Tameside Free Congregational Church

THE SAVOY DECLARATION OF FAITH AND ORDER 1658 – Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

OF THE STATE OF MAN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

1 The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep) having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies: and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day: Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.

2 At the last day such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed; and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls for ever.

3 The bodies of the unjust shall by the power of Christ be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit unto honour, and to be made conformable to his own glorious body.

Go to Chapter 32 – Of the Last Judgment 

Go to Chapter 30 – Of the Lord’s Supper

Go to Contents – The Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order 1658

Here is a sermon prepared by Mr Bradley for the Philippines Churches.  It is part of a series of commentary on each chapter of the Savoy Declaration.  We trust each one may also be helpful here in the UK.

Reference made, during the above sermon, to ‘End-time Prophecy’ in Daniel can be found by right-clicking here and then clicking ‘Open link in new tab’