There is one particular Bible verse that has been giving interpreters a lot of headaches—and for the last 1,800 years to boot. And yet it is precisely this passage that constitutes the third pillar supporting the New Apostolic Church’s conception of salvation for the departed. Ultimately it boils down to a question of the power of a sacrament.

God wants to help all human beings, both the living and the dead. This conviction can already be found among the earliest Christians and is confirmed by the biblical motif of Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead—and corroborates the New Apostolic concept of the departed.

Friendships need to be cultivated, especially when they span the Atlantic. And this is why a Swiss national, a well-known figure, dropped in on the Youth Symphony Orchestra Argentina just a few days ago.

The liturgical calendar for June is distinguished by two celebrations: one of them is well known, the other one deserves more attention. Here is what we can look forward to on the four Sundays in June.

There are three pillars that support the New Apostolic Church’s understanding of salvation for the departed. The first one is the answer to the question: “What does God desire?” — The Bible has a great deal to say on that subject, namely that all human beings are to be saved.

How can we be close to someone without being together? Opening new horizons for our annual motto “Together in Christ”. A new perspective from District Apostle John Kriel of South Africa.

Sacraments for the departed? That only makes sense if people can still change in death. Judging by the teachings of their church, the majority of Christians believe in a chance in the afterlife. But there are big differences between the churches.

Sacraments for the dead? It would be unthinkable without the immortality of the soul. Yet this notion is only beginning to evolve in the Bible. Here is how today’s understanding of an afterlife came into being.

The dead are not truly dead—at least not for God. For God there is no dividing line between life on earth and life in the hereafter. That is what Christians believe, and that is also what the Bible states. Here is an overview of how sacramental acts are dispensed for the dead.

Jesus the good shepherd, various folds in different stables, and the search for the lost sheep… The Chief Apostle recently developed this old and well-known biblical image in a surprising new way.

It’s a good thing we cannot prove faith mathematically! At least, that’s how retired Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber feels about the matter. And he knows what he’s talking about—check out our interview with the doctor of mathematics as we commemorate the International Day of Mathematics on 14 March.

Death is the scandal of life! Sometimes it strikes suddenly, sometimes it is anticipated, and at times even desired—and most of the time it couldn’t care less about the calendar. Those who are left behind suffer from the utter void that is created.

God creates new things. And this brings believers face to face with certain questions. What is more important? That which we have heard or even preached for years? Or that which now brings us closer to Christ ? A divine service about seeing, understanding, and accepting.

“The way with Jesus” is the overall theme of the Sunday services in February. At first, there is a call from God for us to get underway. Along the way then we constantly have to make decisions which direction we should take. Here is an overview.

Recently, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider engaged as a “futurologist” and brought the kingdom of peace “down from its pedestal”, as one of the assisting ministers put it, and “back into our reality”.

Paul comes up with strong arguments in his letter to the church in Corinth. People there are finding it difficult to think around the next corner. “Look beyond the horizon of your understanding,” he would say today. And he’s right!

“It does not say in the calendar: today you have to thank God. Gratitude is not an obligation.” It is rather an effect of faith. The belief that God is great makes us grateful, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider says.

Bringing the word of God to the people? That goes beyond the altar too. But at times the two go hand in hand—like in Uzbekistan, where a New Apostolic Priest is currently directing the affairs of the national Bible society.