Theological summary

The book aims to teach teens and above something about the so-often vague subjects of life after death and heaven & hell. It challenges them not only to think through their own faith, but also provokes them to share it with others (see reviews). The Shock of Your Life portrays the Bible's classic teaching on the realities of heaven and hell, as well as the judgement of all men and believers by Jesus Christ.

It attempts to do this via a dramatic scenario in which three young people die in a car crash and are suddenly catapulted eternity. It's an attempt to teach and communicate Christian truths, sometimes quite overtly, through a fictional setting.

Dan, the non-Christian, has a disturbing vision of hell and the lake of fire (Revelation 20). Some young people may find this upsetting, however we know of one 12 year old who found The Shock of Your Life positively inspiring (see reviews). Dan is stunned by the criteria for Jesus' judgement and scared by the reality that his every deed has been recorded in the books which were opened before the Lord.

Dan then comes face to face with Jesus himself, having watched awe-struck as Christ judges others. He is told it is not yet his time and we eventually realise that he would seem to have been in a coma. This isn't presented as a theological point, but a dramatic one to allow the story to be told. Dan is subsequently converted (see the real stories page for details of someone who apparently had a similar experience).

The chapters on Becky and Emma portray the Biblical teaching of Jesus' judgement of the works of Christian believers. Becky, the lukewarm Christian, faces this and finds her works burned up, but is saved 'as though through fire.' Although saved, she knows real regret seeing her rewards lost. Emma, a fervent believer, experiences the joy of knowing Jesus' 'well done,' and is rewarded. Together Becky & Emma begin to explore the breathtaking reality of heaven.

The fourth chapter is a kind of 'wish you were here' tour of glory, with the characters meeting Christians from past ages - some of whom died professing their faith, as well as other believers. These include, perhaps most surprisingly, some real people, including Cassie Bernall, who died in the Columbine High School shooting in the USA. (see 'Real Stories').

Two very short chapters conclude the book. One explains how to become a Christian, while the second summarizes some theological points about the book's teaching.

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Kingsway Publications - www.theshockofyourlife.com