Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 2, point 3, point 4, point 5. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
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?
1. God has appointed to every man the time when he shall leave this world. Ps. 39:4-5; Eccl. 3:2; Ps. 139:16.
2. We reject the idea of inactivity of the soul between death and resurrection called “soul sleep.” Eccl. 12:7; 2 Cor. 5:1-9.
3. We reject the teaching that there is a “second chance” of salvation after death. Luke 16:22-26; Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 6:2; John 5:28-29; 2 Pet. 2:9.
4. We reject the teaching that there is a purgatory, where souls must be purified before entering heaven. Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8; Phil. 1:23.
5. We reject the idea that the soul at death is, or can be, reincarnated in another human or animal form. Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 9:27.
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.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
Testimony 32.1
God determines the time when each person’s earthly life ends.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 32.2
The Testimony rejects soul sleep: the idea that the soul is inactive between death and resurrection.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 32.3
The Testimony rejects a second opportunity for salvation after death.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 32.4
The Testimony rejects purgatory: a place of further purification before a soul can enter heaven.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 32.5
The Testimony rejects reincarnation: the idea that a person’s soul returns in another human or animal body.
Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-103, A-104.