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.
Question
Explain Christian beliefs in the afterlife.
The Christian faith teaches that all humans have a soul which lives on after the death of the physical body. The belief is that how people live during this life on Earth will impact what happens when they die. If they have followed God's will they will have eternal life with God. However, if not, then their soul may go to a place known as Hell where they are separated from God and experience torment. Some Christians believe it is just the soul that is resurrected and goes on to the afterlife. Others believe that the body will be resurrected and go to the afterlife.
