Do puritans believe in Heaven and Hell?

Answer 1

Yes, and the path to get there was in their belief of 'Predestination.' This belief developed by John Calvin stated that mankind was predestined before their births to go to either heaven or hell. Puritans deduced that since no one knew which they were predestined to go to, they had to work diligently hard to insure they would be found worthy in God's eyes to go to heaven. Hence, the wealthy members were thought to have found favor in God's eyes already and were surely going to heaven. Many have said that these beliefs were the results of their isolating the group and over the generations, perverted the meaning of Scripture into the interpretations of men. The Scripture states that the only sure way to receive eternal life and be with the Family of God is to keep the Commandments:

John 14:21New King James Version (NKJV)

21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Additionally, The Bible is replete telling us that God is not impressed with what a man has or looks like, but rather what a man does with what he has been given. God looks for a humble and meek spirit in mankind. He has given all free will to chose His way or the way of this world. Jesus died for all mankind so whoever believes in Him may receive eternal life in the God Family - any and every one.

Isaiah 66:2New King James Version (NKJV)

2 For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,"

Says the Lord.

"But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.