Heaven and Sheol What Of Dead? (1 April 09)

Transcription

1 Heaven and Sheol What Of Dead? (1 April 09) This lesson will help us develop Biblical understanding of Heaven and Sheol (Hades) with respect to the status of the dead in the grave. We will also lightly discuss aspects about Old Testament salvation. What will be revealed in this lesson is that there are not many Scriptures which permit solid ultra-detailed Biblical conclusions about Heaven, Sheol, and the status of the dead in the grave. There are a growing number of explanations coming from some preachers which are actually pure speculation theories. We need to understand what the Scriptures say in order to keep ourselves from accidentally calling something Biblical fact when it is actually speculation. This isn't to say that some speculations are not helpful, but they should exist as simple deductions derived from the plain meaning of other Scriptures. We need to remember that throughout most of Protestant Church history there was a general understanding that what could be known about Heaven and Sheol was fairly limited, because the Bible is NOT throughly specific about these things in every detail. Early Church theologians did not resort to all the wild sorts of non-biblical speculations which we are beginning to hear from some preachers. If you decide to do any additional study on this topic, ask yourself the following questions about the resource for your information: 1. Is the resource produced by a rogue individual (who is avoiding accountability of a church), a rogue church (break-away group avoiding accountability of a denomination), or a specific Christian denomination? If so, then consider the possibility that such authorities may have a biased agenda rather than a objective Biblical point-of-view. 2. Does the resource have a lot a written explanation without hardly any Scripture references? 3. Does the resource also have a detailed End-Time (Eschatology) point-of-view theory? If so, they may have biased their assertions about Heaven, Hades, and Hell in order to make their End-Time theories make more sense. 4. Does the resource stretch the meaning of Scripture beyond common explanation suggested by Mark 10:15? Do they Pick and choose certain Scriptures and ignore the contradictions they create with their interpretations? Is there too much technical talk (talking over people's heads is sometimes an attempt to manipulate)? Mark 10:15 (RSV) - Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Much of Kingdom principles and teachings in the Bible can be understood and received by the non-intellectual when reading the Bible; the ideas of the Bible can even be perceived and understood by simple children; the Holy Spirit often provides clarity with more difficult passages during prayerful study. 5. For a balanced study, be sure to study both recent and older authorities regarding Heaven, Hell, Hades, Paradise, and Sheol. Page 1

2 Heaven Speculations: Past and Present Our generation is not the first to think about Heaven. Of note, is this theory about the number of levels in Heaven: 1. Sometime in the sixth century AD an anonymous writer, now usually known as "Dionysius," gathered speculative ideas and suggested that Heaven is divided into nine different levels. Different kinds of angels occupied most of these levels. However, Protestants remained content with the plain meaning of the Scriptures and rejected dogma traceable to church traditions and speculation. 2. The Mormon cult also has theories about levels in Heaven. These come from the Book of Mormon (by Joseph Smith). The Mormons are not a branch of Christianity. 3. More recent theories about Heaven come from those who think they have figuredout the End-Time explanations of the Bible. These End Time theories have cause some biased speculations about Heaven. Be careful with Words of Knowledge heard in some Pentecostal or Charismatic churches, because these may come from speculations in the Flesh if not in agreement with the Bible. What Does The Bible Say About Heaven? Does Heaven have different levels or different regions? Why the question? 2nd Corinthians 12:2 through 4 (KJV) - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) such a one caught up to the Third Heaven. (3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) (4) How that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. These Scriptures have caused so many wild speculations! The Third Heaven phrase cannot be found anywhere else in the Bible. The phrases First Heaven and Second Heaven are no where in the Bible. The idea of a Third Heaven implies Levels or Regions. As a minimum, it implies a first level and a second level. Yet, these are only implications! We can't be certain from Scripture what is meant by this notion of a Third Heaven relative to other implied levels. However, from the context of these verses, we can be sure that the Third Heaven and Paradise are the same thing. We also know the Bible makes no mention of a Fourth Heaven. We, therefore, might conclude that the Third Heaven is the highest Heaven; and if it is the highest Heaven, then it is the abode of God and angels: Heaven. If the Third Heaven is Heaven, then we can deduce that Paradise is Heaven. We will examine this in more detail later. First Heaven (Atmospheric) Because there is a Third Heaven reference in 2nd Corinthians 12:2-4, many teach there are two other levels of Heaven: Atmospheric and Celestial. This is a reasonable simplistic speculation worth examining. The atmospheric Heaven is where the birds fly; where rains come from: the sky or atmosphere. Page 2

