The stages of our eternal life

We must consciously realize that we are eternal and we have some stages in our eternal life which we will describe shortly below.
There are four stages in our eternal life:
- Embryonic life
It begins from conception until birth. This stage is characterized by the fact that we, as human beings, are very dependent on the spiritual and biological lives of our parents – firstly, our mother’s, of course.
- Earthly life
The second stage (as such as we all read this) lasts from birth until the separation of our body and soul, an unnatural phenomenon brought in existence by Adam’s sin (hence, our fear of it): the phenomenon called death. This second stage is very important because, in this stage, we determine to a great degree our existential plane for the next two stages. This happens because, here, we have the free will to change.
- Afterlife
Even if, after death, our bodies decompose, our souls remain alive and know very well who we are and remember absolutely everything—since the phenomena of ageing and forgetfulness disappear. Our souls, which remember everything, are pleased by the virtues and good deeds we did, but are tormented by the existential distortions (sins) we accumulated and did not confess. In this stage, our souls rely on the prayers of those still in the second stage (and of the Saints in heaven) and hinge on the consequences of our deeds in our former stage.
- After Resurrection
At the Resurrection, our souls regain our bodies. The main change of the body is that it is incorruptible. It doesn’t need any more meals, water, sleep, and similar things. In this period, which is also eternal, the human being stabilizes on the existential plane which is gained in the past three stages.
This is why we should never, ever commit any deed of which we might be ashamed, in the future.
In the photo, a monk comforts Elder Gervasios in his cell near Vatopedi, Mount Athos, a few hours before his death.
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Ioan Toma
We still have free will. However this will is „stabilized” in good due of the level of our knowledge then. Because after death, we will have a lot more real knowledge – we really experience the fulfillment of our hopes – and, besides that, we have the knowledge of lack of Grace – that’s why nobody thinks to sin again. In hell, tough, is different: a stubborn fixation that „I am right and God is wrong & unfair etc.” – we see this (unfortunately) also here on Earth. Minor correction: after death there are two stages not only one.
alex
Confession, after preparation, is one of the most wonderful things we as Christians can do. I used to be worried about it until I discovered the brilliant feeling after the priest gives absolution. God loves us so much and I think one of his greatest gifts is absolving us (through the words of his priest) of our sins.
Thanks very much for todays `spiritual gift`. So much appreciated.
Ioan Toma
Yes, sure. Pretty classical experience. I am very glad that your experienced it. Warm regards!
Orthodox
How we should be prepared for confession please?
Ioan Toma
Indeed. This is the classic feeling after a confession. You’re welcome.
Orthodox
Thanks a lot for this explanation, which make us to think carefully for our deeds and to be very serious to confess our sins.
1. For confession, women could be more comfortable to confess to a religious woman (i.e. abbess, but who else in the world) and men to a religious man. Is this possible please?
2. Since we might realize that we sin every day (and even repeat the same sin), may we confess in a front of an icon everyday, and are our sins forgiven? If yes, should it be the icon of Christ or Saint Mary and Christ, or any other icon of any Saint?
3. If someone have received the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist without preparation (confession) one or some days before it, is this a very big sin?
Thank you very much in advance for your kind help and answer.
Have all blessings that God gives for people!
Ioan Toma
1. No.
2. No.
3. Yes. 🙂
We must confess to a priest. Priest is (in our discussion) an institution. Do not think how he will see you – anyway, he heard these things a lot, believe me. It is nothing new for him. You speak to God which, also, anyway knows your sins – much better than priest. It is just your to have courage to negate them by saying them out. That’s all.
Devil uses our natural shame to stop us to confess. Let us not obey him.
Orthodox
Thank you for your answers. Quite encouraging words for us.
Is it possible to confess first to a confession priest who would not be the Spiritual Father, in order to avoid the shame we may feel in other confession sessions please?
Ioan Toma
Yes, it is possible, but GENERALLY it isn’t advised. Think like this: theology is the medicine of soul (see here: https://asceticexperience.com/portfolio/how-is-the-soul-cured/ ). In the same way in which your family doctor should know all your body diseases, in the same way your Spiritual Father should know your spiritual diseases. However, if it is something special you can find an Elder (someone who is recognized by the Church having a greater spiritual degree than average) and confess to him. It usually helps.
Orthodox
Thank you very much for your answer.
It really help me very much as I am worried about this situation for me. I met someone who told me that the first time was full of tears, but then in the end and in the other confessions it was like God was there and a feeling of peace of happiness.
God bless you with the best virtues always!
Ioan Toma
No need to worry. It is a war from devil.