Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Heaven below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that heaven is the ultimate end of human existence: to live with Christ forever in the beatific vision, seeing God face to face. It holds that this perfect communion with the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints surpasses all human understanding and desire.
Source: CCC 1023–1029 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that heaven is eternal union with God — the fullness of theosis, in which the saints participate in the divine life and behold God's glory. It holds that heaven is not a place among places but the unending experience of God's loving presence.
Lutherans teach that at Christ's return the godly and elect will receive eternal life and everlasting joys. They hold that eternal life is the free gift of God, not a reward earned by merit.
The Reformed tradition teaches that the souls of believers at death immediately enter into glory, beholding the face of God in light and enjoying perfect blessedness while awaiting the resurrection. It holds that heaven is the consummation of God's covenant promise to dwell with his people forever.
Source: Westminster Confession 32.1 ↗
Baptists teach that heaven is the reward of the righteous — the final, blessed, and abiding state of the redeemed in the presence of God. They hold that at Christ's return the saints will be raised and dwell with him forever in the new heaven and new earth.
Methodists teach that the Christian hope is not simply 'going to heaven': God will make God's dwelling among us on the new earth at Christ's second coming, the revealing of the new creation. They hold that eternal life begins here and now as healing and wholeness, fulfilled in the age to come.
Source: Ask the UMC: What Is Our End Goal as United Methodists? ↗
See how the traditions compare on related topics: