the afterlife Flashcards
atonement
the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of jesus.
resurrection of jesus:
christians believe that jesus’ death and resurrection are part of God’s divine plan for humankind.
through his death on the cross, jesus pays the penalty for mankind’s sin and mankind’s relationship with God is restored (atonement).
beliefs with resurrection:
christians believe that 3 days after the crucifixion, God raised jesus from the dead and he again appeared to his disciples.
this is taken to mean that jesus’ sacrifice was a victory over sin and death.
physical death still happens; those who believe in jesus and live good lives will be given eternal life in heaven.
jesus promising his followers eternal life
“Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25-26)
resurrection in people
when jesus rose from the dead he rose with a body. st paul teaches in the bible that people will have resurrection bodies like jesus.
immortality of the soul
jesus told the criminals crucified with him that he would go straight to paradise.
“And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:39-43)
why do christians believe in the afterlife?
belief in life after death may be influenced by the meaning and purpose that it gives to the lives of christians.
existence in the afterlife:
most christians interpret existence to be spiritual rather than physical.
judgement
some christians believe that judgement will happen when they die. others believe that there will be a day of judgement at the end of time, when everybody will be judged at the same time.
some believe that judgement will happen in two stages: an initial personal judgement when you die, followed by the definitive judgement at the end of time.
some believe faith in [1] is enough to act as salvation, others believe you must actively strive to act as the bible ordered.
[1] - jesus
exclusivism
only some people will be saved from hell.
universalism
all will be saved from hell as god is merciful and omnibenevolent.