Question 331: What Happens After Death?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 331: What happens after death?

After death, the soul is separated from the body. The souls of the righteous go to be with Christ in blessed rest and peace, while the souls of the unrepentant face judgment and separation from God. The body returns to the dust, awaiting the final resurrection. At the Last Day, Christ will raise the dead, and all will be judged. Those in Christ will enter eternal life, and those who rejected Him will face eternal separation. (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 23:43, Hebrews 9:27, Philippians 1:23, John 5:28–29)

Full Scripture References

“Then the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” – Ecclesiastes 12:7 (BSB)

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” – Luke 23:43 (BSB)

“Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment…” – Hebrews 9:27 (BSB)

“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.” – Philippians 1:23 (BSB)

“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” – John 5:28–29 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

At death, the soul and body are separated. The body returns to the earth, but the soul enters immediately into a conscious state—either in the presence of Christ or in separation from Him. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) writes, “Death is not the end, but the beginning of a new state of being. For the believer, it is to be with Christ; for the unrepentant, it is to stand outside His joy.” (What Comes After Death, 2021)

This intermediate state continues until the final resurrection. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) explains, “The righteous enjoy peace and await the resurrection with hope; the unrighteous are already under judgment. But all are destined to rise—some to glory, others to shame.” (The Christian Hope in Death, 2022)

The Bible teaches that a final judgment will come at the return of Christ. All will be raised—body and soul reunited—and brought before the throne of God. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) notes, “Every person will be judged according to the gospel. Those clothed in Christ will inherit eternal life. Those who rejected Him will be cast out.” (The Last Day and the Soul’s Destiny, 2020)

Until that day, Christians await with confidence, knowing that death has been conquered. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) teaches, “We rest in peace, not because we avoid judgment, but because Christ has borne it for us. In Him, death becomes a sleep from which we shall rise.” (The Blessed Dead in Christ, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “After death comes either rest or ruin. The gospel is our hope for both life and death. There is no neutral ground—only the mercy of God, or the silence of judgment.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“At death, the soul departs to its Master. For the righteous, there is light and peace; for the wicked, darkness and regret.” – Augustine of Hippo, City of God, c. 426 AD

“The body sleeps, but the soul watches. And the Lord holds all in His keeping until the resurrection.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Philippians, c. 390 AD

“Let us live now in such a way that we may die in hope. For after death comes judgment, and after judgment, either glory or grief.” – Basil the Great, On the Human Condition, c. 370 AD

“The righteous rest in the bosom of Christ. The unrighteous dread the day when He shall return in power.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Mortality, c. 252 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)