Skip to content
Skip to content
Teachers
Go to pupils
View unit
Lesson 11 of 14

Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

In this lesson, we will focus on Christian beliefs about heaven, hell and purgatory. We will explore different views on the afterlife, symbolic interpretations of a spiritual resurrection and literal interpretations of a physical resurrection.

View unit
Lesson 11 of 14

Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

In this lesson, we will focus on Christian beliefs about heaven, hell and purgatory. We will explore different views on the afterlife, symbolic interpretations of a spiritual resurrection and literal interpretations of a physical resurrection.

These resources will be removed by the end of the Spring Term 2026.

Start using our brand new teaching resources now. Designed by teachers and subject experts, with real classrooms in mind.

The older resources below were created for lockdown learning during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

View and download new resources

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Different views on the afterlife.
  2. Symbolic interpretations of a spiritual resurrection.
  3. Literal interpretations of a physical resurrection.

Equipment

You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.

Content guidance

  • Contains subject matter which individuals may find upsetting.

Supervision

Adult supervision suggested

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

Lesson video

Share with pupils
Skip lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf
Share with pupils

5 Questions

Q1.
Which definition below best fits the Christian belief in 'grace'?

A short prayer of thanks said before or after a meal.
Courteous good will.
Smoothness and elegance of movement.
Correct answer: The gift of forgiveness freely offered by God.

Q2.
What parable (story) did Jesus tell which explains how people will be judged on deeds?

The parable of the lost sheep.
Correct answer: The parable of the sheep and goats.
The story of the crucifixion.
The story of Zaccheaus.

Q3.
Which Bible verse below leads to the belief of some Christians that only people who believe in Jesus will go to heaven?

'If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.'
Correct answer: 'No one comes to the Father except through me'
'Whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!'
'Why do you look for the living among the dead?'

Q4.
Which sentence below best explains the verse 'faith if not accompanied by works is dead'?

Correct answer: A real, living faith expresses itself through good deeds.
If you do not have faith you will die.
You only need to do good deeds to go to heaven.
You only need to have faith in Jesus to go to heaven, you do not need to do good deeds.

Q5.
One reason Christians believe people have value is because they're made in God's image. What is another reason?

Correct answer: All people have value because Jesus has died for them.
All people have value because they are more intelligent than animals.
All people have value because they can make others happy.
All people have value because they have the potential to do good things.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf
Share with pupils

5 Questions

Q1.
What event do many Christians believe in, which they believe is evidence that they will be resurrected?

The Ascension
The creation of Adam and Eve
The Fall
Correct answer: The Resurrection

Q2.
All Christians take Biblical descriptions of heaven and hell literally. True or false?

Correct answer: False
True

Q3.
Roman Catholics believe that purgatory is a place. True or false?

Correct answer: False
True

Q4.
Which type of Christian below often interprets the Bible using its historical context?

Correct answer: Conservative
Fundamentalists
Liberal

Q5.
Christians believe that when a person goes to heaven they become an angel. True or false?

Correct answer: False
True

Lesson appears in

UnitReligious education / Christian beliefs and teachings

Religious education

Show unit