Affirms
Soul survives death; resurrection of the dead in Christ.
The Moravian Church affirms the conscious continuation of the soul after death and the eventual resurrection of the dead. Believers are understood to enter eternal communion with Christ at death, while all will participate in the final resurrection when Christ returns. The Moravian funeral liturgy is notably celebratory, reflecting confidence in eternal life through Christ. This reflects both their Reformation Protestant heritage and mystical Christ-centered piety.
Key Distinctions
- Intermediate state:
- soul consciously with Christ; 'God's acre' (burial ground) reflects resurrection hope
- Immortality type:
- inherent immortality of the soul; the soul does not die
- Bodily resurrection:
- bodily resurrection at the Last Day; glorified body reunited with soul
Scripture References
Sources
- Moravian Church, Ground of the Unity
- Moravian Liturgy and Hymnal