3 Shamayim (shaw-mah'-yim) is the Hebrew word for Heaven in the Old Testament (from the Strong Lexicon, word H8064). It means Lofty or Heights. It is used many ways. There is a problem, because different Hebrew words are not used to make distinctions between the atmospheric Heaven, celestial Heavens, or the Heaven where God abides. This problem is what makes this all speculation; but this is a reasonable speculation taught in many Protestant churches and denominations. Jeremiah 4:25 (KJV) - I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the Heavens were fled. Revelation 19:17 (KJV) - And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of Heaven... The verses which follow also help confirm the idea of a low basic Heaven from where the rains come from, the sky or atmosphere: Deuteronomy 11:17 (NRSV) - For then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you and he will shut up the Heavens, so that there will be no rain... Daniel 4:33 (KJV) - The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of Heaven... Deuteronomy 28:12 (NRSV) - The Lord will open for you His rich storehouse, the Heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings... Judges 5:4 (NRSV) -... the earth trembled, and the Heavens poured, the clouds indeed poured water... Acts 14:17 (NRSV) Yet, He has not left Himself without a witness in doing good - giving you rains from Heaven and fruitful seasons... Second Heaven (Celestial) The celestial Heaven is the astronomical Heaven. This is where we see the planets and stars. The same Hebrew word used in Scripture for the First Heaven is used here in these verses for the Second Heaven. Psalm 19:4 through 6 (NRSV) -... In the Heavens, He has set a tent for the sun, (5) which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. (6) Its rising is from the end of the Heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. Jeremiah 8:2 (NRSV) - And they shall be spread before the sun and the moon and all the host of Heaven... Isaiah 13:10 (NRSV) - For the stars of the Heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light. Page 3

4 The Third Heaven (God's Abode or Highest Heaven) The Third Heaven is the highest Heaven, because there is no mention in the Scriptures of a Forth Heaven. Heaven is the abode of God. 1st Kings 8:30 (NRSV) -... O hear in Heaven Your dwelling place; heed and forgive. Psalm 2:4 (NRSV) - He who sits in the Heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. Matthew 5:16 (NRSV) - In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven. 1st Kings 8:27 (NRSV) - But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even Heaven and the Highest Heaven cannot contain You... Deuteronomy 10:14 (NRSV) - Although Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens belong to the Lord your God... [NAS says Highest Heaven for the phrase Heaven of Heavens ] What is Paradise? Is it Heaven? The word Paradise is derived from the Greek word Paradeisos (par ad i sos; word G3857 in Strong's Lexicon). The word likely originated from an ancient Persian term which means A grand wooded park. It's used only three times in the New Testament (in most Bible translations). Recall these verses mentioned earlier from Corinthians: 2nd Corinthians 12:2 through 4 (KJV) - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) such an one caught up to the Third Heaven. (3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) (4) How that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Paradise is only mentioned a few other times in the Bible: Luke 23:43 (KJV) - And Jesus said unto him [speaking to the repentant thief on the cross next to him], Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise. Revelation 2:7 (KJV) -... To him that overcomes, I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. From these verses, we see that Paradise is unique to God and contains the Tree of Life. Are these the sorts of things we expect to be in Heaven; a highest Heaven? We have no way to directly correlate the term Paradise to Heaven. However, most theologians in the Protestant Church have made some reasonable deductions about this. These deductions are held by most in mainstream Protestant Christianity. Page 4

