Eternity is Now (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I have very much liked - and appreciated - the books I’ve read by John Ortberg. He’s an American pastor who would probably call himself evangelical, but he’s not a fundamentalist; he has a sense of humour, a sometimes quirky style of writing, and a much broader view of the Bible in context, and the church in general than many Christian writers. 

So when I saw that he had published a book which wasn’t in my collection, I put it on my wishlist and was very pleased to be given ‘Eternity is Now’ for my recent birthday. The book is rather shorter than many by this author (the title is shorter than most of his titles, too) but it’s still an excellent read. With any book like this I like to read no more than about 10 pages at a time, as there’s always something to think about, and perhaps re-read the following day before starting a new section.

The theme of the book is not a new one; it’s one I’ve been aware of most of my life, and which I’ve been reading about in other places, on and offline, in recent years. It’s the concept that ‘eternity’ (or ‘eternal life’) doesn’t start when we die, but right now, where we’re living. We’re in the Kingdom of God already, ‘followers of the Way’, as early believers called themselves. 

Unfortunately too many churches seem to say - or, at least, imply - that what matters is saying the right words, believing information about Jesus, asking him to forgive us and accepting his sacrifice on the Cross as taking our sins. They do also want us to live holy lives, and give up bad habits, and study the Bible and go to church services, but these are seen almost as add-ons; not optional extras, exactly, but not as important as what we believe, or (in some circles) saying a ‘sinners’ prayer’.  

Ortberg doesn’t criticise these things as such - they’re all good. But he prefers the emphasis being on entering the Kingdom, of walking alongside God, living for him, learning from him, moving towards Jesus in all we do. We’re not just saved from our sins, as if a prayer is a password to get out of jail free; we’re saved FOR something, for life with God right now, one that, eventually, moves seamlessly into eternity. 

None of this is new; despite the rather dramatic subtitle of the book ('a radical rediscovery of what Jesus really taught about salvation, eternity and getting to the Good Place') it’s all based on Scripture, and it’s what I had always understood when I was growing up in Christian circles. But it’s often forgotten. John Ortberg’s style is very helpful in explaining what he sees as the essence of following Jesus, and encouraging us to move forward, even if we sometimes take two steps back for everyone one ahead. 

The second half of the book describes four sections to our live with Christ in the Kingdom, with sections on what he calls Awakening (realising God is everywhere), Purgation (getting rid of what we don’t need), Illumination (a different kind of understanding, or mental map) and Union (knowing we’re not alone). It sounds quite heavy but it isn’t. As is usual with this author, the book describes anecdotes and ideas in the author’s own life to illustrate what he’s saying, and the style is light alongside being profound and thought-provoking.

Definitely worth reading - recommended to anyone who is part of - or in the fringes of - the worldwide church.

Review copyright 2023 Sue's Book Reviews