Resurrection hope; eternal life with God; peace and justice in Kingdom of God
The Church of the Brethren affirm heaven as the hope of believers—eternal life in God's presence, a renewed creation where God dwells with His people. Heaven is not merely spiritual (disembodied) but material and embodied; believers will be raised with transformed bodies.
The emphasis in Church of the Brethren theology is on the Kingdom of God—God's reign of peace and justice. Heaven is the fulfillment of God's Kingdom when Christ returns, when all creation is renewed, and when God's purposes are consummated.
The denomination emphasizes that the Christian hope for heaven is not escapism from the present world but motivation for working toward justice, peace, and reconciliation now. The church is called to anticipate and participate in Kingdom values in the present time.
Key Distinctions
- Heaven nature:
- church anticipates Kingdom values now through justice and peace work
- Bodily resurrection:
- bodily resurrection of believers; not mere spiritual survival
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual and theological materials
- CoB hymnals and liturgical resources
- Anabaptist theological tradition (Kingdom emphasis)