I agree that the idea of the afterlife is a wonderful encouragement, especially during the difficult times of life, and most definitely when we come to the end of life.
As most of us are aware, Paul was very effective at Westernizing the Gospel, and the Pharisees (like Paul) were believers in the afterlife. Jesus’ teaching was always very Eastern and Jewish. In fact, when he was approached by Gentiles for healing someone they loved, he did not do it right away, but only after they insisted (displayed chutzpah, which is translated, faith). Jesus, as Dr. David Bivin, Dr. Brad Young, Dr. Ron Moseley, and others do a fine job of proving, was most closely aligned with the views of the Pharisees, and also taught about a literal afterlife.
Even so, “eternal life” was heard in Jesus and Paul’s day as “living life like the Eternal (God)” or to live in holiness, doing the will of God as directed by God’s Word. So, although we refer to eternal life as the act of living forever, we miss something, when we don’t understand that “eternal” was a direct reference to God. In other words, eternal life could also be translated “god-like life” or living as God would have one live.
Of course, we do receive eternal life, but as most Christians believe, only when we live a “god-like life.”
To read "Eternal Life" click on http://flocksdiner.com/?p=109.
In His dust,
Johnny
