOG Superman]

Has anyone read this book? I'm reading it now, and WOW, its amazing so far, It is worth the buy, I urge everyone to read it.

God bless

[head1982]

have heard it from many People but having actually read it, read a review and it sounds fantastic.

do you know if He's related to Pastor John Piper of Bethlem Baptist Church in Minneapolis?

God Bless

[carmen]

I've read it and thought it was very good as well. I generally don't buy these sorts of books because they inevitably end up having a lot of unscriptural content. I picked this one up because....well, I'm not entirely sure WHY I picked it up :lol

At any rate, I didn't find anything unscriptural or outlandish and have recommended it to several others since :):

[SOG Superman]

have heard it from many People but having actually read it, read a review and it sounds fantastic.

do you know if He's related to Pastor John Piper of Bethlem Baptist Church in Minneapolis?

God Bless

No, I don't, might be, cause in the book, he says he has a very large family tree.

[humbleone]

Anyone care to share any of the insights/views he had on Heaven? I have heard of and seen the book but havent read it....

[HiLaReE320]

I loved that book! I went to Books-a-Million one day to just waste some time and ran upon that book and read about 80% of it, especially the parts where he died and went to heaven. I remember getting goosebumps as he described seeing his loved ones in Christ that had passed on and seeing "colors he'd never seen before." I thought that was really amazing and definitely gives us something to look forward to... I don't remember anything being unscriptural in the book. I honestly can't remember if he ever saw Jesus though, did he?? About 2 months ago he was on a local Birmingham radio station and they were interviewing him and he was describing his experience more and he said that while he was there people were singing hymns like Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, and songs like that and said that he just KNEW the words, everyone did, and they just flowed from everyones mouth.

Anyways that's all that I remember about it, I think I read the book about 2 years ago... I would recommend just going to BAM or Barnes and Noble or something and just spend an hour reading the "main" parts..

[JimB]

I read it. It is not even close to the normal type of books I read. But I found it hard to put down and saw nothing contradictory to scripture in it.

[cjones]

I hear about books like this one and always have this thought. I am not aware of anywhere in the Bible where it speaks of somebody who's alive, "dies", gets a glimpse of Heaven, and comes back to tell the world about it.

I try really hard these days to make the Bible my authority in everything. Should we not as Christians be wary of these stories if we can't find scripture to back it up? I know that obviously we can't point to specific scriptures for *everything* in the world that we encounter, but when it has to do with God/Jesus/Heaven/Hell.... I think maybe we *do* need scriptural backing.

What are all of your thoughts on this?

Thanks,

-chris

[head1982]

I hear about books like this one and always have this thought. I am not aware of anywhere in the Bible where it speaks of somebody who's alive, "dies", gets a glimpse of Heaven, and comes back to tell the world about it.

I try really hard these days to make the Bible my authority in everything. Should we not as Christians be wary of these stories if we can't find scripture to back it up? I know that obviously we can't point to specific scriptures for *everything* in the world that we encounter, but when it has to do with God/Jesus/Heaven/Hell.... I think maybe we *do* need scriptural backing.

What are all of your thoughts on this?

Thanks,

-chris

Haven't Read the book, just reviews, and I will have to agree with cjones completely on this.

Near-Death experiences as we hear these days are Unscriptural, and everything that God wanted to tell humanity is in the Scriptures, I believe after reading the Bible that there is no New Revelation, and certainly Don Piper's experience, as powerful as it might be, can't amount, nor replace the descriptions of Heaven in Isaiah, Mathew, Revelations, in the whole Word of God.

I liked this Review by Tim Challies very much, because it argues on this position, that cjones wisely stated.

What I do know is that the Scriptures are wholly sufficient for believers. We do not need to see or experience heaven in this life. Nor should we desire Don Piper’s heaven or to be encouraged by this experience.

You can read the whole review HERE (http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/don-pipers-90-m.php) . It's very good in pointing to other unscriptural things about the book, although he recognizes that Don Piper may have had good intentions in writing but Bad theology.

[JimB]

I hear about books like this one and always have this thought. I am not aware of anywhere in the Bible where it speaks of somebody who's alive, "dies", gets a glimpse of Heaven, and comes back to tell the world about it.

I try really hard these days to make the Bible my authority in everything. Should we not as Christians be wary of these stories if we can't find scripture to back it up? I know that obviously we can't point to specific scriptures for *everything* in the world that we encounter, but when it has to do with God/Jesus/Heaven/Hell.... I think maybe we *do* need scriptural backing.

What are all of your thoughts on this?

Thanks,

-chris

No one is trying to create church doctrine from the book... just recommending it as an interesting read.

If the man said he met God then we must be concerned... he did not.

If he claimed a message from God to all mankind then we have to be concerned....he did not. No new revelation, no new ideas, no new one true chruch,....etc... just his experience.

If the man goes through an ordeal and tells the story and that story does not conflict with then why is it a problem?

The man was a pastor in Houston, this ordeal allowed the Holy Spirit to bring people to Christ through this guy simply because he could relate to those people. That opened the door for him to speak to those men. They experienced similar trauma and similar treatments. Those treatments were experimental and the people he spoke to felt no hope and felt all alone.

Because of his experiences, the ones he tells about in his book, the Holy Spirit used those to bring other people to Christ. The story in this book can and will touch the lives of others who have had similar trauma or know of someone who has had. If I recall correctly the story from the book has prompted phone calls to Piper to talk to others in the same situation.

[newname]

Hey, Guys!

I haven't read or seen the book, so I can't comment in that respect, but whenever I hear of one of these books, I can't help but think of Paul's experience of being caught up to heaven:

2Cr 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

2Cr 12:3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—

2Cr 12:4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.


It's interesting that a very apostle experienced things that were not lawful for him to utter, but we have these current books where evidently every minute detail is 100% wide open. Once again, I haven't seen the book so I'll leave it at that, but it's definitely something to think about.

God bless!!

Brent

[head1982]

No one is trying to create church doctrine from the book... just recommending it as an interesting read.

Ok agreed on as the point of the post. Having not read the book but the reviews of and the points in which it contradicts scripture, i'm voicing my concerns on it and not my disagrees with you, JimB.


If the man said he met God then we must be concerned... he did not.
If he claimed a message from God to all mankind then we have to be concerned....he did not. No new revelation, no new ideas, no new one true chruch,....etc... just his experience.


