In the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. While it is a simple question, it is not simplistic. It highlights the importance of a  doctrine that theologians call the beatific vision. The beatific vision captures the idea seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 1 John 3:2-3 that the redeemed people of God will one day see God face to face and be made perfectly like him in glory. Until that day, the beatific vision grounds God’s people now to know and enjoy God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ now by faith through the Word, prayer, and the corporate gathering.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5 PM, Dr. Michael Allen, will give the talk, “Grounded In Heaven: The Beatific Vision” at Sunday Night Theology. This SNT lecture will argue that the ultimate end of creation and redemption is God and creatures blessed sight of God (the beatific vision). Following the lecture, there will be a brief Q&A. This event is free and open to all. Childcare is provided.
Additionally, Dr. Allen will preach from Titus 1:10-16 during CCWC’s 10 AM service of corporate worship.
Dr. Michael Allen serves as the Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. He is also a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and serves as Theologian-in-Residence at NewCity Orlando PCA. He has written many books including Grounded In Heaven: Recentering Christian Hope And Life In God (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2018), Sanctification (New Studies in Dogmatics; Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2017), and Justification And The Gospel: Understanding The Contexts And Controversies (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013). Most importantly, Dr. Allen is married to his wife Emily, and they have two sons, Jackson and Will. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching basketball, running, reading, and traveling.
For more information on Sunday Night Theology and for a schedule of future lectures, click here.
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