Religious Studies - 5 - Christianity - Beliefs & Teachings - 186,187 - The Afterlife - Eschatological Beliefs Flashcards
What does eschatology refer to?
Beliefs about the ‘last things’: death, judgement, heaven and hell.
What do Christians believe about life after death?
Christians believe in life after death.
Why is the belief in life after death central to Christianity?
It is at the very centre of Christianity.
What event do Christians believe occurred three days after Jesus was crucified?
Jesus rose from the dead and came back to life.
Which apostle emphasized the importance of resurrection to the Christian faith?
The apostle Paul.
In which letter did Paul discuss the resurrection and its significance?
In his letter to the Corinthians.
Complete the quote: ‘If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised, your faith is _______ and you are still in your sins.’
futile.
According to Paul, what happens to those who have fallen asleep in Christ if there is no resurrection?
They have perished.
What biblical passage summarizes the importance of resurrection for Christians?
Corinthians 1:15–17.
What do Christians believe about this life in relation to the afterlife?
This life is a preparation for an afterlife to be with God in heaven.
What does the Nicene Creed reference at its end?
‘I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.’
Why is the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection important to Christians?
It provides them with evidence that death is not the end and that immortal souls live on.
What does the cross symbolize in Christianity?
Both death and resurrection.
What are the two creeds that mention belief in an afterlife?
- Apostles’ Creed
- Nicene Creed
True or False: Belief in an afterlife is absent in Christian teachings.
False
Fill in the blank: The Nicene Creed is a statement of Christian faith from _______.
[325 CE]
What is the Gospel of John often referred to as?
The ‘eschatological gospel’.
It is called this due to its frequent references to the afterlife.
What significant miracle does Jesus perform in the Gospel of John?
He raises Lazarus from the dead.
This event highlights Jesus’ power and deepens the faith of the witnesses.
What does Jesus say about those who believe in him?
They will never die.
This statement emphasizes the theme of eternal life in the Gospel.
Where is this quote from: Jesus said to her - ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
This quote is from John 11:25–26.
What effect does the miracle of raising Lazarus have on the people?
It has a profound effect on their faith.
Witnesses are deeply impacted by the miracle.
What does Jesus say about his Father’s house?
It has many rooms.
This suggests a place of belonging and preparation for believers.
What does Jesus promise if he goes to prepare a place?
He will come back and take you to be with him.
This indicates a personal relationship and reunion with believers.
How does Jesus describe himself in relation to the way to heaven?
I am the way and the truth and the life.
This emphasizes the exclusive path to God through Jesus.
According to Jesus, who can come to the Father?
No one comes to the Father except through me.
This highlights the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation.
What does Jesus imply about knowing him?
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
This suggests an intimate connection between knowledge of Jesus and knowledge of God.
Fill in the blank: ‘My Father’s house has many _______’
rooms.
This metaphorically represents the accommodations in heaven.
Who asks Jesus about the way to where he is going?
Thomas.
This reflects a common human uncertainty about spiritual matters.
True or False: Jesus claims that knowing him means knowing the Father.
True.
This indicates the unity of purpose and essence between Jesus and God.
What question does Thomas pose to Jesus?
Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?
This shows the disciples’ confusion and need for guidance.
