S. Orchard
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Today Is Not the Only Day of Salvation
Eschatology asks what happens when we die and where God is taking humanity. Much of religion answers with some form of immortal soul, and Western Christianity commonly frames that as immediate heaven or hell after death. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man appears to reinforce that framework, but clear scripture teaches that human beings are mortal, the dead are unconscious, and hope rests in resurrection rather than continued conscious existence. God’s plan then resolves the larger question: He desires all to be saved, does not call everyone now, works with humanity “each one in his own order,” and identifies the Church as firstfruits rather than the whole harvest. Today is not the only day of salvation. That doctrinal distinctive reveals a God who is just, merciful, purposeful and coherent, giving every person a genuine opportunity to understand, choose and respond.
