When the Apostle Paul visited Athens, he took the message of Christ to the marketplace where a wide variety of people could be encountered. Among those he talked to were Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. We read about his encounter with them in Acts 17.

Who were these Epicureans and Stoics? I'd like to give a thumbnail sketch of their ideas about God, man, and the world which will help us understand why Paul what he did.

Stoicism and Epicureanism were philosophies which were developed to free people from the concerns of the present life. Stoicism was materialistic and pantheistic. That is, Stoics believed that everything was composed of matter. The higher form of matter was of a divine nature, and it pervaded the universe. They called it various things: fire, Zeus, or even God. They believed that this divine "fire," or God, generated the universe and would one day take the universe back into itself through a great conflagration.

Answer # 2:

Stoicism is the practice of believing in Stoic philosophia. You read about the Epicureans and Stoics in the 17 chapter of the book of acts where they engaged Paul. Both Epicureans and Stoics are believers in Athenian Philos-Sophos doctrine. Philosophia is the assembly of two Greek words Philos and Sophos. Philos means great love or affinity for and Sophos means knowledge. Where this might sound harmless on the surface, that's because most Christians are unaware that the goddess athena (for whom athens was named) was the goddess of knowledge. Philosophia doctrine is therefore the worship and testament to the goddess of Athens - Athena. Plato even writes of the goddess Athena.

The Apostle Paul warns in Colossians chapter 2 for Christians to beware of philosophia doctrine as it can easily be used to deceive them. The word philosophia is only used twice in all biblical text, once acts chapter 17 and the other in Paul's rebuttal to his visit to Athens in Colossians chapter 2. Stoicism is a form of Athenian philosophia doctrine which believes in life after death. It was derived by a student of Socratic teaching named Zeno. The Epicurean belief does not support life after death. Probably the most interesting fact concerning Stoicism is that it is the base doctrine for all Communism, Socialism, Progressivism and Liberation Theology. Hegel used the Stoic version of philosophia and honed it for modern use, this is what he taught his students which include the likes of Bauer, Sterner, Feuerbach, Marx & Engels. Darwin used this same Stoic belief and its dialectics, to establish his theory known as the origin of the species. Most of those who claim to be Atheists are not Atheistic at all, but believe in some form of Stoic philosophia doctrine and commonly use its dialectics.

The clever self appointed Sage of Stoic doctrine, do all in their power to hide the fact that Stoicism is based upon Athenian philosophia doctrine. However any good researcher can trace the origins of the Stoics right back to Athens and back to Athena the goddess of knowledge. In Athens the Stoics were highly acclaimed as the instructors/teachers of the day, especially the Sage (highest form of a Stoic). Most university education systems of modern day are based upon the teaching and subject matter offered by the Sage of Stoic philosophia doctrine. Professors will vehemently argue this point, however simple research proves it out to be true in every single case. Stoicism is most likely the single largest doctoral belief in the world today as most modern religions have adopted some form of Stoicism into their religious practice. Even Christians have adopted a version of Stoicism into Christian worship known as Liberation Theology, where biblical text is reinterpreted using the dialectics of Marx & Engels, which is exactly what Paul warned would occur in Colossians chapter 2.

An excellent question and one deserving of being presented to Christians who wish to avoid the grip of false doctrine. Thanks for asking this question and I hope you will spend some time researching Stoicism and its influence in modern times. You will find it eyeopening that the government of the United States has adopted Stoicism as our national religion and even written laws to forcefully assimilate to Athenian philosophia based Stoicism.

End Answer # 2

Answer 3:

Stoicism is a philosophy which stems from ancient Greece in the third century BCE. Stoics taught that bad judgement resulted in destructive emotions and that one should strive to not succumb to undesirable emotions. (Hence the word, "stoic.") They believed that one should have a will that is in harmony with nature and that how a person behaved is more important than what a person espouses.

Answer 1:

It depends on what religion you worship. Heaven is a part of faith. Although we don't have scientific proof of it we believe it's there.