This is to me a double edge statement from Him, getting to heaven but not seeing God, it assured many people won't label him as New Revelation, But where in Scripture do you find of Heaven being centered on Man, and not on God's Glory? It still doesn't sound good to the Verses in the Bible describing it.


If the man goes through an ordeal and tells the story and that story does not conflict with then why is it a problem?


For what i've heard his testimony has no conflict, the problem is with his vision of heaven which because of it's erroneus and thus deceiving nature, those shouldn't have been included, especially if unbelievers are going to be reading. They do not know the Thruth about heaven, just what they been told by the world's fairy tales, so if you are to really bring people to the feet of Jesus, well don't tell things that don't back up and in some aspects (so i've read in reviews) so they will feel cheated afterwards.

Just like the Santa Claus issue with Christian Parents and Children, :heh, not to aggravate Mr Piper's Book.


The man was a pastor in Houston, this ordeal allowed the Holy Spirit to bring people to Christ through this guy simply because he could relate to those people. That opened the door for him to speak to those men. They experienced similar trauma and similar treatments. Those treatments were experimental and the people he spoke to felt no hope and felt all alone.

Because of his experiences, the ones he tells about in his book, the Holy Spirit used those to bring other people to Christ. The story in this book can and will touch the lives of others who have had similar trauma or know of someone who has had. If I recall correctly the story from the book has prompted phone calls to Piper to talk to others in the same situation.
I'm Certainly grateful that God has used this for His purpose of reaching the Lost, this should have been the main point of the Book, in the first place.

But well we're sinners and fallen short of the Glory of God so we are prone to make mistakes, what's done is done so let's pray for people not to be deceived by the title and its portion of an unscriptural heaven, and to be a helpful tool to turn people to the one that Will accomplish everything He has spoken and give us eternal life surpassing our imagination and what our meager minds can conceive or describe, by the price of the Blood of JesusChrist.

[carmen]

...the problem is with his vision of heaven which because of it's erroneus and thus deceiving nature...Which part of his description did you find erroneous? :confused Mr. Piper said that he never even entered heaven, as far as I remember, so I'm not sure what you might be referring to here.

I guess I am just not clear on what part of this book people are finding objectionable, but would be grateful for specific clarification since, as I said before, I didn't find anything counter to the bible in this book.

[CaiperLane]

Haven't Read the book, just reviews, and I will have to agree with cjones completely on this.

Near-Death experiences as we hear these days are Unscriptural, and everything that God wanted to tell humanity is in the Scriptures, I believe after reading the Bible that there is no New Revelation, and certainly Don Piper's experience, as powerful as it might be, can't amount, nor replace the descriptions of Heaven in Isaiah, Mathew, Revelations, in the whole Word of God.

I liked this Review by Tim Challies very much, because it argues on this position, that cjones wisely stated.



You can read the whole review HERE (http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/don-pipers-90-m.php) . It's very good in pointing to other unscriptural things about the book, although he recognizes that Don Piper may have had good intentions in writing but Bad theology.

But Piper's experience was not a new revelation. He wasn't adding to scripture. Many people have had beyond and back experiences. The Christians who had them describe Heaven. In scripture we find experiences that are similar. Look at John. He had an out of the body experience. But he was also told to write down everything he had seen.

I wouldn't discount these experiences. There are false ones because Satan will do a cheap copy of anything. But for those who have had a real, beyond and back experience (who are also Christians) questioning their honesty or the source of their experience isn't right.

The Bible mentions in the Last Days that people will see visions and dream dreams. I think a beyond and back experience could most certainly come under the heading of visions.


There's a book by Maurie Rawlings entitled: To Hell And Back. It's the documentation of beyond and back episodes where the individual went to Hell not Heaven. And immediately upon their resuscitation they were led to Christ because they wanted to make sure they did not return to "that horrible place."

[HiLaReE320]

MANY people have experienced NDE's, including Christians. Some even get the hell experience. I have never had one myself, but I don't know what is unscriptual about them. What do you think happens to someone when they code and are unconscious, sometimes for 10 mins or more? or in this case, 90 mins? They are clinically DEAD, even if for just a few minutes... So what happens to their spirit? Can it still be in the same body if they are dead at that moment?

[head1982]

But Piper's experience was not a new revelation. He wasn't adding to scripture. Many people have had beyond and back experiences. The Christians who had them describe Heaven. In scripture we find experiences that are similar. Look at John. He had an out of the body experience. But he was also told to write down everything he had seen.

Hi Caiper :wave

I'm Certainly not sure about the nature of this experiences, tend to think that they're not of God, yet i'm not 100% sure, don't know the cases to a full.

The Apostle John's Experience was certainly commanded by God to be written because it was the vision of the Last Days that was to become part of His Written Word for revelation to Man during the Church Age.

Since the Canon of Scripture is closed and no new revelation is being given, you have naturally have to dismiss all of this types of experiences when they indicate something that the Bible doesn't cover, because the Word of God has no need to be completed by men it is the perfect and full revelation of what the Man needs to know about God and His Kingdom.


I wouldn't discount these experiences. There are false ones because Satan will do a cheap copy of anything. But for those who have had a real, beyond and back experience (who are also Christians) questioning their honesty or the source of their experience isn't right.


I didn't intend to question them, but i guess i did, so i apologize if anyone was offended :redface.

the thing is the only one I truly Trust is God in His Word, the Bible,Bc He never fails, and since we as men are sinners, we should follow the example of the berean church that tested everything against the Scripture, so we know if its right doctrinally or not, by the Light of the Word of God, not our own deceiving mind and aching ears.

my point was that Authors should deal more carefully with these kinds of subjects, especially when they are writing a book that most certainly unbelievers will get to. We don't want them to believe a half truth about God (does anybody that read the book know if Don Piper checked what he saw, with Scripture?) , we want them to Know the Way, the Truth and the Life, that has always been the same, and will never change, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God is more Powerful and can use this half-truth to bring people to the Cross of Jesus, eventough we must still be zealots of the truth, because when we fail to, People are led astray by false teachings and teachers, can't be too careful :heh.


The Bible mentions in the Last Days that people will see visions and dream dreams. I think a beyond and back experience could most certainly come under the heading of visions.


I Believe this kind of things are yet to come to pass after the pretrib rapture, for there will be the new dispensation after the dispensation of grace it's over. and if you remember every dispensation starts with miracles and ends with miracles.

