6.4 Those Who Came Close to Death Speak: The Lessons They Received

Many people who have experienced a near-death experience (NDE) report encountering a being of light, Jesus, or a divine presence of absolute love. These encounters often mark a radical turning point in their understanding of life and the meaning of existence. Below is a synthesis of the recurring teachings, illuminated by powerful testimonies.

💫 “You Are Loved as You Are” #

The being of light—whether perceived as God, Jesus, an angel, or a universal presence—welcomes each soul with immeasurable love and complete knowledge of who they are. This love is described as infinite, pure, and nonjudgmental, a deeply unsettling revelation for those who experience it.

Betty Eadie (Embraced by the Light, 1992):
“He knew everything about me, my mistakes, my sins, yet He did not judge me. He loved me completely.”

Pam Reynolds (Light and Death, 1998):
“I was embraced by a presence that felt like God — overwhelming, loving, knowing everything about me and loving me anyway.”

Howard Storm (My Descent Into Death, 2005):
“I expected to be judged and condemned, but instead I was welcomed by a warmth and love unlike anything I had ever known.”

This discovery profoundly reshapes many people’s view of God: not a merciless judge, but a source of pure love who knows us fully and welcomes us unconditionally.

🧡 “The Most Important Thing in Life Is to Learn to Love” #

A central message emerging from NDEs is that the ultimate purpose of life is to love and serve others. Love is presented as a fundamental energy that connects all beings.

Howard Storm (My Descent Into Death, 2005):
“He told me the purpose of life was to love others and serve God.”

George Ritchie (Return from Tomorrow, 1978):
“I felt the question was really: ‘How much have you loved?’”

Betty Eadie (Embraced by the Light, 1992):
“He reminded me that the primary purpose of life is to love others.”

Bill Tortorella ( YouTube video):
“I understood that we’re here for service to help one another, we’re all connected. […]. Our purpose is love. […]. The love and the service is probably the most important things to learn here on this side and to transfer that to others.”

Erica Tait ( YouTube video) :
“Ultimately, the most important transformation was the one that led me to service, like recognizing that ultimately the highest purpose here is service and that it looks so different for each of us depending on all of our qualities and experiences and personalities but that service for love is the greatest one.”

Raymond Moody (Life after Life) :
“[…] the being seems to stress the importance of two things in life: learning to love other people and acquiring knowledge.”

These experiences emphasize a simple yet radical truth: success, wealth, or power have no value in the afterlife; only the love we have given and received truly matters.

🌍 “Earth Is a Spiritual School, and Spiritual Growth Continues After Death” #

Many accounts describe earthly life as a learning stage. The soul chooses to incarnate in order to grow, experience, and evolve spiritually. Even suffering takes on meaning in this perspective, becoming an opportunity for inner transformation.

Betty Eadie (Embraced by the Light, 1992):
“He showed me that I had accepted this life before I was born, in order to learn specific lessons.”

Howard Storm (My Descent Into Death) :
“I understood that our time on earth is very brief compared to eternity, and it is given to us so that we can learn how to love, forgive and grow spiritually.”

Some testimonies also affirm that growth does not end with death: the soul continues its evolution in other planes of existence.

Anita Moorjani (Dying to Be Me, 2012):
“It felt as though earth was only one dimension, one classroom in a much bigger school.”