This is a simply but powerfully written first-person narrative/evangel. It’s told from the perspective of the repentant thief who witnessed at the closest possible quarters the crucifixion and death of the Son of God. The account is true to Scripture and highlights Christ's amazing grace and love for sinners, regardless of the depth or length of their alienation from God. A great short read for skeptics, seekers, or believers, it is especially encouraging to those who live at the edge of despair. ( )

1 hr and 33 mins

Heaven, How I Got There is Colin Smith's 92 page morality tale from the perspective of the thief on the cross who appealed to Jesus for mercy.

While precious little is recorded in Scripture about the encounter of this dying thief and Jesus, Smith incorporates the recorded sayings of Jesus from the cross. Scripture does tell us that the soldiers broke the two thieves legs, but did not break Jesus' legs as he had already died. Thus, we can ascertain that Jesus died first and that the thief would have indeed heard the things Christ said. While we don't know what his response would have been to all of those statements, Smith uses them as a structure for his tale.

What I find so impressive about this brief book is how he weaves important theological concepts into it. He carefully explains the nature of repentance, the sufficient work of Jesus' sacrifice (and our non-need to contribute anything to our own salvation), the reality of suffering for Christians, and the wrong-headed thinking behind baptismal regeneration. All of these issues are addressed through a narrative format.

This book is a must read! It would be great to read at bedtime to older children or for you to read for your own personal edification. ( )