The Reality of Heaven & Hell
In connection with both the ascension into heaven of the Lord Jesus Christ and his final return to judge the living and the dead, we believe and confess the reality of heaven and hell. To the question, "What comfort is it to you that Christ shall come to judge the living and the dead?," the answer is given: "That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head I look for the very same Person who before has offered Himself for my sake to the tribunal of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as Judge from heaven; who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory" (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 19, Q/A 52). Concerning the state of men after death, and of the resurrection of the dead, we believe and confess that "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 torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. Beside these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledges none" (Westminster Confession, Chapter 32).
Reformed Theological Institute believes:
