A review of Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer’s book One Minute After You Die.
Death is a serious and possibly scary subject which Dr. Lutzer handles extremely well. The book is a fairly quick read and addresses major ideas about death and tells how they relate, or do not relate, to the Bible. I found it particularly helpful to answer popular questions about reincarnation, near-death experiences, and who goes to Heaven. The goal of the book is to make sure you are ready to die because everyone has an appointment with death, we just don’t know when, where, or how.
From the Bible, Dr. Lutzer demonstrates where the dead go. He explains “sheol,” the place of the dead, and how it differs from the grave and Hell. Many are confused about these because the King James Bible translators used three words in place of sheol – grave, pit, and hell. When we say Hell today, we are actually referring to the eternal Lake of Fire described in Revelation. He also proves that the dead are conscious, have feeling, memory, desires, and understand why they are where they are.
It was important to address what happens to little children when they die. Also, he touches on the topic of grief, even for those who we know have left us for Heaven. I also found it helpful when Dr. Lutzer talked about the “what if I had…” and “if only…” questions that can haunt people when someone close to them dies.
The Christian, like any human, may be apprehensive about dying, but has no need to fear death. Heaven is our home (John 14:1-3) and death is simply the door. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
Dr. Lutzer captures readers attention at the very beginning of the book by discussing how people try to peek behind the curtain of death through the occult. They think that their ancestors or friendly sprits can reveal hidden knowledge and remove the mystery. However, “to try to contact the dead is to invite fellowship with hosts of darkness pretending to be angels of light.” (p.20)
Many people have ideas about death and some even have near-death experiences. However, Dr. Lutzer makes clear that only the Lord Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead, is qualified to tell us about life beyond the grave. All others are unreliable. They can only confirm death is not the end, but they can’t give facts about life after death.
One Minute After You Die is an excellent book and I highly recommend it for everyone. Even though most of us try to avoid the topic of death, we will face it someday, so it is critical that we are ready. Dr. Lutzer does a great job to help us be ready. Read it and tell a friend!
More Info
Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer pastored the famous Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and is an award winning author and speaker. His messages can still be heard on the radio today and online via Moody Media. https://www.moodymedia.org/authors/authors/erwin-lutzer/