Affirms
Affirm heaven; eternal blessed communion with God
The Salvation Army affirms heaven as the blessed eternal destiny of those who have received salvation through Christ. Heaven is understood as a real place (or state) of eternal fellowship with God, free from suffering and characterized by perfect joy. The Handbook of Doctrine teaches that believers will experience conscious awareness and eternal communion with God and one another.
Heaven is presented not as a distant abstraction but as a genuine and desirable reality that motivates Christian faithfulness. The doctrine reflects biblical hope in resurrection and divine fulfillment. For the Salvation Army, the promise of heaven encourages perseverance in faith and holiness.
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
- Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine
- The Salvation Army, Doctrine (official publication)