5 Revelation 2:7 in conjunction with 2nd Corinthians 12:2-4 helps us deduce that Paradise is Heaven, because there is no higher level of Heaven mentioned in the Bible. Because there is no higher Heaven mentioned in the Bible, then we can deduce that the Third Heaven is the Heaven of God and angels. We see that the same Greek word is used in all three occurrences of the word Paradise in the Bible. In each occurrence, the context is about the abode of God (or strongly implied). The verses which follow give us more evidence of both God and Jesus residing in Heaven. Acts 7:55 through 55 (KJV) - But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (56) And said, behold, I see the Heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Matthew 12:28 (KJV) - But if I [Jesus] cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God is come unto you. Matthew 3:2 (KJV) - And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It seems the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven mean the same thing. We gain evidence of this from the interchangeable use of these phases in: Matthew 19:23 through 24 (NRSV) - Then Jesus said to his disciples, Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (24) Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God. Luke 17:21 (KJV) - Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. The Kingdom of God is Jesus... The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand because Jesus has come near: Luke 10:9 (RSV) -... say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you. Here we see more evidence that the Kingdom of God is within us; that our existence with Jesus is as if we're already in Heaven: 2nd Corinthians 13:5 (RSV) -... Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?... Colossians 1:13 (RSV) - He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. Who is the Son? He is the Father, the Creator God (Elohim Hebrew, plural for God): Page 5

6 Colossians 1:14 through 16 (RSV) In Whom [Jesus] we have redemption, the forgiven of sins. (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; (16) for in Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him. John 14:9 (RSV) - Jesus said to him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, Show us the Father? So far we have determined from Scripture that the following have the same meaning as Heaven (as God's abode): Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, Heaven of Heavens, Highest Heaven, Third Heaven, Kingdom of His beloved Son, and Paradise. What about Abraham's Bosom? Is this also a reference to Heaven? Paradise And Abraham's Bosom Luke 16:22 through 26 (RSV) - The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; (23) and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he called out, Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. (26) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us. Note: some Bible versions claim it is more correct to say By his side not Abraham's Bosom. For our study, we'll go with Abraham's Bosom. In verse 23 we see a reference to Lazarus being in Abraham's bosom. We know that Abraham is among the living: Mark 12:26 through 27 (KJV) -... [Jesus said] have you not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? (27) He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living... We also know Moses is alive with God: Matthew 17:2 through 3 (KJV) - And [Jesus] was transfigured before them [John, James, and Peter]: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. (3) And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him. Page 6

7 We know Elijah was taken by a chariot of fire (2nd Kings 2:11) to be with God; that he did not die a natural death. We see evidence that Moses is alive; yet, in the flesh, he died a natural death. From Genesis 5:24, we know that Enoch walked with God. Enoch didn't die a natural death. Enoch couldn't continue his Walk with God if he wasn't living in Heaven where God abides. In makes perfect sense to recognize that Moses is already in Heaven. When he was called by Jesus, Moses then appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Elijah and Jesus. However, this deduction only agrees with the beliefs of a minority of Jewish scholars. These say the righteous faithful of God went to Heaven upon death, not to Sheol. The Old Testament Scriptures do seem to confirm this assertion. There are many Jewish scholars who say Sheol is divided into more than one region; perhaps four regions; that the Old Testament Saints went to a Good part of Sheol to wait for resurrection. This is the majority view of most Jews today, yet this view is not anywhere in the Bible, and this view was developed very late in Jewish culture (near the times of Christ). If we use the Bible only, the best we can reasonably surmise is that Enoch, Elijah, Moses, Abraham, and many others are with God in Heaven. Sheol (Hades) Sheol [shâ owl, shâol / sheh ole/] is not Hell. Sheol is Hebrew. Hell is a separate Greek/Hebrew word for the place where the condemned go after Judgment Day (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5). According the 2nd Peter 2:4, the fallen angels (demons) are in Chains in the deepest part of Hell (Greek tartaroo / tar tar o o/ and Hebrew geenna / gheh en nah). Hades (hades / hah dace) is a Greek word separate from Hell. Hades is the same as Sheol according to most theologians. As we will discover in our study, Sheol-Hades is the place where the dead reside. Note: The KJV incorrectly translates Sheol and Hades in the Bible. It uses the term Hell for all occurrences of the Greek word Hades and Hebrew word Sheol. Here's what we know about Sheol (Hades) From Scripture: Genesis 37:35 (NRSV) - All his sons and all his daughters sought to comfort him [Israel]; but he refused to be comforted, and said, No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son [Joseph], mourning. Thus his father bewailed him. Here we see a Jewish belief or expectation of being with loved ones after death. In this case, there is a expressed hope that reunion would occur in Sheol. This verse is expressing only a hope of reunion, not necessarily theological fact, because we can find many other Bible verses which show a belief in the faithful righteous going to Heaven upon death, not Sheol. Jesus has already mentioned Abraham is alive (Mark 12:26 through 27). 1st Samuel 2:6 (NRSV) - The Lord kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. Page 7

