Most religions believe that something happens to us after we die, for Christians our destination after death is Heaven or Hell whereas in the Old Testament of Judaism, Jews believed in a place called ‘Sheol’ meaning ‘Pit or ‘Grave’
The basic principles of life after death for the Christian Faith is that if you have had a ‘Good’ life on earth then you will enter heaven but if you have had a ‘Bad’ life on earth then you will surely go too hell. But what about Salvation?
Salvation is the confession of sins even at the very last moment. This would mean that as long as a Christian confessed his sins too God and was truly sorry for his actions then they would be allowed into Heaven regardless of their life on earth, thus inferring that everyone has the chance to enter heaven, if such a place exists, as long as they are able to confess their sins. It is often said that “Heaven is only for those who believe in Jesus Christ and who have received Salvation”
I personally do not believe that heaven is only for those who believe in Jesus Christ because in today’s society, the church does not play as large a part as it has previously. People today have their own opinions, views and choices whereas is past years it has always been a custom to ‘Belong’ to a church. Most Christians, who believe in Jesus Christ and have received salvation, will in theory enter heaven. St Paul – “I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love; neither death nor life, neither angels not heavenly rulers…neither the world above nor the world below… through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I also don’t believe that God would ever refuse an honest, hard-working person into heaven based on the fact that they did not believe in him during their life on Earth. After all, they will be proved wrong when they enter heaven anyway. “Do not let your hearts be troubles, believe in God and also in me.”
A Christian funeral is usually a burial or a cremation, the dead body is often taken by the undertaker where it is embalmed and then laid in a wooden coffin. The coffin is then transported to the church or crematorium in a Hurst which is a large car which is usually Black in colour. Before the body is buried or cremated a service is held to celebrate the life of the deceased.
“We have entrusted or brother/sister to God’s merciful keeping and now we commit his/her body to the ground (or be burned). Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, who died was buried and rose again for. To him be glory for ever and ever…. Amen”
This is the final statement made by the minister at the ceremony before the body of the deceased person is finally laid to rest.
Some people may argue that there is Life after Death and others may argue that there is no life after death. None of this can possibly be proven true to people on earth. The only way we found out is to proceed through our life to the end where we shall find out. Personally I like to think that when I die it is not the end and I will go to ‘another’ place.
