There has been much controversy over the young man who claimed to have died, gone to heaven and seen Jesus. The book “The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven” has been pulled from shelves of Christian bookstores. Apparently the young man, now a teenager is recanting his story. He says it was made up and he only wanted to seek attention. One could wonder how a 6-year-old could make up something of this magnitude.

In other books such, as “Heaven is for Real” and “90 Minutes in Heaven” stories are told of the folks leaving their bodies and being in what they considered to be heaven. The young man, Colton Burpo shared with his parents about meeting a grandfather who died before he was born, meeting a sister who was stillborn and seeing Jesus. His father, a minister, shared Colton’s story in the book “Heaven is For Real.”

I have read the book and watched the movie I am not going to pass judgment on what the young boy claims to have experienced. Personally I had a good feeling after reading the book and watching the movie. The feeling is hard to put into words, but it was one of eagerness and hope. The hope stemming from thinking those who had doubts about eternity, would realize the need to make changes in their lives that would affect where they will spend eternity themselves.

If reading this book or watching the movie moves someone to seek salvation, then what harm could really come of the writing. I am not beyond believing that God could use a 4-year-old to share His message.

Regardless of what books have been written throughout the years, or folks who claim to have seen “the light,” the real truth is contained inside the words of the Bible. John tells us of what he saw of Heaven and what was to come, in his vision told in the book of Revelation.

Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God as he was being stoned. Jesus shared that in His Father’s home were many mansions. The streets of gold and choirs of angels singing praise before the throne of God are shared in scripture as well. These descriptions of heaven are all contained in the words of the Bible.

The promise of eternity in heaven, living in the light of love of the Father, is more than enough reason for me to accept His offer of salvation. Heaven will be far more glorious than anything our human mind can possibly comprehend. If you ask me how I know, the Bible tells me so.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.