Which part of his description did you find erroneous? Mr. Piper said that he never even entered heaven, as far as I remember, so I'm not sure what you might be referring to here.

I guess I am just not clear on what part of this book people are finding objectionable, but would be grateful for specific clarification since, as I said before, I didn't find anything counter to the bible in this book.

Hi carmen, as i was saying i didn't read the book, just the review by tim challies, which is a fine Christian Blogger with terrific and scriptural reviews of Books, you can check this review in http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/don-pipers-90-m.php

Challies explained how Don Piper's Heaven was Man-centered, as something your next door neighbor can describe as being heaven. He says very clear all the objectional points: few scripture, few reflection on the Biblical treatment of heaven, little Theological precision, the topic of the title has only coverage of 15 pages (possibly deceitful, but probably not his fault), among others.

[head1982]

MANY people have experienced NDE's, including Christians. Some even get the hell experience. I have never had one myself, but I don't know what is unscriptual about them. What do you think happens to someone when they code and are unconscious, sometimes for 10 mins or more? or in this case, 90 mins? They are clinically DEAD, even if for just a few minutes... So what happens to their spirit? Can it still be in the same body if they are dead at that moment?

Hi HilareE320 :wave

well i don't want to judge people on this, but if you look in the Bible this kinds of experiences were by people who were apostles, and wrote scriptures, and each one of them saw God (check Stephens vision near the end of Acts 7), unlike Don Piper, and I don't know if he had Cerebral activity besides not having pulse, so if he hadn't had Brain activity he certainly was dead, if not, his spirit was still within Him, at least that's what i believe happens.

Most NDE I've heard are very strange and not very clear to me, as a direct revelation from God would be (check Acts 7, Revelation 1,4 especially) I can not judge all NDEs (especially visions of heaven and hell of people that didn't die) because i don't know them all, but I am aware what the Word of God Says about it, and if you compare that to the visions Man of God had and compare it to NDEs, they pale and result in mere human straw.

What i regard the popularity of this accounts is that our sinful natures ache to hear a hope different from what is told in our precious (no Gollum pun intended) Bible.

What I do like and appreciate are dead bed testimonies of Christians(who truly died, like stephen) told by their families after they passed away, dying in absolute Peace, whose corpses were lying in state in such calm and peaceful state and what testimony of a dead like that is to unbelievers.

I specially liked the testimony that Pastor John Piper (dunno if he's a relative of Don Piper) gave when his father Died, it's teary eyes all over the place, especially those of us who are sons. you can search it in the forum bc i posted it around March-April. Or Read how Ruth Graham (Billy's Wife) Passed away, how assured was she on the Promises of HEr Savior Jesus Christ of heaven, and with her whole family singing "Great is thy Faithfulness".

There are amazing dead testimonies of Christians, what I'm troubled with is Visions which are not quite clear, because Satan is a very beautiful angel and can deceive anyone, so i don't trust this types of revelation and try not to condenm those who do support them is just a concern i have because usually you have a lot of NDEs accounts in tabloids and stuff, so i'm very carefull with what the world likes or gives it's "seal of approval" to.

God Bless

[scottruff]

I haven't read the book and I don't care to. That's not to be taken as condemnation. I just steer clear of books like that after having been burned by that Dr. Richard Eby nonsense back in the 70s. Recall, Eby 'died' and went to Heaven where Jesus told him that he would still have an active medical practice when He, Jesus, returned for His church. How long has Eby been dead now, five years?

[garvsgrl]

Corinthians 12

[carmen]

It is a novel experience for me to be on the side of this sort of thing; generally I find myself fighting from the side of scepticism :lol At any rate, I understand why people are sceptical--certainly I was and this is the first book I've read other than one I read due to a thread here. I had to do some research to show why the book was unscriptural. But I would encourage people to first read the book themselves before deciding it was unscriptural.

Since the Canon of Scripture is closed and no new revelation is being given, you have naturally have to dismiss all of this types of experiences...To be perfectly clear on this--just in case you or someone else are under a different impresson--there is no new revelation given in this book. What he describes is consistent with what we do know about heaven and there is nothing here that we would have to know to follow God or become more like Christ. I totally agree with you...scripture is closed and absolutely no other revelation is or will be given to mankind. I want to make sure everyone understands that I agree with this :nod

...we should follow the example of the berean church that tested everything against the Scripture, so we know if its right doctrinally or not, by the Light of the Word of God, not our own deceiving mind and aching ears.If you read this book and do test what you find against scripture, I would be interested if you find anything counter to God's word in it. I mean that sincerely.

(does anybody that read the book know if Don Piper checked what he saw, with ScriptureIf you read the book, you will find he is concerned with people's impression of that, and addresses it. Most of this book is not about heaven--despite the title. Most of it is about his spiritual walk with Christ as he goes through this horrific time of pain and recovery (to the best he ever will recover). And I found no check in my spirit about him or what he wrote (not that I am infallible or that feelings are my guide--they are not, but I do know that the Holy Spirit is capable of making known His disapproval in us). So to answer your question....yes, it appears to me that Piper did check what he experienced and wrote against scritpure :nod


Hi carmen, as i was saying i didn't read the book, just the review by tim challies, which is a fine Christian Blogger...Thanks; I went and read the review just now so I could get more of an understanding.

Challies explained how Don Piper's Heaven was Man-centered, as something your next door neighbor can describe as being heaven. I didn't find this to be true at all. Piper even says that there are things he cannot describe, though he tried in some cases.

I felt it was a shame that this reviewer took a piece of what Piper wrote and used it to illustrate HIS point, when what Piper likely answered the question himself with was directly counter to it. That was not, IMHO, right nor honest and fair.

...few scripture, few reflection on the Biblical treatment of heaven, little Theological precision...Some may not realize this because of the focus of the title, but in truth, the entire book is about Piper's accident and recovery, with the highlight being what he saw in the 90 minutes he was clinically dead. The book isn't a theological treatise on heaven or a bible study on the topic. It is Piper's testimony about what happened to him; therefore, I don't find it surprising that these things are missing. I do find it surprising that someone would take issue with it, since the stated purpose of the book IS a testimony. This is not the sort of book one would buy to read a topical bible study on heaven.

the topic of the title has only coverage of 15 pages (possibly deceitful, but probably not his fault)...This is probably about right :nod. If any point is entirely correct, it would be this one. The title does make it appear as if the whole book is about his eperience. In reality, it is--as mentioned previously--a testimony of what happened to Piper from the accident through recovery and how God walked through that with him. The highlight is the description of heaven, of course (how could it not be?) but that portion IS very brief and 15 pages is probably about right.

