PERSONAL ESCHATOLOGY

MODULE 7

This lesson explores what the afterlife means, especially the concept of Heaven and how it connects to human identity and destiny in Christian theology. It begins by explaining that humans are more than physical beings or simple image-bearers; they are designed to participate in the divine life. This idea is linked to theosis or deification, an important theme in Eastern Orthodoxy, meaning humans share in God’s life while remaining distinct creatures.

The study of humanity in relation to God is called theological anthropology, and it helps us understand how human nature shapes beliefs about the afterlife. Humans are covenant representatives and image-bearers in God’s cosmic temple. Different views of human nature ‘monism (purely physical), dualism (body and soul), and trichotomy(body, soul, spirit) impact how we view resurrection and eternal life. The dominant traditional view is that humans are ensouled bodies (or embodied souls), which means we have a spiritual core that survives death and persists into eternity.

The lesson also critiques modern theologies that overemphasize physical resurrection and the earthly nature of the new creation. Michael Allen calls this eschatological naturalism, where focus on physicality ignores humanity’s spiritual destiny. The tradition, however, emphasizes both bodily resurrection and spiritual transformation toward eternal communion with God.

Human destiny is not just about living in a renewed land but about the beatific vision seeing God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). This ultimate goal reflects humanity’s calling as priests and rulers in God’s creation and new creation. It shows that the temple theme, image of God, and union with Christ all point beyond the present world to a transcendent reality where humans fully share in divine life.

In summary, the afterlife is deeply spiritual, where humans, as God’s image, experience eternal communion and transformation in God’s presence.