This is a great book for anyone pondering the question, “How do we get to heaven?”  Stanley opens the book with the story of a Sunday school teacher asking her students what people do to get to heaven.  She asked the children what if they gave their money to the church – the children responded “No!”  She gave several of examples of good deeds and each time the children responded “No!”  Finally one boy stood up and shouted, “You gotta be dead!”

Well that’s part of the answer – but what does the Bible teach about how to get to heaven?  Stanley examines the assumption that good people go to heaven.  This short book raises several questions that point out the problems with that viewpoint such as:

·         What does good mean and how good is good enough

·         What are the universal meanings of goodness across time and cultures

·         How does God evaluate goodness

·         The teaching of the Bible e.g. Romans 3:20

·         Jesus’ discussions with the “good people” (the Pharisees) of His day

Stanley writes in a warm and friendly manner addressing questions people may ask.  He raises the question on page 46 asking “What percentage of your deeds do you think need to be allotted to the positive side of the balance sheet in order to secure a slot in heaven?”  It’s a good question and he responds to the question, “That’s because God has not revealed it to you or me.”  Actually Jesus addressed the question in Matthew 5:48, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” demonstrating our need for a Savior.

I highly recommend this book as a clear explanation of how people get to heaven.  Stanley concludes by summarizing, “Good people don’t go to heaven.  Forgiven people go to heaven” (page 90).  (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review).