Dear Peggy and Doves,

I've read Ms. Baxter's "e-books" 2 months, ago as well as Choo Thomas' book "Heaven is so Real".

I still have strong reservations about the divinity of their claims and the need for these "end times books". Frankly I thought between the 2 authors Choo Thomas was the most Biblically credible. However even some of what is espoused by Ms. Thomas doesn't line up squarely with Biblical doctrine. The most bothersome example in Choo Thomas' book is where she introduces a place referred to as the "two valleys outside the gates of the kingdom" (pp.225 and 57). where "a multitude of people dressed in gray-colored robes were wandering about in an apparent mood of dejection" The Lord told her that "They are the sinful 'Christians' ." "Most of them will go to the lake of fire after the judgment." I understood that ALL those in Hell will be thrown into the Lake of Fire after the Great White Throne Judgment. At the moment you die, if you die In Christ you go to Heaven (in your Spirit body after which you will receive a glorified body during the Resurrection of the Dead at the Rapture then move onto the Judgment of Believers (more of an awards ceremony). On the otherhand if you die without Christ as your Savior then you go to Hell where you remain until the Great White Throne Judgment. There is no in between state for the spirit man. That is, your eternal destiny is sealed either for damnation in Hell or salvation in Heaven depending on your position In Christ at the moment of Death. There is no middle ground zone or valley. Some of the testimonies on Choo Thomas' site (which I also read) are also doctrinally suspect. While James does refer to grace and works as evidence of our faith, the extent to which works plays out in these testimonies makes me think back to the time of the Judaizers.

This is a review of Baxter's book which points out potential doctrinal problems: http://www.pfo.org/heavenly.htm

At best I feel these texts just take precious time away from studying the Word. Think of trying to get the news from reading People Magazine rather than US New and World Report. Possibly worse though is if they deceptively introduce weak doctrine or fables - think the Star or the Enquirer. I frankly was disappointed in myself for having wasted time from more valuable study.

If you have the time to look them over then by all means judge their merit for yourself. At a minimum you'll be able to answer the questions that will undoubtedly arise from newbies in the faith.

In Christ,

Sandy
 

email: sandy.curtis@tx.rr.com