274 HEAVEN and HELL §469
(§§ 265 – 275 ); on non-Christians or people outside the church in heaven
(§§ 318 – 328 ); and on infants in heaven (§§ 329 – 345 ). This happens at the
level of the affection for the good and the true that engaged them in the
world, and not beyond it (§ 349 ).Our Nature after Death Depends
on the Kind of Life We Led in the World
470
A
NY Christian knows from the Word that our life is still with us after
death, since it says in many places that we will be judged according
to our deeds and works and rewarded accordingly. Further, anyone who
thinks on the basis of what is good and from real truth cannot help but
see that people who live well enter heaven and people who live evil lives
enter hell. However, people who are intent on evil do not want to believe
that their state after death depends on their life in the world. They think
rather, especially when their health begins to fail, that heaven is granted
to all on the basis of mercy alone no matter how people have lived, and
that this depends on a faith that they keep separate from life.471 It does say in many places in the Word that we will be judged and
requited according to our deeds and works. I should like to cite a few
passages here.The Son of Humanity is to come in the glory of the Father with his
angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his or her
works. (Matthew 16 : 17 [ 16 : 27 ])Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Truly, says the spirit, so that
they may rest from their labors, their works follow them. (Revelation
14 : 11 [ 14 : 13 ])I will give to all according to their works. (Revelation 2 : 23 )I saw the dead, small and great, standing in the presence of God, and
books were opened, and the dead were judged according to what was