Resurrection
Christian beliefs about life after death are based on the resurrectionThe Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. The rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day in a new, or risen, life. of Jesus Christ. The Christian faith teaches 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. This is called atonement. The faith teaches that three days after the crucifixion, God raised Jesus from the dead and he once again appeared to his disciples. This is taken to mean that Jesus’ sacrifice was a victory over sin and death. Although physical death still happens, those who believe in Christ and follow his example will be given eternal life in HeavenA place, or a state of mind, associated with God and the afterlife..
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Jesus said to her “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me shall live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats is found in Matthew 25:31-46.
In this parableA story told by Jesus through which he teaches and illustrates moral lessons and principles., 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
- 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
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.