By: Lauren Carpenter

Specific works in Christian literature stand out for their theological depth and their ability to connect the eternal with the every day, offering readers both solace and an invigorating challenge to their faith. The Second Adam by Philip Edward Zarling is one such work. 

Zarling’s reflective book explores the eternal blessings awaiting Christians in the new heaven and earth, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through biblical promises and personal meditation.

A Journey to the Perfect Life

The Second Adam explores the hope that sustains believers in a world of suffering and uncertainty. The book focuses on the ultimate restoration of God’s creation, as the Bible describes, where heaven and earth are renewed in perfection. 

Zarling’s vision is not abstract or ethereal; it is grounded in the very promises of scripture, precisely the idea that God’s plan for creation was always meant to culminate in an eternal paradise. 

For those who have felt the sting of loss, the weight of sin, or the struggles of everyday life, Zarling offers a powerful reminder of what awaits: the ultimate fellowship with God.

Zarling’s theological depth shines through in his exploration of the “new heaven and new earth”, a concept outlined in the last chapters of Revelation. He is not content with a superficial understanding of heaven as a place of passive comfort. 

Instead, Zarling probes into life’s active and dynamic nature in the eternal realm. He discusses how God’s people will dwell with Him forever, free from the world’s pains—there will be no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. What remains is a community of perfect love and harmony, where every individual is transformed, not only spiritually but physically, into a glorified, sinless body.

Presenting the Promise of Eternal Fellowship

One of the standout features of The Second Adam is Zarling’s ability to take the grand narrative of scripture and make it personal. As a third-generation pastor in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Zarling’s decades of experience in ministry have given him a deep well of wisdom from which to draw. 

His insights on the nature of fellowship with God are grounded in biblical theology and lived experience. He paints a vivid picture of what it means to live in perfect fellowship with God and each other. The relational aspect of heaven is key—Zarling emphasizes that the new earth will be a physical restoration and a complete healing of relationships, both with God and with others.

Drawing from Revelation 21, Zarling reflects on how God’s presence will be fully realized in the new heaven. 

“God’s dwelling is with people,” he writes, echoing the scriptural promise that God Himself will be among His people. 

In this new world, God’s love will be all-encompassing, transforming relationships, communities, and the very fabric of existence. 

It’s a profound thought—heaven is not simply a place where we escape suffering but a place where we experience a fullness of life, love, and joy in the very presence of God.

A Heaven Free from Strife and Division

Another remarkable aspect of Zarling’s writing is his focus on the unity that believers will experience in heaven. In a world rife with division, strife, and discord, Zarling paints heaven as a place where these earthly struggles are not merely absent but impossible. 

There will be no “Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female” (Galatians 3:28), for all believers will be one in Christ Jesus. In its perfected state, the church will reflect the unity of the Trinity itself—a harmonious, indivisible community bound together in perfect love and truth. This vision of unity is compelling, especially in today’s world, where division and conflict seem to rise. 

Zarling challenges the reader to imagine a world where everyone lives in perfect harmony regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. 

It’s a call to remember that God’s kingdom is a place where love and fellowship reign supreme, where grace and mercy are the rules of life, not exceptions.

The Second Adam and the Perfection of Life

Central to Zarling’s theological exploration is the figure of Jesus Christ, whom he calls the “Second Adam.”

Christ’s redemptive work is the foundation of our hope for heaven and the very means by which the new heaven and earth will come into being. 

As the first Adam brought sin and death into the world, the second Adam brought redemption and eternal life. Through Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection, believers are assured that all things will be made new.

Zarling carefully explores what this means for our future existence in heaven. Our spiritual bodies, transformed and perfected, will be free from the corruption of sin, disease, and death. 

Of course, what this looks like is beyond complete human comprehension. Still, Zarling offers a glimpse of what it might entail—glorified bodies that reflect the perfection of Christ, restored to the state in which God created humanity. 

There will be no more illness, aging, or suffering. In heaven, believers will experience life as it was meant to be—complete, whole, and perfect.

Living Out the Eternal Now

While Zarling’s book is undeniably theological, it is also profoundly pastoral. As a former pastor with decades of ministry experience, he brings a practical perspective to his writing. 

The Second Adam is not simply about what believers can look forward to in the future but also about how that future hope shapes the way we live now. 

Zarling challenges his readers to live in light of the eternal, reminding them that the hope of heaven is not merely a future reality but a present motivation for holy living.

This practical aspect of Zarling’s writing makes the book accessible to a broad audience, from those with a deep understanding of theology to those new to the faith. 

His approachable style, coupled with his deep biblical insight, makes The Second Adam a work that invites readers to think about the nature of heaven and live in anticipation of it.

A Vision of Perfected Life in the New Heaven and Earth

In The Second Adam, Philip Edward Zarling presents a theologically rich yet accessible exploration of God’s eternal promises. His decades of ministry experience and deep commitment to the Scriptures shine through every page, making this book both a theological resource and a source of comfort for Christians seeking to understand their ultimate hope in Christ. 

Zarling’s reflections on the new heaven and earth, the transformation of the believer, and eternal fellowship with God offer a powerful vision of Christian hope. This hope is as real and tangible as it is infinite.

The Second Adam is an essential read for those seeking to deepen their understanding of God’s plan for the future or to find comfort in the promises of heaven. 

It invites readers to look beyond the struggles of the present and into the perfect future God has prepared for those who love Him. It is a book that speaks to the intellect and touches the heart, reminding all who read it of the eternal blessings that await in God’s presence.

Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of The Second Adam by Philip Edward Zarling and is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute theological or pastoral advice. For personalized spiritual guidance, readers should consult a licensed minister or theologian.

Published by Tom W.