In the first two parts of this series, we asked how we got here and how we should live, if there is no God. But, of the three, this post explores the question that has ultimately had the most impact on my life: If God doesn’t exist, what will happen after we die?
Though some Christians might recoil at the idea, I’m perfectly comfortable admitting God might not be real (these posts are a product of the years I’ve spent wrestling with that possibility). But, even granting that God may not actually exist, a worldview based solely on natural processes has only two possible endings: hopelessness or terror. Let’s look at the options.
If God Doesn’t Exist
(1) If there is no God, what will happen after a non-believer dies? They will return to meaningless dust and be reabsorbed into the Earth. Even though their worldview was correct, they will never know. Lovely.
(2) Alright. If there is no God, what will happen after a believer dies? Well, they will also return to meaningless dust and be reabsorbed into the Earth. Even though their worldview was incorrect, they will never know.
Whether or not someone believes, if God doesn’t exist, none of us will be any better off at the end of 150 years. We’ll all fade into hopeless non-existence, either way.
If God Does Exist
(3) If God exists, what will happen after a non-believer dies? Even without making assumptions in favor of the Christian God, most major religions share the same final result. Refusing to acknowledge the very existence of their Creator will result in despair and terror for people who have rejected their life’s purpose. Though meaningless dust sounded pretty abysmal, existential despair is much worse. Incorrectly rejecting the existence of God is the worst possible result. Fortunately, there’s one more option.
(4) If God exists, what will happen after a believer dies? Having lived according the Creator’s intended purpose, a believer will be rewarded for their faithfulness and granted the reward of eternal life. What do we have to lose? Of the four total possibilities, this is the only option with any HOPE, whatsoever.
Hard Questions
Now, I must make a confession. I’m not the first person to consider this line of reasoning. Neither was Blaise Pascal. One of the earliest explanations of this idea comes at the tail-end of a controversial sermon Jesus gave in John 6.
In the lesson, Jesus explained how belief in Him was connected to eternal life. Then, alluding to imagery used throughout His lesson, Jesus made an intentionally odd statement in verse 54.
John 6:54-57 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.
As you’d expect, this statement caused a stir in the audience. Did Jesus just tell us to become cannibals?! Faced with this confusing question, many people started leaving.
Only Jesus Gives Hope
One by one, person by person, the crowd dispersed until only Jesus and His 12 disciples remained. Then, He asked them a simple question in verse 67.
John 6:67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
But, even though they had doubts and questions, they were resolute. The 12 disciples decided to stay. Speaking for the group, here’s how Peter replied:
John 6:68-69 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
If you want to have hope in life after death, you won’t get there through Atheism. We all face difficult questions in our faith. But, don’t let that make you give up. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life. If there is no God, where else could we go? Whether past, present, or future, Only Jesus Gives Hope.