User:High ground man

= Christian beliefs on life after death = Life after death( afterlife) is the belief that the life lives on after the death of the physical body. Ideas point to their being a soul or spirit which carries on a person's identity, meaning each one is unique and is thought to be eternal.

Some views show that the soul or spirit continues in a spiritual realm, others believe that soul is reborn to repeat the cycle. The belief of being reborn has the idea that the body has little to no memory. The cycle would be repeated until access is granted to this holy realm.

Religions, like Christianity, believe that a God or a divine judge will decide our fate based on our actions and beliefs during our living life.

 Why Christians believe in the afterlife 

Christians believe that if you are baptised and calls themselves a Christian then they will be allowed in heaven. but also it is believed that it also relies on people actions and beliefs during the physical life that effects how we are judged in our spiritual life. Christians would turn to the bible for a belief in heaven, as it says in Luke 24:51" While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven." They also believe that God has promised them a second life with him in heaven. Some might just believe in the afterlife for a sense of comfort for a fear of death. Another reason is if they feel like they had a near death experience.

 Heaven 

Heaven is said to be a state of eternal happiness in the presence of God. It is a place of peace and holiness. Some Christians think that who ever believes in Christ and lives a good life. John 14:2 " In my father's house are many rooms. I am going to prepare a place for you." This shows that we have a place in heaven as long as we live a sinless life

 Hell 

Hell is said to be a place of eternal suffering without the presence of God. It was used as a threat in the 19th century to encourage Christians to attend church. Hell is a punishment to those who spends their lives committing grave sins. "Hell is a state which the wicked and condemned and which they deprive the sight of God." Pope Pius X (1908)

 Purgatory 

An intermediate state where the soul is cleansed and will be be granted access to heaven. Anyone who enters purgatory is not going to hell. It is still considered a dark place because it is without God.

The resurrection

The resurrection is the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, the third day after he died. Before he rose he was crucified, which was the most important part in the religion as they believe Jesus died to save us from sin and allowed us to go to heaven. When he rose, he appeared to two women and he revealed himself as Jesus. Then he appeared to his disciples, who were in disbelief but realised it was Jesus who stood before them.

 Parables of Judgement 

A parable in the bible is a story told by Jesus which has a religious meaning. An example of a parable is the parable of the unmerciful servant, this teaches us that if we show mercy to others, God will show mercy back. Another parable is the parable of the sheep and goats, which teaches us that if we treat others the same way we would treat Jesus then we will be rewarded in heaven.

 How it effects Christians 

If Christians believe in the afterlife then they would try to live a better life in order to go to heaven.