Answer 2:

Jesus Christ promised Heaven repeatedly throughout the New Testament to those who believe in Him and follow His commandments. Those who believe that Jesus Christ is God, know that He would not promise anything that isn't real. Therefore we may be confident that Heaven is quite real.

Answer 3:

Yes Heaven is Real. Im A christan and the main thing to do is acept the lord into your heart and love him and Jesus before everything else. Theres this guy who went to hell so Jesus could tell him to warn people because world is at its end. So everyone could go back to there real home called haeven. The book is called 23 minutes in hell you should read it. It will change the way how you feel about god if you don't believe in him. But just remember you are gods child and he wants you to come home. If you do you can do so many things like flying,laying with sharks,eating with Aberham Lincon and Ben Fraklin, and most important live with god,Jesus and your family members for eternity. Heaven will never get boring will have a new earth and new everything, You can even ask to see whats inside a black hole. But yes Heaven is real and so is god and Jesus, so just remember he loves you for whatever you do and love him back.

Answer 4:

I don't go to church or read bibles but the truth is no one knows heaven exist. It like they said only God knows.

Answer 5:

No, the truth is that almost every religion seems to have some proof that their religion must exist. After life-death encounters to be survived, or having died and being brought back, people from different religions say they have seen their god at their deaths. Soo... Either Every religion exists, or No religion exists, or one religion exists.

To actually find the truth, you must learn from every religion and use your own mind.

Answer 6:

Yes, heaven is real.

Answer 7:

This is a religious question, and as such, cannot be answered for sure. Depending on what religion you are, your views on this question will differ, for example a christian would normally believe in heaven, but atheists do not.

Answer 8:

Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

Genesis 1:8. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Answer 9:

Yes, Heaven exists. I have had a glimpse of it during a NDE (near death experience) I experienced feelings of love and peace not comparable in this existence. Knowledge above our comprehension. I became changed forever after it. Hate cannot exist within me. I know love is the only thing that matters.

I am not religious, but now I know there is a Heaven, Eternity or whatever one wants to call it. It is not just a place for Christians, that is absurb. Religions are earthly organizations. I define it as the Spiritual world, we are all connected to.

Answer 10:

Heaven is a real place that you go to when you die. You must go to purgatory first to get rid of all your sins

Answer 11:

Ask if heaven is real why can't you see it noone has any proof so how should we believe

Answer 12:

Both heaven and hell are all too real. Most people, deep inside, know this, but modern people tend to be brought up to believe that things are not real unless you can measure them, touch them, see them, etc. They don't stop and think that most of the most real things in their lives cannot be measured or "proven" by modern science. Pain, for instance, well, yes, you can measure a broken leg, but how exactly are you going to measure that broken heart if the love of your life just dumped you and went off with another person? We can all look around us and know in our hearts that we are very different from the things around us, we are the only thinking creatures around. Your dog or your goldfish is not worrying about where you are going to bury them when they aren't breathing anymore, now are they? If you have had someone in your life die, you know the heartache and the emptiness you feel as you look at what was once a living, breathing, human being, and everything in you cries out that they are still somewhere. We know that we are different, and deep down we know that death is not the end. Many people who don't acknowledge the next world are so miserably unhappy in this one, even if they look like they are having "fun" all the time-they don't want to acknowledge another world, because they are afraid that their misery will be continued beyond this one and they just want it to end.

The paradox about Christianity that so few people "get" is that we are not made to have "fun" here, we are to pick up our cross daily and follow Our Blessed Lord as He carries His cross up the hill to be crucified.

And he said to all: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; for he that shall lose his life for my sake, will save it. . . . For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him the Son of man shall be ashamed, when he shall come in his majesty, and that of his Father, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth: There are some standing here that shall not taste death, till they see the kingdom of God. " St. Luke 9:23-24, 26-27

So the people whose lives don't look so fun, that are working all the time for other people, that are raising "too many" children so they can't even afford a vacation? Well guess what? They aren't haven't much fun right now, but the Lord gives them something that no amount of fun will ever give anyone: REAL JOY in this world, and eternal bliss in heaven. You better believe heaven is just as real as hell, and you will never find out unless you take it seriously now.

