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Corinthians 15:20-23 Christ
has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen
asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of
the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But
each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits, then at his coming those who
belong to Christ.
After death, the bodies of
human beings decompose and return to dust. Their souls, which do not die or
sleep, have an immortal existence and immediately return to God who created them.
The souls of the righteous are then perfected in holiness and are received into
the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory and
wait for the full redemption of their bodies.
The souls of the wicked are
thrown into hell, where they remain in torment and complete darkness, set apart
for the great day of judgment. Scripture recognizes only these two places, and
no other, for souls separated from their bodies.
Those who are alive at the
last day will not die but will be changed. At that time all the dead will be raised
with the very same bodies and no other than the same bodies they had before, although
with different characteristics, which will be united again to their souls
forever.
By the power of Christ the
bodies of the unjust shall be raised to dishonor. But by his Spirit the bodies
of the just will be raised to honor and be made according to the pattern of his
own glorious body.
The Westminster Confession of Faith
The Westminster Confession of Faith
