Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)

Chapter 31
THE STATE OF PEOPLE AFTER DEATH AND THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

31.1 After death the bodies of people return to dust and undergo decomposition,¹ but their souls (which neither die nor sleep for they are immortal in essence) immediately return to God who gave them.² The souls of the righteous are then made perfect in holiness, they are received into paradise where they are with Christ and look on the face of God in light and glory, and wait for the full redemption of their bodies.³ The souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved for judgment on the great day [of judgment].⁴ For souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledges no other place than these two.

(1) Gen 2:17; 3:19; Act 13:36; Rom 5:12-21; 1Co 15:22
(2) Gen 2:7; Jas 2:26; Mat 10:28; Ecc 12:7
(3) Psa 23:6; 1Ki 8:27-49; Isa 63:15; 66:1; Luk 23:43; Act 1:9-11; 3:21; 2Co 5:6-8;12:2-4; Eph 4:10; Phi 1:21-23; Heb 1:3; 4:14-15; 6:20; 8:1; 9:24; 12:23; Rev 6:9-11; 14:13; 20:4-6
(4) Luk 16:22-26; Act 1:25; 1Pe 3:19; 2Pe 2:9

31.2 On the last day, those believers who are still alive will not die, but will be changed.¹ All the dead will be raised up ² with their own bodies ³ (although these will have different qualities)4 that will be united again to their souls for ever.5

(1) 1Co 15:50-53; 2Co 5:1-4; 1Th 4:17
(2) Dan 12:2; Joh 5:28-29; Act 24:15
(3) Job 19:26-27; Joh 5:28-29; 1Co 15:35-38,42-44
(4) 1Co 15:42-44,52-54
(5) Dan 12:2; Mat 25:46

31.3 By the power of Christ the bodies of the unrighteous will be raised to dishonour. ¹By his Spirit ² the bodies of the righteous will be raised to honour, ³ for they will be transformed to be like his own glorious body.⁴

(1) Dan 12:2, Joh 5:28-29
(2) Rom 8:1,11; 1Co 15:45; Gal 6:8
(3) 1Co 15:42-49
(4) Rom 8:17,29-30; 1Co 15:20-23,48-49; Phi 3:21; Col 1:18; 3:4; 1Jo 3:2; Rev 1:5

Chapter 1: The Holy Scriptures
Chapter 2: God and the Holy Trinity
Chapter 3: God’s Decree
Chapter 4: Creation
Chapter 5: Divine Providence
Chapter 6: The Fall, Sin and its Punishment
Chapter 7: God’s Covenant
Chapter 8: Christ the Mediator
Chapter 9: Free Will
Chapter 10: Effectual Calling
Chapter 11: Justification
Chapter 12: Adoption
Chapter 13: Sanctification
Chapter 14: Saving Faith
Chapter 15: Repentance to Life and Salvation
Chapter 16: Good Works
Chapter 17: The Perseverance of Believers
Chapter 18: The Assurance of Grace and Salvation
Chapter 19: The Law of God
Chapter 20: The Gospel and its Gracious Extent
Chapter 21: Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
Chapter 22: Worship and the Lord’s Day
Chapter 23: Lawful Oaths and Vows
Chapter 24: Civil Government
Chapter 25: Marriage
Chapter 26: The Church
Chapter 27: The Fellowship of Believers
Chapter 28: The Ordinances
Chapter 29: Baptism
Chapter 30: The Lord’s Supper
Chapter 31: The State of People after Death and the Resurrection of the Dead
Chapter 32: The Last Judgment
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