Preface
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Why it matters what we believe
The shortness and uncertainty of life
Our views on the next life will significantly influence this one
The possibility of missing out on all the good God has planned for us
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The reasonableness of life after death
The universality of belief in life after death
The nature of God
The witness of science
Evidence from nature
The fact of revelation
The resurrection of Jesus and the faith of believers
Our ingrained sense of justice
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The nature of Christian conversion
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Resurrection, not reincarnation
The guarantee of resurrection
The nature of the resurrection body
Hope for the physically and mentally challenged
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Between death and resurrection
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The nature of Heaven
Heaven is real
Heaven is God centred
Heaven is for relationships
A place of joy
A place for creativity, growth and service
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Stories of faith
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What about Judgement?
Our accountability to God
Jesus our judge
Keeping perspective
Judgement and the nature of God: love and anger
The basis on which judgement will be made
Christians included in the judgement
A symbol of mercy
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The future of unbelievers
Some background to the discussion
Separation and the shut door
What about those who have not heard the gospel?
An appropriate response
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A choice to be made
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Appendices
Looking for the Sunrise
Treasure Up in Heaven
A Traveller's Guide to Heaven
Heaven
Hamish
The King and the Fool
Will you meet me at the fountain?
The purpose of this booklet is to look in some depth at the important issues surrounding death. In Part 1 I will look at questions such as: does it matter what we believe anyway, why do we avoid talking about it, can we confidently assume that there is life after death? In Part 2 I will present the Christian view of death and what lies beyond.
I won't avoid the difficult question of judgement and the possibility of missing out on all that God has planned for his people, issues that the New Testament speaks so plainly and consistently about. However, for those who are searching for a real relationship with the living God, I have a glorious message of hope and certainty. You don't have to go through life with any doubt about the future. On the contrary, if you are willing to accept all that God offers, on his terms, you will be able to look forward with certainty to an endless future in which you will experience all that God, in his infinite love and wisdom, has planned for you.
You will also find it a hope that will transform your goals and values and understanding of every part of this present life. My prayer is that you will be greatly blessed as you make the journey.