About the rest of the review, I have never read this particular man's writing. However, this statement really struck me:Piper continually describes miracles that surrounded his rescue and recovery, yet these are often not the type of events that theologians would classify as being miraculous. They may have shown God’s grace and power, but they were not, strictly speaking, miracles. I suppose, according to some theological description that man has decided to use to define miracles, the reviewer might be right. But I wonder just what this man DOES find miraculous in life? I find the birth of my son miraculous and the artistry of God in the sunrises and sunsets to be miraculous. Certainly if I or someone I loved were clinically dead for 90 minutes but then was brought back to life, I would find that to be miraculous :laugh

I guess my thinking is that there are a lot of things I find miraculous in this life and perhaps by a theologian's definition they are not. Nonetheless, that should not negate what for ME was clearly the hand of God reaching in and directly touching my heart and life. God's intervention in that way alone is certainly a miracle! IMHO, it is unfair for this reviewer to attempt to define for everyone what is miraculous and what is not. And in this case, having read the book, I do believe God intervened (setting aside the issue of heaven and only talking about the medical portion). That, to me, is a miraculous. Whether God uses science or not, other people or not, is not what defines a miracle for me. Maybe that is just a showing of theological illiteracy, but I'm okay with that :laugh

Okay, I have had my say on the book and (hopefully) made it clear that any book or experience that runs counter to scripture is not something I would recommend or endorse. Nor have I done so here, IMHO. Biblical evaluation and discernment is extremely important, particularly in this day and age, and I caution all to exercise it diligently in everything. On this one, though, as to conclusion we shall simply agree to disagree :):.

[Diane 1611]

I have read "90 Minutes in Heaven" and my opinion is the same as Carmen's. She has articulated it very well here, so I won't repeat it.

Piper has a new book out called "Heaven is Real." Has anyone read that one yet?

[PDuv]

Carmen:

Does he mention anywhere in the book about how to get into heaven? The reason I ask is that I am interested in reading the book and I went to B&N's website to read reviews. Most of the reviews are positive, but what troubled me was that most stated something along the lines of, "....so we now have the assurance that heaven is real and that when you die you will see your loved ones", or, "...you don't have to worry now because you will go to heaven when you die...".

Does the author mention that there is only one way to get into heaven (through belief in Jesus Christ as your savior).

-Kurt

[head1982]

It is a novel experience for me to be on the side of this sort of thing; generally I find myself fighting from the side of scepticism :lol At any rate, I understand why people are sceptical--certainly I was and this is the first book I've read other than one I read due to a thread here. I had to do some research to show why the book was unscriptural. But I would encourage people to first read the book themselves before deciding it was unscriptural.

wow very nice and thorough post Carmen

well you are right i think i need to contrast this book after reading it, and not based on my previous assumptions and reviews read. The thing is coming from a culture where supertition is so influence in the lives of people, I am very careful when I see this topics (NDE) especially because many seem hoaxes or pure lies, as i haven't read the book, i can't tell whether Don Piper's Experience is false.

It is just when i read amazon's reviews and then Tim Challies Review, well, my little "spider sense" lit up :lol but nothing compares to having read it by myself and examine it according to scripture, I apologize for jumping into conclusions.


About the rest of the review, I have never read this particular man's writing. However, this statement really struck me:I suppose, according to some theological description that man has decided to use to define miracles, the reviewer might be right. But I wonder just what this man DOES find miraculous in life? I find the birth of my son miraculous and the artistry of God in the sunrises and sunsets to be miraculous. Certainly if I or someone I loved were clinically dead for 90 minutes but then was brought back to life, I would find that to be miraculous :laugh

I guess my thinking is that there are a lot of things I find miraculous in this life and perhaps by a theologian's definition they are not. Nonetheless, that should not negate what for ME was clearly the hand of God reaching in and directly touching my heart and life. God's intervention in that way alone is certainly a miracle! IMHO, it is unfair for this reviewer to attempt to define for everyone what is miraculous and what is not. And in this case, having read the book, I do believe God intervened (setting aside the issue of heaven and only talking about the medical portion). That, to me, is a miraculous. Whether God uses science or not, other people or not, is not what defines a miracle for me. Maybe that is just a showing of theological illiteracy, but I'm okay with that :laugh

I agree with you on marveling on how even small things, and events in my life have been miracles God has done which can certainly be done by none other that My Father who is in heaven through His Son JesusChrist.

what I think Challies is refering to Miracles as qualified by Theologians is those miracles that come in Scripture, especially those Done by Jesus, Multipliying of the Breads and Fishes, Healing a Leper, giving sight to a Blindman (which had been blind almost all his life), Giving life to a Death of 3 days (not 90 minutes as in Piper's Book), healing bed postrated people from a far (Roman Centurion).

And I Believe they qualify only those kinds of events as miracles in order to avoid the Benny Hinn's of the World that claim Healing and miracle making Gifts and all this rubbish from the WOF movement, but are, to say the least, fake.

We can either be marveled by the magnificency of God and think the birth of a Child as a miracle (it seems to me it is), but is only normal everyday business to God :laugh but people can as well be astounded (especially unsaved folks) with the deceipts of a False Teacher. So to qualify for a Miracle must be compared to those in the Bible so no one is deceived because the Word of God can be a Light to the Path of a person (Psalm 119:105).


Okay, I have had my say on the book and (hopefully) made it clear that any book or experience that runs counter to scripture is not something I would recommend or endorse. Nor have I done so here, IMHO. Biblical evaluation and discernment is extremely important, particularly in this day and age, and I caution all to exercise it diligently in everything. On this one, though, as to conclusion we shall simply agree to disagree :):.

Amen Carmen you said it better and above all it's better to do this kind of examination personally with the bible in one hand and this book on the other.

Biblical Discernment is what we all must aspire to apply in everyday life and events, and only with practice and communion and knowledge of the word of God can we truly achieve it.

God Bless

[CaiperLane]

The book describes his experience very, very carefully. Nothing is unscriptural. And since the reviewer obviously hasn't had a beyond and back experience he is not in a position to say what Piper did or didn't see and whether it was true or not.

And from my understanding of the book (I read the beyond and back part of the book and the beginning of his recovery) I found it to be of God because of the person who went to the scene of the accident and was told by God to lay hands on Piper and pray for him.


