How much do Christians really believe?

[Welsh cake]

This could be aimed at all religious people but especially Christians. Basically if there is a heaven then why is anybody Christian afraid of death? Not just this but why would anybody want to keep themselves alive and really make an effort in this life if they honestly believe that they are going to a better place when they die? Surely it makes no sense at all to want to cling on to life or even really value it that much in this world if this world is so much more inferior to the next world.

This to me suggests that deep down many Christians either know it is not true or are not as certain as they would make out. If I thought that I was going to heaven then I would be looking forward to that moment. If a relative of mine died I wouldn't be nearly as sad because I would know that are somewhere better and I will see them again.

Any thoughts?

Christians who are also Biblical literalists are aware in a sense, that they according to the scriptures have no absolute guarantee of eternal life with their loved ones in heaven:

Matthew 7:21 – 23

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

We are sinful creatures that could never meet God's standards so that our works would never be pleasing enough to God.

Speak for yourself. You and I are more moral than your God.

Let God deal with death, that's his thing. You deal with life. That's your gift.

Nice evasion, but even your apologetic sermons will appreciate the obvious fact that a gift snatched back isn't a gift at all.

By your own omission God's nothing more than a loan shark, one who always makes good on his threats of violence. >_>