Death

We teach that at physical death there is a separation of one’s soul from one’s body (Philippians 1:21-24), that 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; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23) and that, for the redeemed, such separation of body and soul will continue until the bodily resurrection of the dead in Christ.

We teach that the bodily resurrection of the dead in Christ will occur immediately prior to the Rapture of the living church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Matthew 24:30-31)—which is a part of the first resurrection unto spiritual life (Revelation 20:4-6)—when our soul and resurrection body will be united, to be glorified forever with our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 50-54; Philippians 3:21). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6-9).

We teach the bodily resurrection of all people, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10-11, 19-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 14:9-11; 20:13-15).

We teach that the souls of the unsaved, at death, are kept under punishment until the second resurrection unto spiritual death (Luke 16:19-26; Revelation 20:6, 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 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).

The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign

We teach that the single most important event in human history was the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, whereby Christ conquered sin, death, and Satan. While one sees evidences of that victory in history and in the world around us, the final consummation of that victory has not yet taken place but will occur at the second coming of Christ. Thus, we teach the literal, personal, visible, and glorious second-coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, at which time He shall return for His bride, the church, and establish His millennial reign (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28).

We teach that after God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, Christ will rule over the kingdom of God on earth, establishing His Messianic kingdom for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over all the nations of the earth (Daniel 7:27; Revelation 2:26; 3:21). His reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Revelation 19:19-20; 20:1-3).

We teach that the Millennial Kingdom will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-28) to restore them to the land which they forfeited through their disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). As a result of the nation’s disobedience, God judged Israel (Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 11:1-24), but they will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Ezekiel 36:22-32; Romans 11:25-29) together with those from all nations who receive the promised Messiah as Savior and Lord (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-8; 22:15-18; Isaiah 42:6-7; 49:5-6, 22; Romans 11:1-36; Galatians 3:15-29; Ephesians 2:11-22).

We teach that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isaiah 11:1-9).

Final Judgment and Eternity

We teach that following the release of Satan after the thousand year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

We teach a physical resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment. After receiving their judgment (Romans 14:10-13), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 14:9-11; 20:11-15).

We teach that after the closing of the millennium, the temporary release and ultimate defeat of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (Revelation 20:7-15), all believers will enter the new heavens and the new earth with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).

Of fundamental importance when considering Christ’s return is reflecting upon whether or not we are ready to meet our coming Lord (Matthew 25:1-13). Fervent hope, anticipation, and readiness for our Lord’s return motivates us for and is manifested in the pursuit of holiness now (1 John 3:2-3), even as this pursuit of holiness now prepares us for His future return (Jude 20-21). Grace Church seeks to live in the expectation of His coming (Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:8). Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).