Many things that we know are real and true are not mentioned in scripture. Automobiles, migraine headaches, computers, television, rapture dreams, etc....it doesn't make them any less real or true. Piper made NO new revelation NOR did he add to scripture in ANY way. He is recounting his personal experience and from what I've heard his book has led many to take a look at who Jesus really was and the Truth that only He offers.

For me that's the blessing of the book. We must remember Satan will take ANYTHING that has the possibility to lead others to Christ and attempt to destroy it's potential.

[JimB]

Having not read the book ...

This statement says a great deal.

You have NOT read the book and here you have several people who have READ the book who say it is a good book and we see no contridiction of scripture.

Yet you want to argue as if you have some sort of knowledge of what the book actually says and all your undertstanding is second hand i.e. from the reviews that apparently differ from mine and others first hand knowledge of the book.

You argument has no credibility.

[head1982]

This statement says a great deal.

You have NOT read the book and here you have several people who have READ the book who say it is a good book and we see no contridiction of scripture.

Yet you want to argue as if you have some sort of knowledge of what the book actually says and all your undertstanding is second hand i.e. from the reviews that apparently differ from mine and others first hand knowledge of the book.

You argument has no credibility.
:pant
Ouch, yes you are right, as i recognized earlier, but my opinion was based on knowing all of the false teaching pouring through many media, well my discernment radar turned on
but it was no good till i had read it

pardon me
my mistake

God Bless

[Enlightenment]

I guess I am just not clear on what part of this book people are finding objectionable, but would be grateful for specific clarification since, as I said before, I didn't find anything counter to the bible in this book.

My wife came home with this book a couple of days ago. I read half of the book. The part where he describes Heaven is only about a dozen pages in length. I found the book uninteresting, it's mostly about his recovery and his ministry afterwards.

The man had a nice dream when he was "dead". Every single stereotyped account of Heaven was present--pearly gates, dead relatives greeting him, heavenly choirs singing, the aura of bright light, floating along, even the streets paved with bricks of gold. I mean, c'mon! :rolleyes

If the best thing you can say about the book was that "it didn't contradict scripture" I suppose it would be OK to write books about dreams that I've had and present them as factual, so long as it didn't contradict the Bible.

Is it because he's a Baptist pastor that this account is somehow acceptable? What if he had been a Muslim? Would you still defend it?

[kenneth]

I am very leery of these kinds of experiences.

"Most of you know of retired medical doctor Dr. Richard Eby. Decades ago he had a clinical death experience when the Lord took him to heaven and showed him marvelous things beyond description. Then the Lord sent Eby back and told him to preach the gospel, and that he would not die before the rapture."

http://www.amightywind.com/rapture/dreby.htm

Dr. Eby is no longer with us. I have no doubts that he is in Heaven this day, but his experiences has been proved to have been false. And of all the people who have had these near death experiences, he was the most convincing in his convictions of what he saw and heard was real.

[carmen]

Is it because he's a Baptist pastor that this account is somehow acceptable? What if he had been a Muslim? Would you still defend it?Yes, Enlightenment, that's it exactly. I always unquestioningly approve everything any Baptist writes. Or if they are a Muslim espousing something a Baptist would approve, I would also defend it :nod

:rolleyes :lol

Seriously, I'm sorry you didn't like it; the book--like pretty much everything out there written or said by imperfect beings--had it's faults. It was a testimony from a man that has gone through a horrific time, not an intellectual treatise or a theological treatment of heaven. I felt it gave glory to God in spite of the difficulty he's endured and I didn't find anything unbiblical with his account. The latter, these days and particularly with this topic, does indeed seem pretty important to me. I've said my piece on the book and agree to disagree with others' opinions of it :):

[RobinB]

I read it. It is not even close to the normal type of books I read. But I found it hard to put down and saw nothing contradictory to scripture in it.



I thought it was excellent also. I wouldn't expect to find anything contradictory in it because the co-writer, Cecil Murphy, is a devout Christian and a wonderful man. He's in several of my writer's groups.

[coffeehubby]

I enjoyed his book but didn't find his discussion on his alleged heavenly experience very compelling. I actually prefer Randy Alcorn's fictionalized but scriptural stories to be more interesting. However...the rest of the book got my interest.

[CaiperLane]

My wife came home with this book a couple of days ago. I read half of the book. The part where he describes Heaven is only about a dozen pages in length. I found the book uninteresting, it's mostly about his recovery and his ministry afterwards.

The man had a nice dream when he was "dead". Every single stereotyped account of Heaven was present--pearly gates, dead relatives greeting him, heavenly choirs singing, the aura of bright light, floating along, even the streets paved with bricks of gold. I mean, c'mon! :rolleyes

If the best thing you can say about the book was that "it didn't contradict scripture" I suppose it would be OK to write books about dreams that I've had and present them as factual, so long as it didn't contradict the Bible.

Is it because he's a Baptist pastor that this account is somehow acceptable? What if he had been a Muslim? Would you still defend it?

Dream? The man was dead. They found no pulse, he was smashed in the front seat and God told a man to go and lay his hands on this dead man and pray for him.....

To question whether he had a beyond and back experience when you don't know and state it was a dream and say well...c'mon insinuates the man is lying or that his experience is something you know for sure isn't valid. (and you couldn't know that, none of us could)

The parametics checked him. He was dead. God sent a man to pray for Piper so that the Lord would raise Piper back to life. Scripture says we can do as Jesus did. (and the apostles) Given the right circumstances this is what appears to have occured with Piper. He was raised by God to complete a task within God's Will.

His ministry is extraordinary and is leading many to Christ. Piper gives Glory to God for what happened and at the time of his beyond and back experience he was already saved having been saved at the age of 16.

Just because something sounds unbelieveable doesn't make it a lie.

Just ask those who knew Jesus when he was here. Many witnessed his miracles but chose not to believe in Him.

I wouldn't say he saw the pearly gates, dead relatives typical Heaven. He said he saw things there that he could never describe. He described the things he did see. Why wouldn't he see fellow believers and family members? He didn't enter into God's presence from what I understand so that would lead me to believe that he wasn't meant to stay.

I think having a Christian who's had a beyond and back experience will counteract all the loons out there who've claimed to have one but are pushing an occult view of eternity. Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. He counterfeits everything God does. It's refreshing to see someone though who uses his experience to further Glorify his Savior.

