Affirms
Heaven is the eternal reward for those who remain faithful to Christ
The ICOC affirms that those who die in Christ will inherit eternal life in heaven. The resurrection, the judgment, and the final state of eternal life with God are core eschatological convictions. The hope of heaven encourages faithful discipleship in the present — enduring hardship, persecution, and the demands of intensive community life with an eternal perspective.
The ICOC's teaching culture regularly references heaven and hell as ultimate realities that give present choices their ultimate weight. This eschatological seriousness is integral to the movement's demanding call to discipleship.
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
- ICOC Statement of Belief