Christians are also confirmed in their belief in life after death when they reflect on the sublime proof which God has given of his love, by coming into this world and suffering crucifixion that we might be for ever his.

Two quotations from St John’s Gospel are enough.  Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (RSV Catholic edition, John 10:11. 27-29).

And the other quotation: “…God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (RSV Catholic edition, John 3:16).