Being a Baptist minister has nothing to do with it. I've had God speak to me on a couple of occasions years ago when He needed to get my attention. I was frozen with absolute fear and awe at the same time. Miracles and supernatural occurances within the Truth happen to many people. Just because it hasn't happened to you personally doesn't mean that it doesn't happen to others. There's nothing unscriptural about his experience.

The Bible speaks of people having dreams and visions in the Last Days. The difference is that one who has accepted Christ as their Savior and follows and serves Him as well as glorifies him in their lives has a bit more credibility than a Muslim or any other individual who makes claims about our Lord.

The source is what makes the difference.

[CaiperLane]

This is worth taking a look at. Piper's view on how to get to Heaven.

http://www.donpiperministries.com/how_to_go_to_heaven.asp

[Enlightenment]

Yes, Enlightenment, that's it exactly. I always unquestioningly approve everything any Baptist writes. Or if they are a Muslim espousing something a Baptist would approve, I would also defend it :nod


Seriously, if it were a Muslim, and the description of Heaven was exactly the same as Mr. Piper's, would you accept it?

[carmen]

Accept it as what? Biblical truth? How could I do that when the a Muslim has not accepted Christ and therefore would never enter heaven to begin with? Right off the bat, his story would not be biblically correct.

Hopefully that answers your question. Frankly, I'm surprised that you would actually feel the need to ask that question :sigh

[Enlightenment]

Accept it as what? Biblical truth? How could I do that when the a Muslim has not accepted Christ and therefore would never enter heaven to begin with? Right off the bat, his story would not be biblically correct.

Hopefully that answers your question. Frankly, I'm surprised that you would actually feel the need to ask that question :sigh

I'm not making my point very well.

Suppose you were in your vehicle and happened to tune to a radio program that featured someone talking about their experience of going to Heaven. Let's say the account was exactly the same as in Mr. Piper's book. As you listen to stories of heavenly choirs, streets paved with gold, happy reunions with dead relatives, etc. you have no idea of this person's beliefs. How inclined would you be to believe him?

[carmen]

I couldn't answer that question without first knowing how they say they got there :noidea

I am not sure if you aren't making your point very well; perhaps it is simply that I am not grasping it well :):.

It appears to me that you are concerned that because this is a "happy story," I have chosen to disregard everything else and merely accept it as it is. That is not the case.

If nothing else, I would like to make one thing clear: I do not accept any testimony counter to scripture regardless of who is doing the speaking, or how happy the story is. I do evaluate ALL that I hear in light of God's word as the standard--nothing more and nothing less.

Having read the book in full, I have (I think) clearly stated my thoughts on it. If you chose to disagree with me on that opinion, that's fine. I could be wrong :nod. If I am, one thing's for sure...we'll all know in due time :laugh

[CaiperLane]

Seriously, if it were a Muslim, and the description of Heaven was exactly the same as Mr. Piper's, would you accept it?

No because a Muslim would not describe Heaven that way. They don't believe in that kind of eternity.

[head1982]

No because a Muslim would not describe Heaven that way. They don't believe in that kind of eternity.

yep that you are right,
they believe Martyrs (like the 9/11 terrorists) get a 100 virgins for themselves. which is in itself a man-centered view of eternity from the mind of a mad-man named Muhammad. Piper's vision of heaven (the parts you've commented here and on other reviews) seems to me like Pop-culture heaven, the one in the minds of many people, instead of the one described in the Bible.

yet Enlightment brought a good point, the Average Joe can claim to have seen heaven just the way he's describing it (Pearl Gates, streets paved with gold), and in no way is this described in Scripture, and for that it is most probably false.

the important here is that you can use this idea of heaven as a way to make unconverts think of their destiny of their souls, however to claim a vision which in itself has no comparison with the way Heaven is described in the Word of God can become deceiving to some, and for so to reject the Gospel, that is the concern.

[CaiperLane]

yep that you are right,
they believe Martyrs (like the 9/11 terrorists) get a 100 virgins for themselves. which is in itself a man-centered view of eternity from the mind of a mad-man named Muhammad. Piper's vision of heaven (the parts you've commented here and on other reviews) seems to me like Pop-culture heaven, the one in the minds of many people, instead of the one described in the Bible.

yet Enlightment brought a good point, the Average Joe can claim to have seen heaven just the way he's describing it (Pearl Gates, streets paved with gold), and in no way is this described in Scripture, and for that it is most probably false.

the important here is that you can use this idea of heaven as a way to make unconverts think of their destiny of their souls, however to claim a vision which in itself has no comparison with the way Heaven is described in the Word of God can become deceiving to some, and for so to reject the Gospel, that is the concern.

Well it wasn't actually described that way in Piper's experience. But the walls of Heaven are described as being made of of precious stones (jewels) in scripture. Piper said he couldn't describe everything correctly because it was too great and awe inspiring to describe. If you check out Piper's website you'll see he gives Glory ONLY to God and no one else.

http://www.donpiperministries.com

[JimB]

:pant
Ouch, yes you are right, as i recognized earlier, but my opinion was based on knowing all of the false teaching pouring through many media, well my discernment radar turned on
but it was no good till i had read it

pardon me
my mistake

God Bless

My apologies. I did not see your other post discussing this.

Have a great day.

YBIC
Jim

[zhan]

Seeing as it was a *personal* revelation and vision of Heaven, and neither confirms or denies scripture, I can only put it in the 'random dream' bin. They're fun to read, and at least it was a *good* dream/vision, but we can't really look to them as fact. I can't condemn it as un-scriptural because I haven't seen that it was, however I can't support it as factual because no part of it can be confirmed other than the fact that we all believe heaven exists.

I should say I *want* to believe it, but that makes it the most dangerous, and means that personally I have to be the most critical with it.

Interestingly enough, his personal vision is about the safest type there is, as nothing in it can be confirmed or denied until our own death or rapture. At least it helped him through the horrible recovery he had to go through though :nod

[mikesteffen]

I haven't read the book, but I am intrigued by the reviews here in this thread and I think I will try to find the audio version. I have trouble reading, but do enjoy listening to books read.

I will listened to it with the same regard as I did Bill Wiese's story on 23 minutes in hell. I very much enjoyed listening to his testimony. I could care less about making a judgment about the truth of it. I tend not to believe it, but would rather just leave it at caring less whether it is true or not.

