Death and the Belief in Life After Death: From Ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Sheol to the New Testament Hope
(Ref: Job 14:14, Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, John 11:25–26, 1 Corinthians 15:20–55, 2 Corinthians 5:1–8, Revelation 21:1–4)
How Real and Painful is Death for Human Beings?
Death is one of the most certain and yet deeply unsettling realities of human existence. It is not just a biological end but an emotional and spiritual rupture that affects both the one who dies and those left behind. For human beings, death is real, inevitable, and often painful – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Physically, the process of dying can involve great suffering, especially in cases of illness or trauma. The body weakens, systems fail, and pain can become overwhelming. Emotionally, the fear of the unknown, the grief of parting from loved ones, and the sense of unfinished dreams make death a heavy burden to carry. For those who witness the death of a loved one, the sorrow and emptiness can linger for years. Spiritually, death confronts people with profound questions about meaning, eternity, and the soul. Different cultures and faiths offer various interpretations, but the emotional impact of death is universal. It reminds us of our vulnerability and the fragile nature of life.
In the end, death is both a personal and communal experience. It brings mourning, reflection, and, for many, a search for hope beyond the grave. Though painful, death also reveals the depth of human love, the value of life, and the enduring need for comfort and meaning in the face of loss.
The mystery of death and what lies beyond has fascinated humanity since the dawn of civilization. Every ancient culture developed its own beliefs about the afterlife, reflecting its worldview, religious values, and understanding of the soul. Among the most prominent ancient civilizations, the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Israelites each had distinct ideas about death and the afterlife. While Babylon and Egypt envisioned complex realms of the dead, the Israelites developed the concept of Sheol. These ancient beliefs gradually evolved, ultimately culminating in the New Testament’s profound hope in resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
1. The Babylonian View of Death and the Afterlife
In Babylonian belief, the afterlife was a bleak and shadowy underworld known as Irkalla, or the “land of no return.” It was ruled by Ereshkigal and guarded by demons. All the dead, regardless of moral conduct in life, were believed to descend to this gloomy place where they existed as etemmu (shades or spirits), feeding on dust and clay.In the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known literary works, the hero’s quest for immortality underscores the fear and uncertainty surrounding death. When his friend Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh is devastated and desperately seeks to avoid Enkidu’s fate. Yet, he ultimately learns that death is inevitable and that the gods reserved eternal life only for themselves.
The Babylonians view the afterlife as a shadowy, dismal place with no moral distinction in the afterlife and death as final and unavoidable
2. The Egyptian View of death and the Afterlife
In contrast to the Babylonians, the ancient Egyptians had an elaborate and optimistic vision of life after death. Death was not the end but a transition to a new life in the Field of Reeds, a paradise where the righteous lived eternally.The afterlife journey involved judgment. The heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma’at (truth) in the Hall of Osiris. If the heart was found light, the soul would proceed to eternal bliss. If heavy with sin, it would be devoured by the monster Ammit. The body had to be preserved through mummification, and the Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and prayerswas buried with the dead to guide them through trials in the afterlife.
For the Egyptians, moral judgment determines the fate of the soul; they believe in bodily resurrection and immortality and they give importance to rituals, mummification, and spells.
3. The Israelite-Hebrew Concept of Sheol
In early Hebrew thought, the dead went to Sheol, a shadowy and silent abode beneath the earth (cf. Job 10:21–22; Psalm 88:3–6). Sheol was not a place of punishment or reward but a neutral, dormant state of existence where all, righteous and wicked descended.
Unlike the Egyptian belief in judgment and the Babylonian despair, Sheol represented a more subdued resignation. Over time, however, Jewish thought began to evolve, influenced in part by Persian (Zoroastrian) ideas and prophetic revelations.Later, Old Testament texts began to reflect a growing hope in resurrection and divine justice after death (cf. Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2):“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2).
For the Hebrews, life after death in Sheol is a neutral, silent place of the dead, their thought and belief gradually developed toward resurrection hope and emphasis on God’s justice in the end.
4. The New Testament Revelation: Resurrection and Eternal Life
The New Testament marks a significant turning point in the understanding of death and the afterlife. Jesus Christ’s resurrection becomes the cornerstone of Christian hope.
a) Jesus’ Teaching on Life After Death
Jesus often spoke of eternal life, not merely as a future reward but as a present reality for those who believe in him as Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25). The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) illustrates a post-death existence with clear moral consequences, echoing but also redefining older ideas of Sheol.
b) The Resurrection of the Body
The apostle Paul emphasized bodily resurrection, drawing a direct line from Jesus’ resurrection to the hope of believers – “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14), “The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This hope contrasts starkly with Babylonian despair and even surpasses Egyptian optimism of life after death because it is grounded not in myth, ritual, or fate, but in a historical event, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
c) Eternal Communion with God
In Revelation, the final vision of the afterlife is not a vague shadowland or a distant paradise, but a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with God’s own people – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4). In the New Testament understanding death defeated through Christ’s resurrection, resurrection of the body and eternal life and hope of union with God in a new creation
Conclusion: From the dusty underworld of Babylon to the judgment halls of Egypt, and from the quiet Sheol of Israel to the risen Christ of the New Testament, humanity’s search for meaning in the face of death has taken many forms. Yet the Bible presents a unique hope: not just an escape from death, but victory over it. Through Jesus Christ, death is not the final word, it becomes the doorway to eternal life. The resurrection assures believers that they too will rise, not as shadows or mummies, but as glorified beings, forever in the presence of God
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
AIZAWL AUXILIARY
40th ANNUAL MEETING & THANKSGIVING SERVICE – The Bible Society of India, Aizawl Auxiliary successfully held its 40th Annual Meeting and Thanksgiving Service (BSI InkhawmpuiLian) on June 21–22, 2025, at Mission Vengthlang Presbyterian Church, Aizawl.
