---
title: "Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 32 of the RP Testimony: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/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 | RP Testimony

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.

## 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.RejectsSays 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#point-1)

### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#point-2)

### Testimony 32.3

The Testimony rejects a second opportunity for salvation after death.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#point-3)

### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#point-4)

### 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 →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/#point-5)

### Talk about it

What hope does Jesus give his people when they face death?

### 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)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 32](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/)
- [Chapter 31](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/)
- [Chapter 33](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-33-last-judgment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/