I enjoyed the Bill Wiese story because he quoted the bible a lot and it seemed like his description was on track as being close to the biblical description of hell from all of the verses that he quoted.

So true or not I could care less but did enjoy the seemingly biblical description, and that is the same perspective that I will use to judge this story. I will not make a judgment as to the truth of it, but will rather look for what I can learn about heaven from the bible that he uses to back up his story.

[carmen]

Not to derail the thread but since it's come up, I need to point out that Bill Wiese's story does have unscriptural info--a thread on it the problems with it is here: http://www.prophecyfellowship.org/showthread.php?t=267666&highlight=minutes

[CaiperLane]

Seeing as it was a *personal* revelation and vision of Heaven, and neither confirms or denies scripture, I can only put it in the 'random dream' bin. They're fun to read, and at least it was a *good* dream/vision, but we can't really look to them as fact. I can't condemn it as un-scriptural because I haven't seen that it was, however I can't support it as factual because no part of it can be confirmed other than the fact that we all believe heaven exists.

I should say I *want* to believe it, but that makes it the most dangerous, and means that personally I have to be the most critical with it.

Interestingly enough, his personal vision is about the safest type there is, as nothing in it can be confirmed or denied until our own death or rapture. At least it helped him through the horrible recovery he had to go through though :nod

I wouldn't call it a vision. He was confirmed dead by four parametics and a medical team. I think he was raised through the pastor who was just passing by the accident and was led by God to lay hands on Piper and pray for him. The parametics basically told the pastor that there was no hope so he needn't bother. God felt otherwise. :nod

Miracles didn't stop because the Apostles died. Miracles occur everyday.

[head1982]

ç
Miracles didn't stop because the Apostles died. Miracles occur everyday.

:heh

that's a whole other thread within that statement.

I agree there have been miracles, each salvation is a miracle by God, to make a person Born Again and living a whole new life is a wonder in itself.

I'm also certain of miracles have happened when Christians were persecuted, from the Roman Empire, through the Holocaust, Communist Nations and Islamic Theocracies.

But I actually heard none of these miracles being neither like the Ones performed by our Lord Jesus Christ while we was alive, nor have they been Through a specific person commanding the miracle, that sounds too Benny-Hinnish to me.

[zhan]

Miracles didn't stop because the Apostles died. Miracles occur everyday.

I never said they did stop. In fact I don't seem to remember questioning the miracle of the guy being brought back after being declared dead, which is the strawman you just burned. I myself have experienced things that I believe are miracles, but unfortunately I have absolutely no proof whatsoever that they happened at all.

However, that doesn't mean we have to take every Tom, Dick, and Harry's word on the fact that a miracle happened. Not questioning at all is one of the things that lead to the whole WOF and Signs & Wonders quagmire. They have entire *stacks* of miracles that they claim are long on scientific proof, they just keep coming up very short on sharing that proof.

While I don't have a problem with real unverified miracles, it should be noted that they (WOF crowd in this case) also *use* those "miracles" to show themselves as 'anointed' above the rest of us and to line their pockets by fleecing the sheep. Also, many of *their* miracles have already been proven to be false. I don't think we'll know the true extent of the damage they have done the body with their lies until we're all with Jesus. That's a whole nother bucket of threads though.

That being said it sounds very much like this guy is telling the truth. However the fact that we *want* to believe it means we should be that much more careful in examining it. It's easy to overlook stuff when you want to believe. As I said above, since it neither confirms or denies scripture, his vision will for me have to be relegated to the random bits bin, or maybe even the cool bits bin :D:.

My Take: Good for him! :nod I also think that while it's a horrible experience he went through, he seems to have come out of it quite blessed.
Will I treat his revelation of the 'outskirts' (:confused) of heaven as biblical truth? No. I may like it, but I need a *whole* lot more than that before it gets elevated to anywhere *near* the level of scripture.

[zhan]

I thought I'd add though that in my opinion if you don't feel comfortable describing the outskirts of heaven to an unbeliever based on the testimony of this pastor, then you haven't raised it to the level of scripture either. Or to put it another way, even though you like it, you might not put as much trust in it as you think.

Either way the whole argument is pretty silly. Just questioning it isn't the same as condemning it as heresy, just as not condemning it isn't the same as believing it is truth. For me it's in the middle: Interesting and fun to read but unverifiable, therefore irrelevant to the big picture unless the pastor starts going off into heresy and using his vision as 'proof' of other unrelated things.

[head1982]

I thought I'd add though that in my opinion if you don't feel comfortable describing the outskirts of heaven to an unbeliever based on the testimony of this pastor, then you haven't raised it to the level of scripture either. Or to put it another way, even though you like it, you might not put as much trust in it as you think.

Either way the whole argument is pretty silly. Just questioning it isn't the same as condemning it as heresy, just as not condemning it isn't the same as believing it is truth. For me it's in the middle: Interesting and fun to read but unverifiable, therefore irrelevant to the big picture unless the pastor starts going off into heresy and using his vision as 'proof' of other unrelated things.

Nice zhan a balance for the whole two sides. :clap

God Bless

[quiet_reverie]

I'm reading it now and finding it comforting but I don't like it as much as "One Minute After You Die." I also read 23 Minutes in Hell and I'm still shaken up the description of hell...

[CaiperLane]

:heh

that's a whole other thread within that statement.

I agree there have been miracles, each salvation is a miracle by God, to make a person Born Again and living a whole new life is a wonder in itself.

I'm also certain of miracles have happened when Christians were persecuted, from the Roman Empire, through the Holocaust, Communist Nations and Islamic Theocracies.

But I actually heard none of these miracles being neither like the Ones performed by our Lord Jesus Christ while we was alive, nor have they been Through a specific person commanding the miracle, that sounds too Benny-Hinnish to me.

Unfortunately people of the WOF movement (including Mr. Hinn) are tools used of Satan to cast doubt on what God can really do. Satan does whatever he can to take away any credit and Glory which belongs to God and either have it appear phony or not of the Lord. There is no reason to believe that miracles or any type of Supernatural incidences (healings, raisng the dead etc...) are not prevelant to today's society.

Moses said of God, "You are the God who performs miracles" (Psalm 77:14). It is God's nature to perform miracles. Just as it is the nature of a carpenter to work on wood, just as it is the nature of a mechanic to work with machines, so it is with God. It is his nature to to work miracles.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." The miracles Jesus did nearly 2,000 years ago, He can do today.

