Beliefs About Death

The Apostolic church believes that at death the body returns to the earth, while the soul goes to a temporary destination to await final judgment. Each person determines in this life what his or her destiny will be; it will depend upon his or her response to the redemptive plan that God designed for the sinner's deliverance from eternal doom.

A person may ascend to a place of peace in the presence of God, as Paul declared in II Corinthians 5:8. The faithful dwell eternally in a place of happiness, bliss, and contentment with God, while others descend into a place of suffering. Both are believed to be, in a sense, temporary, souls are believed to be reunited with their bodies in the resurrection. The resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the ungodly are separated by one thousand years of peace on earth. The just of the present age are those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb - baptized in His name and filled with His Spirit; the ungodly are those who have refused to surrender to the terms of the gospel.

An Elder officiating a funeral service should be notified a day or two before the scheduled ceremony. He will then contact the funeral director. When possible, contact an elder or minister when death is imminent for an anointing of the sick.

Funeral Services

The funeral is primarily held for the unsaved (the living). Often many come from afar, who have never heard the truth. The Apostolic Church believes the funeral service is an opportunity to present the truth of God to non-believers.

After the message of salvation (sermon) is given the service may be turned over to the funeral director. The minister will then hold a committal service at the cemetery or crematorium.

Usual Order of the Funeral

(a) Minister offers prayer
(b) Scripture is read
(c) Hymn
(d) Acknowledge Condolences
(e) Obituary is read
(f) Hymn
(g)Minister proceeds with message of salvation.

Committal Service

The committal will follow the usual Christian format, including prayer, Scripture, Formal words of committal and dismissal.