The Bible tells us that the congregation gathered around God's heavenly throne will be "a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language," all singing the praises of the Lamb. God's intention has always been to delight for all eternity in a redeemed community of ethnic diversity.
But this diverse community shouldn't have to wait until eternity to begin! It can be a reality in our own local churches here and now. Patterned after a worship service, In Church as It Is in Heaven gives biblical warrant for such a community and shows how multiethnic churches provide a unique apologetic for the gospel. Along the way, the authors tell the story of their own church-a majority-white congregation which is being transformed into a family that reflects the diversity of heaven.
The multiethnic kingdom is not just a nice idea, or an abstract theory. It's a reality-one we can enter into today.
"As the authors express in this book, my heart and hopes for churches on earth have been guided by the eschatological vision of the church in heaven found in Revelation 7. In Church as It Is in Heaven helps us get there. It is outstanding; I could not put it down. Any church or Christian captivated by God's promise for his church in eternity will be blessed, convicted, edified, and encouraged by this work. Thank you, my brothers. What a gift you have given us."
Daniel L. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Some have given up on a biblical vision of racial justice, morality, and reconciliation. Jamaal Williams and Timothy Paul Jones have not. This book is a practical guide that gives up neither sober realism nor kingdom hope."
Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today