8 Job 14:13 (NRSV) - O that You [God] would hide me in Sheol, that You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, that You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! Here we see something of a belief in resurrection in these verses. At death, it is clear that some Jewish people expected to either be raised up from Sheol or be taken to Heaven if among the faithful righteous (depending on which Scripture verses we read). Job 7:9 (NRSV) - As the cloud fades and vanishes, so those who go down to Sheol do not come up. (10) He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. In these verses we find Job explaining that death and departure to Sheol means no return to earthy things. He is not saying that he doesn't believe the Lord might not redeem a righteous person from Sheol (as we see in Job 14:13, Job 33:27/28, and 1st Samuel 2:6). Job 11:8 (NRSV) -... Deeper than Sheol what can you know? Isaiah 14:15 I(NRSV) - But you are brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the Pit. Sheol is believed to be deep in the Earth, perhaps at the center. Job 26:6 (NRSV) - Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon [destroying angel] has no covering. Psalms 139:8 (NRSV) - If I ascend to Heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. God can see what is happening in Sheol. Psalms 139:8 confirms, by inference, that God is everywhere as an omni-present Being. Psalms 9:17 (NRSV) - The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. It is clear that Sheol was seen as a place for the wicked. Yet, some other Scriptures indicate that some O.T. Hebrews thought they would go to Sheol upon death if blameless before God (Job 14:13); but once in Sheol, the faithful righteous expected to be raised up to be with God (1st Samuel 2:6). Yet, not all Hebrews viewed Sheol as the destination of the faithful righteous (Psalms 16:10; Psalms 6:5; and Psalms 86:13). What we need to see is that there were two different Old Testament views revealed within the Scriptures. In late Jewish history, it would make sense that this inconsistent view was partly corrected by saying that Sheol was divided into different regions, then believing in an eventual resurrection. In Daniel 12:1 through 3, we see a, statement about a resurrection for all those who sleep in the dust of the Earth, both the righteous and the evil. Yet, as we can see in the New Testament, not all Jews (Sadducees) believed in a Resurrection (Mark 12:18). Psalms 6:5 (NRSV) - For in death there is no remembrance of You [God]; in Sheol who can give You praise? Page 8

9 Psalms 6:5 seems to indicate that there is no memory of God after arriving in Sheol; therefore, no one there knows to give God praise. The writer of this Psalms seems to be affirming his belief that God will not send the faithful righteous to Sheol, because these wouldn't be able to praise God if otherwise sent there. There are other Scriptures which are more specific about the faithful righteous going to Heaven, not Sheol (or Pit ): Job 33:27/28 (NRSV) -... I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it was not paid back to me. He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my life shall see the Light. Psalms 16:10 (NRSV) - For You do not give Me up to Sheol, or let Your faithful One see the Pit [Sheol]. Proverbs 15:24 (NRSV) - For the wise, the path of life leads upward in order to avoid Sheol below. [also see Proverbs 23:14] Psalms 86:13 (NRSV) - For great is Your steadfast love toward me; You have delivered My soul from the depths of Sheol. [keeping one from having to go there] These verses are more examples of the O.T. belief that the faithful (the basis for imputed righteousness) will not be sent to Sheol. Psalms 16:10 is also considered prophetic concerning Jesus according to Acts 2:24 through 31. Psalms 30:3 (NRSV) - O Lord, You brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. Do we see in this verse another belief in a type of resurrection from Sheol? Or do we see the Psalms writer confirming his belief that the faithful righteous are not sent to Sheol, because God is his salvation? God has Restored him to life even before his actual physical death. Many O.T. Hebrews view the LORD as their eternal salvation: Psalms 18:46 (NRSV) - The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation. [also see Psalms 24:5 and 25:5] Psalms 37:39 9 (NRSV) - The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their refuge in the time of trouble. [also see Psalms 38:22 and Psalms 40:16] Psalms 68:20 (NRSV) - Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death. Isaiah 12:2 (NRSV) - Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation. [also see Isaiah 61:10] Psalms 49:15 (NRSV) - But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me. In this Psalm, the writer clearly believed he would be Ransomed by God, and not have to go to Sheol. This agrees with Psalms 68:20 and Job 33:27/28 (above). Page 9

