Christianity - Life after Death

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Judgement)
Matthew’s Gospel(Matthew 25:31-46)

In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates his sheep from his goats in order to help his followers understand what judgement will be like.
Jesus explains that people will be separated into two groups:

• those who have lived good lives and believed in God will be put on one side and have a place in Heaven (Sheep placed to the right)
• those who have rejected the belief in God and sinned in their lives will be placed on the other side and will go to Hell (Goats placed to the left)
  The Parable of the Sheep and Goats strongly encourages Christians to take action to help those in need. In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that a life worthy of the reward of Heaven must involve actively helping people in need. Jesus explains that helping a person, whoever they are, is just the same as helping Jesus himself and is therefore a duty for all Christians.

What is the Christian belief about life after death?
God will decide the fate of those who die.
God will judge a person’s life
This is known as the ‘Day of Judgement’

Heaven - It is described as a place of beauty, perfection, and joy, where God’s presence is fully experienced, and those that are saved worship Him for all eternity.
Characteristics of Heaven

• Kingdom
• Eternal Home
• Beauty and Perfection
• God is present
• Reward
• New
• Joy and Celebration

Hell - Hell is as a place of torment, darkness, separation, destruction, and eternal punishment. It is described as a destination reserved for the devil and his angels, but also warns of the possibility of human souls being condemned there.
Characteristics of Hell

• Torment
• Darkness
• Separation
• Destruction
• Fallen Angels and the Devil
• To be avoided