Posted: September 2nd, 2022

Describe the perception of death according to Christian faith

Describe the perception of death according to Christian faith
Death is inevitable, and people will continue to die every day. But where do people go after death? The topic of death has been controversial since time immemorial. Different people hold varying beliefs and opinions regarding death, depending on various factors like their cultural backgrounds, educational achievements, and religious affiliations. However, most people tend to turn to religion to explain the concept of death. Different religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, hold different opinions about death and the afterlife. The beliefs about death revolve around themes including reincarnation, enlightenment, heaven, and hell. While some religions are strict and consistent about their beliefs, others are more open and leave more room for interpretation, which results in varying beliefs among the followers.
So how do Christians perceive death?
Life after death
Christians have a fairly unique view of death. According to the general world, death is believed to be the end of life. It is a general belief that when a person does, their existence ceases to exist. However, Christians do not support this view. According to the bible, there is another life after death, and that death is just but a beginning or departure to the existence of another life either in heaven or in hell.
Death is a sleep
Christians also view death as a “kind of sleep,” where the “sleeper” does not cease to exist as his body continues to sleep. Therefore, the dead person will continue to exist even in their inability to communicate with other people. And as like sleep is temporal, so is death. The New Testament (Thes. 4:14) addresses the dead as those “that are fallen asleep in Jesus.” The bible uses the term sleep to refer to the state of the body in death.
Back to Dust
The bible also talks about the return back to dust through the decomposition of the body. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were deprived of the ‘tree of life’ hence the lack of physical immortality. The book of Genesis clearly states that man shall return to the dust of the ground.
Judgment, Heaven, and Hell
According to Christians, people who die do not go to the same place. After death, we will be judged according to the life we lead. Those who lead a righteous life will die in Christ and will be granted eternal life. They will be united with other righteous ones and dine with patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. For the sinners and the wicked, death also marks the start of a life of eternal suffering in hell. (Psa. 116:3) “and those who have lived in rebellion to God will enter a spirit state characterized by immense pain, trouble, and suffering.”
Cavadini, J. C. (2018). Two Ancient Christian Views of Suffering and Death. Christian Dying: Witnesses from the Tradition, 94.
Chukwuedo, M. U. (2019). The paradox of life and death: a Christian perspective. Mgbakoigba: Journal of African Studies, 8(1), 42-49.
Hastings, T. J. (2020). Christian Faith, Modern Science, and God’s Mission.

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