What do Christians believe about death?

Christians believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Most Christian traditions believe that the end of our earthly life does not mean we cease to exist. There are varying views about ‘heaven’ and ‘the afterlife’ - and none of us really know what it’s like while we are this side of it! But our faith in Jesus, who died and rose again from the dead (which is what we celebrate at Easter time) also gives us faith that when we die we are held in the loving arms of God, where there is no more pain, struggle or sorrow. We also believe that in some way we are transformed, and that we shall all be united one day.

A reading from the Bible

John 14:1-6

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

You may like to say this prayer

Lord God, I am sad and I miss (name)

Please help me to remember all the good things about N’s life

And all that we shared.

When I feel angry, or guilty, or full of regret,

Remind me that I am human, and these things will pass

Remind me too, that you will never leave me, or N,

And that nothing can separate us from your love.

Amen