10 Isaiah 38:18 (NRSV) - For Sheol cannot thank You, death cannot praise You; those who go down to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. Those in Sheol cannot expect to see God's mercy, by His faithfulness, be expressed toward them. This verse may even imply that Isaiah did not believe in a resurrection of the saints from Sheol, because he didn't necessarily believe the faithful righteous would be sent there in the first place (Isaiah 12:2 and Isaiah 61:10). Jonah 2:2 (NRSV) [Jonah] said I called to the Lord out of my distress, and He answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice. While in the whale, Jonah viewed his life as over without the salvation of the Lord (Jonah 2:9), but Jonah believed in the Lord: (KJV) Salvation is of the Lord. His prayer was one of amazing faith and repentance. It is clear that some O.T. Hebrews had a clear understanding that salvation is from God, alone, by faith. Isaiah 14:9 (NCV) - The place of the dead (Sheol) is excited to meet you when you come. It wakes the spirits of the dead, the leaders of the world. It makes kings of all nations stand up from their thrones to greet you. Revelation 5:13 (NRSV) - Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth [Sheol] and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! Those in Sheol are conscious and self-aware. The following verses discuss suffering in Sheol. One must be conscious in order to suffer. Deuteronomy 32:22 (NRSV) - For a fire is kindled by my anger, and burns to the depths of Sheol; it devours the earth and its increase, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains. The wrath of God seems to exist in Sheol. This wrath may be selective. Psalm 116:3 (NRSV) - The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Luke 16:23 (NRSV) - In Hades [Sheol], where he was being tormented... This is from the story of the Rich young ruler and Lazarus as told by Jesus. From other Scriptures, we know there will be suffering in Sheol, but this isn't the point of the story. In recent times, some pastors have taken the story (Luke 16:19 through 31) to be a detailed theological explanation of cause-and-effect of Heaven, Hell, Hades, and Paradise. This is a huge presumptuous leap of speculation, because we already have much explanation from many other Scriptures. The story is about explaining how the dead in Hades will not be able to convince the living of the saving power of Messiah through their experiences in Hades (Luke 16:29 through 31). To make the story say more than this often requires speculation and stretching the meaning of Scripture. Some have done this. It isn't necessary. Page 10

11 In Luke 16:22, the reference to Abraham's Bosom (KJV) can mean any number of things, but most consider it to be a reference to Heaven due to context. Some say it is a reference to a separate Holding area called Paradise. This Holding area is for the faithful righteous, but this is pure speculation which does not work with the more plain and obvious Biblical explanations about the nature of Heaven and Hades (that Heaven and Paradise are the same thing; such is reasonably deduced from clear Scripture meanings). Regarding Abraham's bosom, not all Bible versions even use the word Bosom (they say something like: With Lazarus by his side ). Revelation 20:13 (NRSV) - And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and all were judged according to what they had done. Daniel 12:1 through 2 (NRSV) - At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the Book [of Life; the Son is the Book of Life]. (2) Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. There will be a resurrection of our bodies from the grave; but we are alive in Christ before and after physical death (Mark 12:26/27 and 1st Corinthians 15:35-38/40-44). Where Do The Old Testament Dead Go Upon Death? It is said that many Old Testament Jews viewed Hades as being divided into 4 regions: One region was for the righteous and the other three were for the wicked (according to some Jewish Internet web sites). Unfortunately, this cannot be confirmed from Scriptures! However, there are other Jewish authorities who claim that the Old Testament (Talmud) taught that the faithful righteous do go to Heaven (not Hades). We have gone over many Scriptures which help prove this alternative concept is something which the Scriptures confirm. Yet, there are not any Scriptures to confirm the idea about different regions in Sheol for the dead and righteous (without making big assumptions or using non-biblical sources). As revealed from Scripture (apart of non-biblical sources), we can see that there were two concepts about death which the Hebrews of the Old Testament believed: 1. At death, the faithful righteous went to be with God in Heaven, but the wicked went to Hades. 2. At death, all went to Hades to await some sort of resurrection. This last view is dominate among Jews today; including the notion that Sheol is divided into levels. Those in Christ either go to be with Christ upon death, or go to a Separate holding place called Paradise (depending upon how you wish to interpret the Scriptures). For Christians, there will be a resurrection of our bodies to a glorified form in Christ. For the wicked, the resurrection amounts to confirmation of eternal suffering in Hell. Page 11

