Affirms
Heaven is a real eternal dwelling with God for the redeemed
Calvary Chapel affirms that heaven is a real place where redeemed believers will dwell eternally in the presence of God. Shaped by its dispensationalist and premillennial eschatology, Calvary Chapel teaches that believers will be raptured to be with Christ prior to the Tribulation and will ultimately enjoy the New Heaven and New Earth described in Revelation 21–22.
The hope of heaven is central to Calvary Chapel's pastoral and devotional emphasis. Chuck Smith's teaching often drew on Revelation's imagery of the New Jerusalem as the eternal home of the redeemed, encouraging believers to maintain an eternal perspective amid earthly trials.
Key Distinctions
- Heaven nature:
- eternal conscious presence with God; beatific vision; transformed creation
- Access timing:
- at final resurrection and judgment (Last Day)
- Bodily resurrection:
- full bodily resurrection; glorified body reunited with soul
Scripture References
Sources
- Calvary Chapel Statement of Faith
- Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Chuck Smith)