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The event began with the Auxiliary Committee Meeting on June 21. A worship service on Saturday night featured comprehensive reports by Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary, highlighting both the general and financial aspects of the Auxiliary’s ministry.
On Sunday morning, June 22, a Thanksgiving Service was held, during which Rev. R. Lalrintluanga, Associate General Secretary of the Baptist Church of Mizoram, delivered a powerful and uplifting message. The Sunday afternoon session, known as the United Service, featured reports from the various sub-committees of the Auxiliary. In the evening service, Rev. V.L. LuaiaHranleh, Senior Executive Secretary of the Mizoram Synod, delivered a thought-provoking and challenging message.
We are deeply grateful for God’s unwavering love and guidance throughout the entire event. Delegates were profoundly moved by the inspirational messages and the beautiful musical offerings from nine choirs and one band representing various churches. Our heartfelt thanks go to the thousands of delegates from Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam whose enthusiastic participation made this program a remarkable success.
Current Office Bearers of the Aizawl Auxiliary:
- President: Rev. Dr.VanlalnghakaRalte, PCI
- Vice President: Rev. C. Lalhungliana, BCM (newly appointed)
- Treasurer: Lt. Col. Lalramliana, SA (newly appointed)
Secretary: Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary
OBITUARY:
In Loving Memory of Rev. Dr. H. Vanlalauva (1948–2025)
With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. H. Vanlalauva, aged 77, who was called to his eternal home on June 22, 2025, at 8:48 PM. Rev. Dr. H. Vanlalauva was a highly respected and beloved figure within the Bible Society of India (BSI) and the wider Christian community across India. He served with distinction as a member of the BSI Executive Committee, Chief Translator of the Mizo Bible Revised Version project, and a dedicated member of the Auxiliary Committee of the BSI Aizawl Auxiliary.
His farewell service was held at his residence on June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Leitan South Presbyterian Church. He is lovingly survived by his two sons, one daughter, and cherished grandchildren. Rev. Dr.Vanlalauva was a distinguished Presbyterian minister, a renowned theologian, and a visionary church leader whose life of service profoundly shaped both church and society. His outstanding contributions include:
- Principal, Aizawl Theological College (1998–2008)
- Moderator, Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod (2008)
- Dean, SATHRI, Senate of Serampore Theological College, Serampore, West Bengal (2010–2014)
Within the Bible Society of India, he rendered invaluable service as:
- President, BSI Aizawl Auxiliary (three consecutive terms, 2015–2023)
- Member, BSI Executive Committee (2019–2022; 2023–2026)
- Member, BSI Working Committee (2019–2022)
Rev. Dr. H. Vanlalauva’s passing is a profound loss to the Bible Society, especially to the ongoing Mizo Bible Revised Version project. His legacy of faithful service, deep scholarship, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word will be remembered with gratitude and reverence.We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of His faithful servant. His contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Bombay Auxiliary
The branch meeting took place on June 21, 2025, at CNI St. Thomas Church, Nagpur, at 6:30 PM. Following the church service, members from various churches and regions gathered, and new office bearers were appointed for the upcoming term. We are sincerely grateful for the enthusiastic participation and the continued support of the Church towards the Bible Society of India’s ministry.
On June 22, 2025, a special meeting was held in Chandrapur, led by Rev. Clement Christian, Auxiliary Secretary, Dr. Neerja Prasad and Rev. Amit Manvankar. A significant outcome of the meeting, the BSI Chandrapur Branch was officially established. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Neerja Prasad, Rev. Amit Manvankar, and Rev. Anthony Amair, Presbyter-in-Charge of CNI St. Andrew’s Church, for their invaluable cooperation and support in making these events a success.
North West India Auxiliary
Scripture Engagement Program with Children:
Focus: Strengthening Young Hearts through God’s Word
The Bible Society of India – North West India Auxiliary (BSI-NWIA), with the generous support of the Church, Public Relations & Resource Mobilization Department (CPRRMD), joyfully conducted a spiritually enriching Scripture Engagement Program at Shanti Niwas CNI Church, Faridabad Haryana during the Sunday worship service on June 22, 2025.
A special sermon was shared by the Rev. Gershombhai Khristi, Auxiliary Secretary of NWIA, who presented the Word of God, encouraging children and the entire congregation to remain rooted in Scripture and to build a deep, personal relationship with the Living Word. His message inspired both young and old to cherish the Bible and live by its truths.
Key Highlights of the Program:
- Children’s Bibles were distributed to 50 precious children, many of whom received their first personal Bible—a treasured gift they can grow up with.
- Certificates of Participation were awarded, marking their involvement in the Scripture engagement journey.
- Testimonies were shared by both children and their parents during the worship service. They spoke about how the Bibles they received from the Bible Society of India have become a part of their daily lives guiding their prayers, helping in family devotions, and giving peace during challenging times.
A truly touching moment came when a parent shared that they are the fourth generation in their family reading the Bible published by the Bible Society of India. This testimony was a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of God’s Word and the faithful work of the Society across generations.The BSI-NWIA expresses heartfelt thanks to the church leadership, Sunday School team, coordinators, and most importantly, the children and parents, for making the day so special. We are deeply grateful to CPRRMD for sponsoring this program and enabling us to continue our mission of Scripture engagement.Above all, we give glory to God for sowing seeds of faith in young hearts. May each child grow to be a faithful witness of Christ, and may the Word of God continue to light their path, generation after generation.
The joyful faces, the Word in their hands, and the testimonies spoken from the heart made this day a true celebration of faith and legacy.
Telangana Auxiliary (A Rupee A Day)