Also scripture says: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". - Philippians 4:13

How can we tell the difference between Charlatans and the real deal?

1. The miracle, vision or supernatural occurance MUST glorify God.
2. The life of the individual must be a Believer who's walk exhibits the fruit of the Spirit, the knowledge of the Word and the sharing of the Good News.
3. The individual will take no credit, honor or attention for himself for the miracle/vision/event but turn the attention onto the Lord Jesus Christ.

WOF does NOT do that. They ask for monetary reward for their "ministry" or "work" and promise a type of barter system where as you send a love offering they will guarantee a blessing from God for your needs.

God is the One who does the miracle through the vessel HE chooses.

Matthew 17:19-20 "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Luke 17:5-6 "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' The Lord replied. 'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'"

I never said they did stop. In fact I don't seem to remember questioning the miracle of the guy being brought back after being declared dead, which is the strawman you just burned. I myself have experienced things that I believe are miracles, but unfortunately I have absolutely no proof whatsoever that they happened at all.

However, that doesn't mean we have to take every Tom, Dick, and Harry's word on the fact that a miracle happened. Not questioning at all is one of the things that lead to the whole WOF and Signs & Wonders quagmire. They have entire *stacks* of miracles that they claim are long on scientific proof, they just keep coming up very short on sharing that proof.

While I don't have a problem with real unverified miracles, it should be noted that they (WOF crowd in this case) also *use* those "miracles" to show themselves as 'anointed' above the rest of us and to line their pockets by fleecing the sheep. Also, many of *their* miracles have already been proven to be false. I don't think we'll know the true extent of the damage they have done the body with their lies until we're all with Jesus. That's a whole nother bucket of threads though.

That being said it sounds very much like this guy is telling the truth. However the fact that we *want* to believe it means we should be that much more careful in examining it. It's easy to overlook stuff when you want to believe. As I said above, since it neither confirms or denies scripture, his vision will for me have to be relegated to the random bits bin, or maybe even the cool bits bin :D:.

My Take: Good for him! :nod I also think that while it's a horrible experience he went through, he seems to have come out of it quite blessed.
Will I treat his revelation of the 'outskirts' (:confused) of heaven as biblical truth? No. I may like it, but I need a *whole* lot more than that before it gets elevated to anywhere *near* the level of scripture.

It will never be near the level of scripture and I doubt Piper wants it to be. Someone's testimony if true does not mean it should be taken equal with the Word of God. Piper's experience applied ONLY to him. It cannot and should not be used for others. What his experience seemed to accomplish was the creation and growth of a ministry that brings people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. :):

[architectlink]

I too believe in the bible as the sole source of Gods word...however, it seems that my life since Jesus ihas been one incredible coincidence after another...to the skeptics who don't believe in coincidences, or signs, or dreams, please skip this post. I don't take these books as scriptural, but I do believe God gives me coincidences.

Since I am 47 years old and have a TON of books and biblical messages, I always smile when the Lord brings me multiple coincidences of the same message for someone elses benefit, at the same time. Is it that I am hard headed and wouldn't hear what HE has to say unless HE says it over and over again through various people, books, sermons, tapes, etc?

For example:

1. This weekend I grabbed 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN by Don Piper (not John) and read it in the Bahamas. I cried the entire time, as it really touched me. I disagree with former posters who thought it dwelt more on the accident than the recovery. It is a great book for someone who has lost a loved one who is a Christian...very comforting. Wonderful book.

2. Both my husband and sister in law fought to get the book from me, with both of them ending up reading it...(MY SIL is not yet saved, so I believe this is a great step in the right direction towards hearing of God's love for us--I had prayed this weekend what books to take and how to approach her).

3. My best friend & prayer partner was led at the same exact time to reread Anna Roundtree's the Heavens Opened . This is another wonderful account by a believer on a dream about Heaven they have had.

4. While I was in the Bahamas, our tutors 15 year old cousin was killed in a car accident, and she tearfully thanked me for the 90 Minutes in Heaven I bought her. I always feel that God sends us reinforcement when we need it, and in the case of these books about Heaven, HE had already ministered to 4 different families within 2 days through this book.

5. NOW, Tonight I was watching www.sidroth.org , and he was interviewing a man named Earthquake Kelly who had an aneurysm and died, and visited Heaven and was sent back to earth with several similar messages from God. http://www.sidroth.org/site/PageServer

I just find these coincindences interesting and I am thankful that I have a Lord who puts so much information at the tip of my fingertips.

WOW!

Thank you Jesus for speaking to me through these 5 coincidences and many others day by day.

[kenneth]

I am very doubtful of these trips to Heaven or Hell people report. The most sincere person I have ever heard who claimed to seen both, also said it was revealed to him that he would not die, but live to see the rapture. Well he died and the rapture hasn't taking place, making all his claims bogus as far as I am concerned.

[CaiperLane]

I am very doubtful of these trips to Heaven or Hell people report. The most sincere person I have ever heard who claimed to seen both, also said it was revealed to him that he would not die, but live to see the rapture. Well he died and the rapture hasn't taking place, making all his claims bogus as far as I am concerned.

It's one thing to relay an experience i..e.. a vision, OBE etc... But it's another to speak a prophetic message. No one can see the future except God. For He has written it Himself.

This is how I differentiate between true and honest testimonies and those who are deceived.

I do believe that people can see "glimpses" of Heaven or even Hell.

The Bible says in the Last Days people will experience some of these things:

"It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions". - Joel 2:28

Even Paul said about John who wrote down the Revelation of Jesus Christ that he knew of someone who saw Heaven whether in the body or out of he couldn't say....

But we have to keep in mind that Satan can counterfeit alot of what God does. He wants to draw people away from the Truth. So he confuses them. Those who have had REAL experiences (visions, OBE) have to contend with doubt because of the many counterfeited experiences that Satan has given to others.

The Bible says if a prophet makes one prophecy that doesn't come to pass then label him a false prophet.

There's a difference between those individuals who testify to their experiences and how it changed them and led them to spread the gospel, and then to those who testify and use the testimony to bring glory to themselves and don't give any glory to the Lord. And sharing the glory isn't an option either.

This is why scriptures tell us we must use Godly wisdom and discernment.

[eyeinthesky]

My husband and I have read the book and I thought it was excellent.

My husband gave it to his 90 year old mother to read and she loved it.

She died months later, but she had a beautiful picture of heaven in her mind

and that is where she is now.