Heaven, How I Got Here by Colin S Smith is the story of the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus. It's the compelling story of his life, death and arrival in the Kingdom Heaven.

Told in his own words, the world's best known - yet nameless - thief looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and opens out the truths of the faith that can change yours.

In this mind expanding volume; part novel, part exploration of Christian belief, you'll find an exciting blend of easy to grasp theology, fascinating history and profound gospel truth. The story of the first man in Heaven after Jesus crucifixion fuses into one the genres of fiction, theology, history and evangelism.

In these pages you'll come to realise that you're not simply the reader - you're in the cast of this amazing story. Then you'll find yourself centre stage in the drama, and right there in the courts of God himself.

You'll understand the wonder of the realisation that dawned upon the thief as he came to terms with how he got there; a realisation that can be yours and can change your life forever.

More than just a book to read, this is a book to share, to discuss and give to anyone who wants to understand fully what the death of Jesus means for them today.

Endorsements

...brilliant idea beautifully executed...combines pastoral wisdom and narrative skill to help us get inside the heart and mind of the thief on the cross, crucified next to the Christ on Calvary.

Justin Taylor

Executive vice president for book publishing, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois

I've never read anything like this! This compelling first-person account from a heavenly perspective helped me understand and appreciate what Jesus endured on the cross and why he did it.

Collin Hansen

Editor–in–Chief, The Gospel Coalition; author, ‘Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’

How I wish that every skeptic and every believer would read this book!

Erwin Lutzer

Senior Pastor, Moody Church, Chicago, Illinois

Here is a gripping account of God's amazing grace that comes alive as recounted from this unusual and really helpful perspective.

Alistair Begg

Founder, Truth for Life

Colin Smith takes a fresh approach to a sometimes troubling topic. Instead of describing heavenly details like the people you'll meet, the things you'll do, or the appearance of the Holy Spirit, Smith writes from the heavenly vantage point of the person closest to Jesus as he died on the cross: the thief at his side who would come to believe... I was gripped by the thief's play-by-play of the passion story as it unfolded, and how he came to see the gospel implications of Jesus's actions toward those around-toward his executors, toward his mother, and toward the thief himself. Heaven, How I Got Here oozes gospel truth.

Its accessible format makes it easy to give away and even read in one sitting. Pastors would be wise to have a few on hand to give to seekers, those struggling with assurance, and those needing a deeper and more personal look at the good news.

If you are looking to deepen your understanding of God's cross-shaped love and to share it with others, I can't help but warmly commend Heaven, How I Got Here.

The Gospel Coalition