life after death / eschatology

• after death there will be a judgement where god decides where we go next
• catechism quote showing there is life after death

  each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of death
• where do people who are pure go after death?

  heaven

  they have the beatific vision
• what is the beatific vision?

  place of peace and light where they will see god
• how does the bible describe heaven?

  it is like a wedding feast and will be a surprise: 'what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived'.
• where do those with veinal (lesser) sins go?

  to purgatory to be purified

  they are saved, being prepared for heaven
• what does the catechism say about purgatory?

  after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven
• where do those who are evil or reject god go?

  hell
• what does the catechism say about hell?

  hell is separation from god
• different christian beliefs

  • evangelicals say purgatory is not in the bible and only true christians go to hell
  • all christians believe in immortality of the soul
  • some think their soul will be immediately in heaven
• what does st paul say about immortality of the soul

  we will have a new glorified body in heaven and that jesus had a new glorified body after resurrection
• what does matthew say about hell

  those who believe will enter heaven... but those who dont will be cast out to darkness
• why do some christians believe souls will immediately be in heaven?

  jesus said 'you will be with me in paradise today'
• why is life after death important for christians?

  • gives them an incentive to lead holy lives
  • gives meaning life and purpose
  • a reason to follow the greatest commandments
  • avoid sinning