Eschatology, Resurrection & Heaven

eschatology

study of last things: judgement resurrection heaven hell “end of the age”

explain Christian resurrection

renewed spiritual body after death “the dead will be raised imperishable” (1 Cor 15:52)

evidence resurrection

empty tomb + Daniel 12:2 “multitudes who sleep… will awake” + Jesus’ teaching

what is heaven

eternal life with God where “there will be no more death or mourning” (Rev 21:4)

beatific vision

Aquinas: perfect direct vision of God “the end of human life is the vision of God”

Protestant heaven

eternal joyful presence of God worship + reunion with believers

heaven as place

literal realm “My Father’s house has many rooms” (John 14:2)

physical resurrection

bodies raised like Christ “a ghost does not have flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39)

new earth view

heaven = transformed earth “God’s dwelling place is now among the people” (Rev 21:3)

separate realm view

Augustine: heaven = City of God separate from earthly corruption

evidence heavenly city

Hebrews 11:10 “city with foundations… built by God”

what is symbolic heaven

metaphor for moral life now reflecting God’s will

symbolic strengths

modern-friendly avoids clash w/science emphasises ethical living

symbolic weaknesses

ignores “eternal life” promises & texts like Sheep and Goats