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The Catechism in Questions & Answers
- Introduction
- Contents
- 531. Is there a life after death?
- 532. What is death?
- 533. How else does the Bible understand “death”?
- 534. Who has power over death?
- 535. What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
- 536. Are there any references to life after death in Holy Scripture?
- 537. Where do human beings find themselves after physical death?
- 538. What do we mean when we talk about “the beyond”?
- 539. Is there a reincarnation of the dead?
- 540. Can we connect with the departed?
- 541. What is the condition of the souls in the beyond?
- 542. Who are the “dead in Christ”?
- 543. Can the condition of the souls in the beyond be changed?
- 544. How is it possible for souls in the beyond to change?
- 545. What statements does Holy Scripture make concerning help for the dead?
- 546. Can we help the departed attain salvation?
- 547. In what way do the departed receive salvation?
- 548. How and through whom is salvation imparted to the dead?
547. In what way do the departed receive salvation?
Jesus Christ is Lord over both the dead and the living. It is the will of God that all men be saved (cf. 1 Timothy 2: 4-6). This occurs through the sermon, the sacrament, and the forgiveness of sins. Belief in Jesus Christ is indispensable for this. This applies to both the dead and the living alike.
That the gospel must also be preached to the departed is clear from 1 Peter 4: 6: “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3: 16