--- title: "Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead 1. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust and see corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep) having an" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=111" --- # Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead | Westminster Confession of Faith 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. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowResurrectionGod’s raising the dead bodily and reuniting body and soul.GloryThe 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. Explore the ScripturesGenesis 3:19; Acts 13:36; Luke 23:43. Talk about itWhat comfort does Christ give believers facing death? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#paragraph-1) ### 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. Explore the Scriptures1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Job 19:26-27. Talk about itWhy does the resurrection show that our bodies matter? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#paragraph-2) ### 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. Explore the ScripturesActs 24:15; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:43. Talk about itWhat is the difference between rising again and rising to glory? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What hope does Jesus give believers in the face of death? - Why does the resurrection matter for our bodies as well as our souls? #### Scripture to remember John 11:25 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=John%2011%3A25) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Bring a question or sadness about death to a trusted adult and pray together. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=111) ## Related reading - [Assurance of salvation](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/assurance-of-salvation/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 37: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-37-what-benefits-do-believers-receive-from-christ-at-death/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 82: What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-82-what-is-the-communion-in-glory-which-the-members/) - [Find teaching on resurrection](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=resurrection) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 32](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/) - [Chapter 31](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/) - [Chapter 33](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/