The afterlife has been a subject of curiosity and fascination for centuries, and it still remains a mystery despite being explored by scholars, religious leaders, and philosophers. Interestingly, research and the Bible seem to agree on certain aspects of the afterlife. For instance, both sources suggest that there is life beyond death, and this life is eternal. According to a study published in the Journal of Near-Death Studies[1], most individuals who had near-death experiences claimed to have encountered a realm of existence beyond the physical world. Similarly, the Bible teaches that there is a place where believers will spend eternity after they die (Revelation 21:1-5[2]).
Moreover, research and the Bible seem to agree that there is a final judgment after death. In their research, Dr. Raymond Moody and other near-death experts argued that the experience of the tunnel or the white light is a prefiguration of the final judgment[3]. This idea is consistent with the Bible’s view that everyone will face God’s judgement after death (Hebrews 9:27[4]; Revelation 20:11-15[5]).
Lastly, both research and the Bible suggest that there are consequences to how a person lives their life on earth. Near-death experiences reveal that individuals who experienced negative effects in their afterlife described their lives on earth as one filled with selfishness, greed, and violence. Conversely, others who encountered positive effects in the afterlife reported leading lives of love, compassion, and kindness[6]. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching that those who do good things will get rewarded in heaven, while those who do evil will face eternal punishment (Matthew 25: 31-46[7]).
In conclusion, research and the Bible seem to agree on several concepts related to the afterlife. They both suggest that there is life beyond death that is eternal, that there will be a final judgment, and that people will be judged based on how they lived their lives on earth. These findings provide some confirmation and insight into the great mystery of the afterlife, and invite continued exploration and contemplation.
References:
1. Griffin, M. P. (2010). Death, Mysticism, and the Afterlife. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 28(4), 231–236. doi: 10.17514/JNDS-2010-28-4-p231-236
2. New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
3. Near-Death.com. (n.d.). Raymond Moody. https://near-death.com/science/experts/raymond-moody.html
4. New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
5. New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
6. Greyson, B. (2016). From After-Death Communication to Near-Death Experiences. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 5(3), 161–172. doi: 10.21037/apm.2016.02.05
7. New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
