With pastoral sensitivity and deep biblical understanding, Oliphint and Ferguson move from the cold, concrete reality of death to the glorious Christian hope in new creation and resurrection life. Though many are hopeful concerning life beyond, the basis for such hopes is often shaky. The death of a loved one or a child’s simple question can highlight such insufficiencies. If I Should Die Before I Wake communicates clearly and accessibly the Bible’s teaching concerning the origin of death, the way to heaven through Christ, and what the future life will be like. Closing chapters helpfully offer ways that deeper understanding and contemplation of death and the future life may nourish and strengthen the believer. – Matthew Harmon, Westminster Bookstore Staff