All this thou knowest well, but yet it delights me to recite and speak of it, that thou mayest see the endless mercy of our Lord, how low He falleth to thee and to me and to all sinful caitiffs; ask mercy therefore, and have it. Thus saith the Prophet in the person of our Lord: Every one that calleth upon the Name of our Lord shall be saved; that is to say, asketh salvation by Jesus and His Passion. This courtesy of our Lord some men understand aright, and are saved thereby, and others in trust of this mercy and this courtesy lie still in their sins, and think to have the benefit of it when they list, but they are mistaken, for they are taken ere they are aware, and so damn themselves. (John Climacus)

A considerable portion of religious writing is concerned with life-after-death. I have not seen nor have I conducted a careful study, but Jesus seemed to give much more attention to life-before-death.

Paul shifted the proportion. He was so convinced of the imminent parasouia, that life-after-death became the principal focus. This focus continued for John Climacus and for many until today.

The death-watch has implications for how we live. Where Jesus proclaims abundance, many of his followers speak of sin. Where Jesus calls for love, many seeking to be faithful insist on restraint.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

The image is an allegory of abundance by Sandro Botticelli.