Heaven, How I Got Here {Book Review}

Heaven, How I Got Here {Book Review}

When you think about the Crucifixion,  you always remember that Jesus died on the cross, right? That was sort of the whole point. But, what about the other two men who died there as well? They were two criminals the Bible tells us, but not much more. The book,  Heaven, How I Got Here, by Colin S. Smith, tells the story of one of those men.

What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That's what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus. Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and the faith that can change yours.

I've always been aware that there were 3 crosses, one for Jesus, and two common criminals. Honestly, I never paid too much attention to the other men because for me, they weren't really the point of the dramatic scene where the Son of God dies for us.

I should have paid more attention.

Reading this book had me going back through my Bible, finding the verses that relate to the telling of that day, to see what I had missed all along.

In Luke 23:  39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Wow. Can you imagine the scene? Jesus is being ridiculed, poked, hanging from His cross; two men, criminals, are flanking either side of Him. One of them treats Him just like most of the crowd and the guards, making fun and scorning Him. Wanting to be saved, but without really believing He is Christ. The other, a thief, seems to believe Him. He even tells the other criminal basically they are getting what they deserved (punishment) but that Jesus had done nothing wrong.

And he asks Jesus for forgiveness, in the middle of all this. And Jesus obliges, and promises to bring him home to Heaven.

This book tells the thief's story, from his point of view. It's not a side of the story I've ever thought much about. But the words of the book bring you face to face with Jesus, the crowd, the guards, and everything as it unfolds since it's being told from this man's eyes. I think it shows us the power of His grace and mercy, and how if that criminal could seek the kingdom of Heaven, how can we not do the same?

Heaven, How I Got Here would be a great book for small group studies, ministry work, and self study. Be sure to have your Bible handy so you can go back and find what you may have missed, even if you've known this story from childhood.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this article in exchange for my honest opinion. Regardless, I will only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”