Immortal soul; conscious intermediate state; bodily resurrection and eternal destiny
The RCCG affirms the traditional Christian doctrine that each person possesses an immortal soul that survives the death of the body. At death, the individual soul enters an intermediate state—a conscious state of either blessing or separation from God, depending on the person's relationship with God through Christ. This intermediate state is distinct from the final eternal state, which comes after the Last Judgment.
The church affirms the doctrine of bodily resurrection: at the Last Day, all souls will be reunited with their bodies. The righteous will receive glorified, incorruptible bodies and will dwell eternally in the presence of God. The unrighteous will also be resurrected to face judgment and eternal separation from God. The belief in the immortality of the soul and bodily resurrection is central to RCCG eschatological hope and shapes pastoral care for the dying and the bereaved.
Key Distinctions
- Intermediate state:
- conscious existence; awaiting resurrection and final judgment
- Immortality type:
- inherent immortality of the soul
- Bodily resurrection:
- affirmed; physical resurrection at the Last Day
Scripture References
Sources
- RCCG Constitution and Doctrine Manual
- RCCG Pastoral Guidelines
- Holy Bible (King James Version)