Postmortem Opportunity: A Biblical and Theological Assessment of Salvation After Death

by James K. Beilby

One of Jesus' most basic commands to his disciples was to tell the world about the good news of his life, death, and resurrection. From the earliest days of the church, Christians have embraced this calling.

But for those Christians who emphasize the need for an active response to the gospel in order to be saved, this raises some difficult What about those who did not hear the gospel before death? Or what about those who heard an incorrect or incomplete version of the gospel? Or what about those who were too young or who were otherwise unable to respond?

In light of these challenging questions, theologian James Beilby offers a careful consideration of the possibility for salvation after death. After examining the biblical evidence and assessing the theological implications, he argues that there is indeed hope for faith—even beyond death.

Genres: Theology

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

James K. Beilby (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of systematic and philosophical theology at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Jon Coutts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful book. It outlines the biblical and (theo)logical issues of final salvation with clarity and precision. It is persistently held back, however, by its confusion of Calvinism with monergism, and its weird but indicative conclusion that Congdon's non-competetive account of divine and human agency is "novel" rather than normal. Much of the book is nonetheless persuasive. In the end, its evangelical self-distancing from universalism is culturally understandable but (happily) unconvincing.

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tremendously helpful, encouraging, accessible, and thorough treatment on the subject that changed my mind to some degree. While I see little direct evidence of post-mortem opportunity in the Biblical data, I also do not see the biblical data ruling it out. Much like our inclusivism of children who die before the age of reason and the mentally handicapped, post-mortem opportunity may be a speculative or uncertain hope.

[Jens Hieber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Very, very, well put together argument. Beilby's idea is quite compelling and thorough and his writing fairly accessible. Not sure I'm fully on board, but I also don't have any particular quibbles or alternate ideas on this topic.

[Karl Mueller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The question of what happens to those who have never heard the Gospel has intrigued me for many years. I've never really seriously looked into it, but when I heard James Beilby preach at an online service, I thought I should get the book.

Beilby discusses three categories of people who have never heard the Gospel.

1.) The who never hear because of geographical or temporal isolation from anyone who can tell them about Jesus.
2.) Those who at the time of their death lack the cognitive capacity to grasp the gospel message.
3.) Those who have heard the name of Jesus, and have some information about Jesus, but the Gospel that they heard was certainly not good news. He would call these people "pseudoevangelised". As examples he talks about black slaves owned by Christian slave owners, victims of sexual abuse, sex-trafficking, etc. conducted by Christian pastors, leaders or families members, and those who were on the trajectory towards faith but their lives were interrupted by an untimely death.

Have identified who he is talking about Beilby begins to discuss, often in great detail, the various views regarding postmortem opportunity - both those in favour and those opposed. He deals with theological arguments both pro and con, Scriptural arguments and historical arguments.

I believe he treats the various arguments in favour and against postmortem opportunity fairly. He makes it clear where there is no clarity in the Scripture for various arguments and perspectives - even when they make his position less tenable.

If you are interested in this topic, and you want to read about it from someone who supports a version of postmortem opportunity, then this is an excellent reference book, and I would strongly encourage you to get it, read it and put it into your library for future reference. The book is well written, detailed, extensively footnoted and written humbly.

[Matthew Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the best book I have read that looks at whether a person can receive Christ after death. He does not believe in Universalism, but does show why Biblically God will attempt to win people after they have died if they are not Christians.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid defense. In my opinion, this book cements postmortem opportunity as a legitimate option for an orthodox Christian, though it falls short of showing the doctrine to be sufficiently probable.