DEATH AND THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe 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 of this age, such separation wi1l continue until the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), when soul and body wi1l be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 50-54 ). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fe1lowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of a1l men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39-40; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41, 46; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13-15).
We believe 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).
After the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), a new heaven and new earth “wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:10) including the New Jerusalem will be established as the abode of the redeemed forever (Revelation 21-22).
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