Christianity: Heaven & Hell (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Traditional beliefs about heaven & hell
What are traditional Christian beliefs about heaven and hell?
All Christians believe in life after death
This means that although the physical body dies, the soul can live on after death
Christians also believe in the Immortality of the Soul and that the body will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment
Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected and that this is an example of what will happen to humans
Christians believe that when you die, God will judge you based upon your earthly actions
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matthew 25:46)
Following judgment, God will decide if you go to heaven (reward) or hell (punishment)
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Christians believe in heaven and hell as places of eternal reward or punishment
Heaven is mentioned in the Bible, but there is very little description of what it is like
Some Christians believe heaven is a physical place, but most believe it to be a spiritual state of being where humans are united with God
The Bible describes heaven as a place without sin or suffering or sadness
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4)
Hell is also mentioned in the Bible as a place where unrepentant sinners go after death
It is described as a place of pain and suffering, with an absence of God
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28)
Biblical teachings on heaven and hell affect the way that Christians live their lives
Contemporary beliefs about heaven & hell
Although all Christians believe there is life after death, there are some different opinions on what happens at death and about what heaven and hell might be like
Some Christians believe that heaven and hell exist as places where the good are rewarded and the bad are punished
Other Christians do not see heaven or hell as places but instead as “states of mind”
In heaven, you will know God and be happy
In hell, you will not know God and be unhappy
There are also Christians who do not believe in hell, as they do not believe that an all-loving God would send people to hell
Many Christians believe that at some point in the future, Jesus will return to Earth
This is called the Second Coming, and at this point, everyone who has died will be resurrected
“Christ ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all men at the last day” (39 Articles IV)
Some Christians believe that at this point, all of humanity will be judged at the Last Judgment
Other Christians (Roman Catholics) believe that judgment will take place as soon as a person dies rather than everyone being judged together on the Day of Judgment
Roman Catholics believe in purgatory, a place where sins are punished and purification takes place before heaven
Worked Example
What do Christians mean by heaven?
[2 marks]
Answer:
Heaven is the eternal presence of God where believers experience peace and joy. It is seen as a reward for those who have lived faithfully [2 marks]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Where relevant, try and use biblical quotes to support responses for this section. For example:
Heaven: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning” (Revelation 21:4)
Hell: “They will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matthew 25:46)
Know and understand the different views relating to heaven and hell, including:
Traditional: literal heaven/hell as physical places
Modern/liberal: symbolic — heaven = closeness to God, hell = self-chosen separation
Catholic: may include belief in purgatory (a place of cleansing before heaven)
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