Within the last few years there have been various “stories of heaven” types of books that have quickly climbed (and stayed) on the bestseller list in Christian books. I have about 10-15 reasons why I am not a big fan of Don Piper’s 90 Minutes in Heaven, Bill Wiese’s 23 Minutes in Hell, and this new book Heaven is For Real. But my biggest reason comes from 2 Corinthians 12.
Here Paul speaks of a heavenly vision that “a guy he knows” once had. Of course Paul is simply using the classic…”I need some advice about, a uhmmm friend…named…uhmm Mark…” Paul isn’t doing it because of embarrassment but because of humility and to make a greater point. And it is that greater point that gives me pause when consider books like 90 Minutes, 23 Minutes, Heaven is for Real, or various other “3 hour tour with Jesus” type of books.
Consider 2 Corinthians 12:4-6
and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses—6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
In other words Paul is not really permitted by the Lord to speak of this awesome heavenly vision that he has received. And he explicitly spells out why he refrains from writing a bestseller about his experience—because the revelations/visions is not to the means by which Christ is exalted.
Instead Paul is given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. Paul is told by the Lord, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. This—weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities—will be the platform that shines a spotlight on the glory and majesty of Jesus through the apostle Paul. And not visions and revelations.
It is easy to point a finger at those writing, those purchasing, and those promoting these books. But the finger also needs to be pointed back at me. I too am also guilty of not finding sufficiency in grace but instead attempting to exalt things other than Jesus. Sometimes I do this for shock value, novelty, or a vain desire for attention. Other times I do it because of a lack of faith and trust in the all-consuming power of grace.
And yet grace continues to pursue and transform my wayward heart. Jesus is constantly drawing me to himself and teaching me—with every shattered idol—that His grace truly is sufficient.
I am here reminded of two quotes that have meant much to my life and ministry. The first from Samuel Rutherford:
…nay, whether God come to his children with a rod or a crown, if he come himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome Jesus, what way soever thou come, if we can get a sight of thee. And sure I am, it is better to be sick, providing Christ come to the bed-side, and draw aside the curtains, and say ‘Courage, I am thy salvation,’ than to enjoy health, being lusty and strong, and never to be visited by God.
Jesus is enough and precious rather he come with a rod or crown!
Secondly, from (I think) James Denney:
“No man can bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time. No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save.
It is through our weakness and lack of “cleverness” that they many will see that Christ is indeed mighty to save!
So enough with these revelations/visions and all the other strong, powerful, and clever things that we trust in for security. May his grace be sufficient!
