Christian Book Notes

Sproul, R.C.  Unseen Realities: Heaven, Hell, Angels, and Demons.  Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2011.  160 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $9.93.

Introduction

R.C. Sproul is no stranger to Christian Book Notes.  You can read some of the reviews of his resources here.  He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries which strives to educate Christians with a more philosophical approach.  This is evidenced in many of Sproul’s writings including Unseen Realities.

Summary

Divided into four parts, Sproul takes time to look at four essential, but not often considered biblically, real truths of Scripture.  Part one looks at heaven with part two taking a look at its antithesis, hell.  Parts three and four look at angels and Satan, the demon of demons.

The chapters within each part contain elements of philosophy, personal experience, and simple biblical teaching on the subject at hand.

Review

I appreciated most that this book did not come off as a school teacher instructing students.  Rather, Sproul writes as an experienced Christian concerned that the younger Christians are not considering the importance of the “unseen realities.”  While there is teaching present, there is more open and honest discussion than in other resources by Sproul.  He is, after all, a teacher!

Perhaps the best element of Unseen Realities is the meditative aspect that it brings to the reader.  You cannot help but think more about these four truths.  Furthermore, Sproul helps to right some wrongs that have crept into popular views of each subject.  The readability factor of this resource is phenomenal.

While it was not necessarily the scope of the book, I would have liked to have seen a recommended resource list for those wanting to read more about the four subjects.  As it is, there are enough Scripture references to keep the reader busy for a while!

Recommendation

Unseen Realities is worthwhile resource to have in one’s library.  It will kick-start your own meditations and help you to “see” that there is more to this life than meets the eye.  Pick up a copy, read it, and then give it to another.