Recorded during the 2015 CRTS Conference.
Dr. Van Raalte sets his talk within the framework that the New Creation is the thing we really are aiming for, whereas going to live with God in heaven is an intermediate step towards that goal. Within that framework, he argues a) against the view that persons are only physical and, b) against the theory of soul sleep. Conversely, he supports the view that believers, in their souls, are immediately raptured into heaven's glory upon death and enjoy an ongoing existence there until Christ's return. Since these souls lack their bodies, theirs is a reduced existence at that time. He also takes the position that the doctrine of the soul's continued functioning in heaven is key to establishing the continuity of the believer's present existence on earth to his glorified existence in the new creation. Jesus died to save particular persons, body and soul, and we may glory in him and what he has done for us personally.
