Christ will return literally; judgment and resurrection; pre or amillennial views present
The Brethren in Christ affirm the literal, personal return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead and to consummate God's purposes. This is foundational Christian eschatology affirmed in the Nicene Creed and throughout historic Christianity.
At Christ's return, the dead will be raised, the living transformed, and all people will stand before Him for judgment. The righteous will enter eternal life; the unrepenteous will face eternal separation from God. This return will establish God's kingdom fully and finally and renew creation.
The denomination does not impose a uniform view regarding whether Christ returns before (premillennialism) or after (amillennialism) a thousand-year reign. Members hold various positions on the millennium and the rapture. What is affirmed universally is that Christ will return visibly and physically, that resurrection will follow, and that final judgment and the new creation will ensue.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- varies — no official position; pre and amillennial views both present
- Parousia nature:
- all stand before Christ for judgment
Scripture References
Sources
- Brethren in Christ Church Manual and confessions
- Nicene Creed (affirmed by the denomination)
- BIC catechisms and theological literature