Whatever Happened to Hell?

by John Blanchard, J.I. Packer (Foreword)

Whatever Happened to Hell? is classic John Blanchard in every sense of the word. His book first appeared in 1993 and then as now the doctrine of hell was treated with such great caution by so many preachers and Christian teachers that it was in danger of disappearing from the consciousness of many believers. This new edition has been revised and now includes the ESV as the main source of Scripture quotations. An outstanding, and sobering, volume from John Blanchard. Many would air-brush hell out of all thought today - or at least play down its horror and duration. Dr J.I. Packer says in the Foreword that he "gratefully commends [the book] and hopes it will be widely read". The need is no less now, and Dr Blanchard's approach of helping confused Christians as well as targeting complacent unbelievers is as fresh as ever. This new edition has been revised and now includes the ESV as the main source of Scripture quotations. Nobody can think seriously about hell and remain emotionally and psychologically unaffected. The idea that after a few years of life on earth an untold number of human beings, many of whom would be thought of as decent, law-abiding citizens, will spend eternity in indescribable agony and exposed to God's relentless anger is overwhelming. Reaction to the paralysing prospect of everlasting punishment varies from those who dismiss the whole idea because they reject the authority of Scripture to those who seek to soften its impact by reducing hell to manageable proportions. What does happen after death? What if the traditional pictures of hell as a place of endless punishment and suffering are true? What if millions of ordinary men and woman are on their way there? What if we are? And if so, is there any way in which we can avoid hell or evade it? These are vitally important questions and this book sets out to find answers to them. ‘Theologically and pastorally, John Blanchard’s work is a valuable contribution on a difficult theme. I gratefully commend it and hope it will be widely read’. Dr J.I.Packer, retired Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver. ‘As extensive a treatment of the biblical doctrine of hell as is ever likely to be written in our contemporary climate. It performs a splendid service for the next generation of gospel preachers, to whom it is dedicated’. The Rev David Jackman, Past President, The Proclamation Trust. ‘I can’t think of any other book that covers this ground as thoroughly.’ Christian Herald. ‘This can only be described as a life-changing book.’ Reformation Africa South. Dr John Blanchard is an internationally-known author, evangelist and Christian apologist. Some eighteen million copies of his publications are in print in over sixty languages.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Dr. John Blanchard is an internationally known Christian preacher, teacher, apologist and author. He has written 30 books, including two of Britain's most widely used evangelistic presentations, Right With God and the booklet Ultimate Questions. The latter has over fourteen million copies in print in about 60 languages.

Reviews

[Devon Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is more relevant today than when it was first written. Blanchard provides an in-depth look at the topic of hell. He critiques other views by regularly taking his argument back to Scripture.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough work on the doctrine of hell. Sobering at times reading it and to fully fathom eternal conscious torment is beyond our finite minds, however we must bow our knees to God's infallible Word and stop our mouths when objections rise. God has spoken in wisdom, holiness and justice. A very good book by John Blanchard.

[Seth Mcdevitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're wondering about hell, read this book. The odds that he doesn't answer your question and questions you didn't know you had are infinitesimal.