SPOEM | St. Paul Orthodox Evangelism Ministry

1. The Promise of Eternal Life

Categorized topics

1. How can we know that eternal life exists if no one has returned from the dead to confirm it?
2. Why does Christianity emphasize eternal life when many people are focused on this life?
3. How does Orthodox theology explain the nature of eternal life—what will it be like?
4. Why would a loving God create a system where some people might miss out on eternal life?
5. What is the role of sacraments, like the Eucharist, in preparing for eternal life?

6. Why does Orthodox theology describe eternal life as the ultimate union with God?
7. How does the beauty of eternal life surpass even the greatest joys of this world?
8. Why does the Orthodox Church teach that eternal life is a dynamic relationship with God, not just a static existence?
9. How does the promise of eternal life inspire hope and perseverance in trials?
10. Why is the presence of God in eternal life described as the source of unending joy and peace?
11. How do Orthodox hymns, icons, and liturgy reflect the beauty of eternal life?
12. What does the Orthodox Church teach about the glorification of the soul and body in eternal life?

13. Why has Christ’s Second Coming been delayed for over 2,000 years?
14. How can we be sure that the Second Coming isn’t just a myth or symbolic hope?
15. Why does Jesus describe His return as sudden and unexpected, yet provide signs in Scripture?
16. How does Orthodox teaching interpret the “signs of the times” without encouraging fear or speculation?
17. Why is the Second Coming necessary if Christ’s work was already finished on the cross?

18. How can God’s judgment be fair when people have had different opportunities to know Him?
19. Why does judgment include both our faith and our works if salvation is by grace?
20. How can God’s mercy coexist with eternal punishment for some people?
21. Why would a loving God create a system of judgment that leads to separation for eternity?
22. How does Orthodox theology explain the final judgment as an act of love and justice?

23. Why does Christianity teach about a “new heaven and new earth” rather than just a spiritual afterlife?
24. How does Orthodox theology understand the renewal of creation in the end times?
25. Why does the Bible describe heaven and earth passing away if God’s creation is good?
26. What will the new heaven and new earth be like, and how does this promise impact Christian life today?
27. Why does God’s plan include a physical resurrection and restoration of creation?

28. Why does Christianity teach that resurrection involves the body and not just the soul?
29. How can the resurrection of the dead be scientifically possible?
30. Why is Christ’s resurrection central to the hope of resurrection for all believers?
31. What happens to those who have been cremated or whose bodies have decomposed?
32. How does the Orthodox Church explain the resurrection as part of God’s ultimate victory over death?

33. What happens to the soul immediately after death according to Orthodox teaching?
34. Why is there so much mystery about the state of the soul before the final judgment?
35. How does Orthodox theology explain prayers for the departed if judgment is final?
36. What is the difference between paradise and heaven, and between hades and hell?
37. Why do some near-death experiences seem to contradict Christian teachings on the afterlife?

38. Why would an all-loving God create a place of eternal suffering like hell?
39. How does Orthodox theology explain hell as separation from God rather than a physical place of torment?
40. Can someone in hell repent, or is their fate permanently sealed?
41. Why is hell described in such terrifying imagery if it’s meant to be a choice made by free will?
42. How does Orthodox teaching on hell differ from other Christian views, such as annihilationism?

43. What will heaven be like according to Orthodox theology?
44. How does the promise of heaven motivate Christian living and discipleship?
45. Why doesn’t the Bible provide more detailed descriptions of heaven?
46. Will we recognize loved ones in heaven, and what will our relationships be like?
47. Why is God’s eternal presence the ultimate joy of heaven?

48. How can Christians live in anticipation of the end times without falling into fear or obsession?
49. Why does the Bible emphasize being watchful and prepared for Christ’s return?
50. How does Orthodox teaching interpret apocalyptic imagery in Scripture, like Revelation?
51. Why does Orthodox eschatology avoid speculation about the timing of the end times?
52. How can believers balance hope in the Second Coming with engagement in the present world?

53. How can we trust biblical prophecies about the end times when some seem unfulfilled?
54. Why are end-time prophecies interpreted so differently among Christians?
55. How does Orthodox teaching avoid sensationalism while interpreting Revelation?
56. What is the role of the Antichrist in end-time prophecies, and why is this concept controversial?
57. How do fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament reinforce the reliability of end-time prophecies?