Doctrinal Statement

Death

We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness, (Revelation 6:9-11) that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ, (Luke 23:43, Philippians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:8) that there is a separation of soul and body (Philippians 1:21-24) and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6) when soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord. (Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54) Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

We teach the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39, Romans 8:10-11, Romans 8:19-23, 2 Corinthians 4:14) and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Daniel 12:2, John 5:29, Revelation 20:13-15)

We teach that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19-26, Revelation 20:13-15) when the soul and the resurrection body will be united. (John 5:28-29) They shall then appear at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41-46) cut off from the life of God forever. (Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:41-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)