Affirms
Eternal life with God; the blessed hope of all believers.
Plymouth Brethren hold a strong affirmation of heaven as eternal life in God's presence. Heaven is not merely the absence of suffering but positive fellowship with God and Christ. The Brethren place great emphasis on the believer's heavenly citizenship and the hope of being forever with the Lord. This hope of eternal communion with Christ is central to Brethren piety and comfort.
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
- J.N. Darby, The Hopes of the Church
- Brethren hymnody and devotional tradition