Read RP Testimony chapter 32 →
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
1. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust and see corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep) having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them: the souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God, in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies. And the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. Beside these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.
Scripture proofs: Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36; Luke 23:43; Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 12:23; 2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23 with Acts 3:21 and Eph. 4:10; Luke 16:23-24; Acts 1:25; Jude 1:6-7; 1 Pet. 3:19.
2. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed: and all the dead shall be raised up, with the selfsame bodies and none other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls for ever.
Scripture proofs: 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; Job 19: 26-27; 1 Cor. 15:42-44.
3. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by His Spirit, unto honour; and be made conformable to His own glorious body.
Scripture proofs: Acts 24:15; John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:43; Phil. 3:21.
Words to know
- Resurrection
- God’s raising the dead bodily and reuniting body and soul.
- Glory
- The perfected life and honor believers will share with Christ.
WCF 32.1 · What happens when we die?
After death, our bodies decay, but our souls neither die nor sleep. Believers are made perfectly holy and received into God’s heavenly presence while waiting for their bodies’ redemption. The souls of the wicked await final judgment in hell. Scripture gives no third destination for separated souls. Death does not end our accountability or Christ’s care for his people.
Genesis 3:19; Acts 13:36; Luke 23:43.
What comfort does Christ give believers facing death?
WCF 32.2 · Our bodies will rise
At the last day, those who are still alive will be changed. All the dead will be raised with their own bodies, changed in qualities rather than replaced by unrelated bodies. Body and soul will be reunited forever. God’s rescue includes our bodies, not only our souls.
1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Job 19:26-27.
Why does the resurrection show that our bodies matter?
WCF 32.3 · Resurrection to honor or dishonor
Christ’s power will raise the unjust to dishonor. His Spirit will raise the righteous to glory, making their bodies like his glorious body. Everyone rises, but not everyone shares the same blessed outcome.
Acts 24:15; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:43.
What is the difference between rising again and rising to glory?
Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-103, A-104.