Introduction
The Christian religion is not just a philosophy or way of life intended to keep people comfortable and peaceful in this life. The Christian religion does have much to say about our life in this world, but, more importantly, it teaches us about our life in the world to come.
- What happens to the believer when he/she dies?
When the believer dies, the soul goes home to the Lord to enjoy the blessed fellowship with Him in heaven, while the body is placed in the grave to await the resurrection of the dead. (See the Glossary regarding the false teaching known as “purgatory”.)
- Why do you believe in the resurrection of the body?
I believe in the resurrection of the body because I know from the Holy Scriptures that on the last day Jesus will raise up me and all the dead and again unite body and soul. (See the Glossary regarding the false teaching known as “reincarnation”.)
- What difference will there be between believers and unbelievers in the resurrection?
In the resurrection the believers will arise with glorified bodies, like that of the risen Christ, to everlasting life; the unbelievers will arise to everlasting shame and torment in hell.
- What is eternal life?
Eternal life is the blessed fellowship of the saved with God in heaven, where they are freed from all evil and live with God in endless joy and glory.
Bible Reference: Description of heaven
- To whom will God give eternal life?
God will give eternal life to all believers in Christ.
- What is eternal death?
Eternal death is everlasting separation from God, with endless pain of body and soul in hell.
Bible Example: The rich man in hell (See especially verse 26 below.)
- Does God want anyone to be condemned to eternal death?
God does not want anyone to be condemned, but desires that lal should come to Him and live. (See Question 1.)
- Why, then, is anyone damned?
Those who are damned are damned only because they do not believe in Christ and therefore remain in their sin.
- Why can you be sure that God will grant you eternal life?
I can be sure that god will grant me eternal life because I know that He who has here in time called me to faith by the Gospel has already from eternity chosen me to eternal life (election of grace or predestination).
- One what basis has God chosen you to be saved?
God has chosen me to be saved, not because of anything in me, but only because of His grace and mercy in Christ.
- Can a person know whether he is one of the elect?
Yes! Whenever one hears the Gospel and trusts in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins, that person can be confident that he/she is one of the elect.
Conclusion
God tells us of His election of grace (predestination) in order to comfort His Christians. The One who in eternity chose us and who in time called us to Christ by the Gospel will not abandon us to damnation in hell. Rather, He daily sanctifies His elect (the Holy Christian Church) in order to give them the resurrection to eternal life in heaven.
Hymn
O sweet and blessed country,
the home of God’s elect!
O sweet and blessed country
That eager hearts expect!
Jesus in mercy bring us
To that dear land of rest,
Who art, with God the Father
And Spirit, ever blest.
Bible Readings
At home:
In class: