From Death to Life
Author SCOTT W.BLOCK
Publisher RESOURCE PUBLICATIONS
ISBN 1-60608-706-1
This little book is written by a Lutheran pastor currently ministering in North Dakota and in it, the author looks at the subject of what happens to Christians at their departing this world. The book really concentrates on the Person and place of Christ and the fact that there is no ‘splitting’ of body and soul at death but we are, in totality “with Christ” resting, sleeping in Him. There are plenty of quotations from various scriptures, from various Lutheran documents as well as relevant excerpts from Luther himself. It would appear that this author was provoked into writing these short chapters after observing the effects of the passing of loved ones upon those who remain behind. He regards some of the ideas that a little child is “playing monster trucks with Jesus” as erroneous and offering a false picture. Rather, in death we are in fact alive and together with Christ, oblivious of time, able to hear the Lord’s voice, resting in His bosom and awaiting the resurrection when Christ shall come we shall come with Him. False ideas do not bring comfort; it is the preaching of Christ, Christ before death as our life, and Christ as the center of all when we have passed from this season that will offer true consolation to those who are bereaved. In this emphasis upon Christ only and Christ always this book is particularly helpful. The ideas of soul departure from body, of a separating of the ‘parts’ that make up human being are refuted here. This is a book that is a positive contribution to our ponderings and preaching as to life after death.
