The Return of Jesus Christ: the Christian's (half-forgotten) hope by Ian Hutchings

Review in Baptist Times, 01/07/2022
​Ian Hutchings is set on squaring the circle as he seeks to marry up the doctrine of
Christ’s second coming and the end of the age with the state of those who have died,
or as many would say, “have gone to be with the Lord”. 
His concern is that Christians are not expectantly waiting for the Day of Lord but
instead expect at death to go Straight to Heaven (STH) and experience some heavenly
bliss before Jesus' final return.
His book is a relentless citing of scriptures that suggest the believer at death enters a
deep unconscious sleep to be eventually woken on the day of Jesus' return. He
suggests that so deep is the sleep that as far as the believer is concerned there is no
gap between death and the day of the Lord. A parallel might be coming round after an
anaesthetic.
The assurance given to the thief on the cross “Today you will be with me in paradise”
is an erroneous exegesis by the STH party. Other scriptures (Phil 1v21-24; 2 Cor 5v6-
10) that seem to posit a conscious state after death, are also rigorously examined and
as a result, in Ian’s view, lose their assurance.
Ian writes forcibly and maybe a bit dismissively and patronisingly of the STH view
but at the same time produces a coherent strategy. Grappling with the argument Ian
presents causes the reader to think eschatologically, which can be a useful antidote to a world that has no real view on God’s cosmic plan.
His book should be read by all who are in danger of growing lethargic in their
anticipation of Christ’s return which was clearly a vital stimulus for the New
Testament church and should be for the church today.
Martin Poole, retired Baptist minister, having served churches in Penarth, Godalming, and Eastleigh.

Ian Hutchings’ book on what will happen when we die and on our Lord’s coming is well argued and readable. The author presents biblical arguments against the idea of the soul going straight to heaven and for the return of Jesus Christ. As a Church historian, I find Ian Hutchings’ presentation in accordance with the Augsburg Confession XVII and traditional Lutheran teaching. As a widow often visiting my husband´s grave, I find the book sound and reliable.
Cecilia Wejryd, professor of Church history at Uppsala University

I had the privilege of meeting Ian at a Sunday morning service and having mentioned the second coming of Jesus Christ during the message, Ian asked what my view was.
After a fascinating discussion, Ian informed me that he had written a book on the subject.  Having enjoyed the discussion, I felt compelled to purchase the book through the Gilead Publishing website.  I am so pleased that I did.
The book is a profound study of the subject, but written in a very readable way.  It is well structured and addresses the many arguments surrounding the “straight to heaven” debate.
We spend little time in the western world and the twenty first century thinking about this subject. Ian’s book challenges the reader to think deeply about our Lord’s coming.
I would recommend the book to all who have an interest and indeed all Christians should be aware of where they stand. 
Stewart Shepherd, Chair Hospice Hope

How often have we found ourselves saying 'they've gone to be with the Lord' or 'they're in heaven now' when someone we love has died? Have we ever thought about what that means, and whether it's even true? In this book, Ian Hutchings explores what the Bible actually says about what will happen when we die, and far from disappointing us, it excites us to wait eagerly for Christ's return and to pray for our friends and family to be part of his kingdom too. 
Becki Bradshaw, former Head of Adult Publishing, Lion Hudson

To my shame, I'm not a great book reader, but this book, when I got started I couldn't put it down. Whether you agree completely with the writer or not, if you like a thought-provoking book this is a must for you. A real in-depth study of after death and of our Lord's return. Highly recommended.
Rev. John D. Hendy, Executive Director, Ukraine Christian Ministries

This book has been written to challenge the commonly held notion that on death those who believe in Christ go straight to heaven (what the author calls 'the STH theory'). There’s no mistaking that this work, though unquestionably gracious and gentle, is nothing less than a demolition of the STH theory. Ian Hutchings leaves no stone unturned as he outlines the argument for the resurrection of all believers at Christ’s return. His writing is erudite, systematic, comprehensive and most importantly biblical. It has been thrilling to have the doctrine of the general resurrection brought into such sharp relief and my expectation of Christ’s return has grown enormously as a result.
Rev Chris Band, Minister, Headington Baptist Church, Oxford