12 I personally believe the Saints of the Old Testament went to Heaven upon death just as Christians do. We see plenty of evidence in the Old Testament for this assertion (the strongest evidence is Moses appearing at the Mount of Transfiguration). The salvation process for both groups is nearly identical if you examine it closely: In the Old Testament, salvation came by faith in believing God to perform what He says He will do and has Promised; this results in imputed or Reckoned righteousness from God; thusly, acceptance by God, as with Abraham, Moses, Jonah, David, Elijah, Enoch, Isaiah, Job and others. Salvation today is still by faith in God to fulfill what He promises to accomplish and perform; in this case, through the Promise of His Son; thusly, our salvation is still imputed to us by the actions of another: Jesus Christ, by our faith in Him being the Son of God; Jesus performed and performs of the Will of God on our behalf. Note: Some modern authorities are saying that the soul-spirit is not awake in Sheol; that such is truly dead. This is a hard position to support, because other Biblical references indicate that there is suffering and consciousness in both Sheol and Hell (see Matthew 13:41 through 42; Psalms 55:15; Isaiah 14:9; Ezekiel 32:21; Luke 16:23; and Saul did consult a medium in order to talk with a deceased Samuel according to 1st Samuel 28:11 through 15). It makes sense that sinning against an infinitely holy God yields eternal consequences in suffering and destruction among those condemned by this infinitely holy God. Rabbit Discussion: An interesting thing about saying that the Old Testament saints go to Heaven upon death is discovered by asking the following question: Who, then, did Jesus retrieve when He descended into the depths of the Earth just prior to His resurrection? Where did He go? (see Ephesians 4:7 through 10; Matthew 27:50 through 53; 1st Peter 3:15 through 20; and John 10:16). I personally believe Jesus went to Hades (Sheol) to shared the Gospel with all who were there, because they never had the direct option of Christ. It was a one-time effort. It is not likely Jesus went to Hades just to gloat. It not reasonable to say Jesus went to Hades to continue paying the price for sin, because that price was paid by His receiving the wrath of God while upon the cross; then His cry: It is finished. 1st Peter 3:20 clearly says the prisoners in Sheol are the ones of former times [who] did not obey [God]. So the prisoners Jesus went to rescue in Sheol were the disobedient sinners of Old Testament times, not the righteous; example: Abraham is among the living in Heaven according to Mark 12:25/26 and Luke 16:25. At the resurrection of Jesus, the tombs were opened (Matthew 27:50 through 53). Those who came out of the tombs were the faithful righteous Old Testament saints who were already in Heaven, but now they were given their spiritual resurrection bodies (see 1st Corinthians 15:35-44). These, then, exited their tombs; they testified about Jesus for awhile in Jerusalem; then they likely returned to Heaven with Jesus. We can guess that Jesus went to Hades to share the Gospel with the condemned prisoners (1st Peter 3:18-20). Some of these prisoners of sin did repent and believe on Jesus, then these returned with Him to Heaven (Ephesians 4:7 through 10). There is a remote possibility that these rescued prisoners may have been the Other sheep mentioned in John 10:16. Page 12

13 However, most Protestant theologians assert that the Other sheep phrase is a likely reference to the Gentiles. I personally agree with the theologians about this; but recall that Jesus did say, initially, that His Kingdom message was only for the Jews according to Matthew 15:24. John 10:16 (KJV) - And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd. Philippians 2:10 (NCV) - So that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus; everyone in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth. [in Hades] Of course, this entire discussion is an opinion. It is Biblically derived without overintellectualizing the Scriptures, but taking them in simple plain meanings for what they say and explain. Regardless of what you believe on this issue, it is not worth becoming argumentative and seeking fellowship with only those churches or people which agree with you on this one issue. In the big scheme of things in the Kingdom, it is more important for us to love God, love each other, and to lead the lost to a saving knowledge in Christ... not to bricker about what really are some unclear aspects from Scripture. R16 Page 13