If you believe in Jesus and follow the Christian religion then you believe that heaven exists. The only way to find out is to pass away and hopefully get to see it. One answer: Yes, I believe so. But a simple answer like yes or no is not concrete proof for the existence or nonexistence of Heaven. One either believes or they don't, and I feel humans can really go no further than that with Heaven's existence until their time comes.

Answer 13:

Yes, Heaven does exist. We're not like other animal which live then die and stay in the earth, but we're different. Read Genesis 1:1, God created the Heaven and the Earth.

Heaven is an actual place. The Bible refers to it numerous times as a city for all the nations. Heaven will be established on the restored earth ( sometimes refereed to as the New Earth) and Jesus will reign for eternity. There is an Interim Heaven in place right now (the place where God, the angels and believers who have died, currently live. God cannot live where sin is present and the current earth is full of sin, but that will change with Jesus' 2nd Coming at the end of the age).

Answer 14:

From my research I have determined that the story of Heaven is no different from the story of Santa Clause in the North Pole or of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. Religious leaders use Heaven and Hell as a system of punishment and reward for what they determine to be SIN. People use the words written by other men as proof of their religious theologies but never can they produce the realistic evidence as proof. Science is also the words written by men but the truth of their words can be tested and proven with tangible evidence.

There is no Heaven no Hell and no Santa Clause living at the North Pole. There is no tangible scientific or religious evidence that can be used to factually conclude that there is such an entity as God. If there is no proof of God then there can be no proof that Heaven exist. Everything about God could simply be construed as figments of the fanciful imagination.

Answer 15

Heaven has not being scientifically proven to be real, when people die their brain switches off, therefor there is nothing going on. However, a great number of people who have died (heart attack, accident, etc.) and then are revived report having gone to Heaven or Hell and then returning to their bodies. Some folks will say it was a series of synapses occurring in an oxygen deprived brain, but this fails to account for those who were clinically dead for 10 min or more, at ten min without oxygen to the brain the subject should be dead for real, or if revived should have extensive and permanent brain damage. These people however make full and inexplicable recoveries. Miracles if you will, these stories inspire faith, perhaps the very reason they were sent back to their mortal bodies.

• Jewish answer

We hold it to be evident that an infinitely wise Creator, whose wisdom is vastly manifest (for example) in the wonders of our bodies, would not be so unwise as to neglect unfinished business. If a righteous person suffers at length, to our mind it is axiomatic that they will be compensated after death. God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4).
One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as stated in the Talmud (Mishna, Sanhedrin 11:1) and codified by Maimonides (1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he or she was alive. This applies to all people, whatever their religion.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) doesn't dwell at length on the afterlife; and nor does Judaism spend a lot of time speculating on its details. However, that is not meant to diminish its importance. Rather, the Torah implies that we are to use the bulk of our energies in keeping God's ways in this world, with our feet firmly planted on Earth, while nonetheless not losing awareness of our beliefs.
Our ancient sages stated the importance of being aware of the next world: "This world is a mere entrance-hall before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).
All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler. And while we're alive, knowledge of the future world serves as one of the motivations to keeping God's will.
The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous because religions could compete with more and more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. Besides, it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth.
It is, however, referred to briefly in Torah verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good old age." Coming to his fathers does not mean simply to be buried with them, since Abraham was not buried with his ancestors. Such verses are stated many times.
The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19 and 66:24, Daniel 12:13, Zechariah 3:7, 1 Kings 8:30, 2 Kings ch.2, Ecclesiastes 12:7). The afterlife is spoken of at length in the Talmud. More than 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110, Rosh Hashanah 16-18, and other passages) are given to this subject.

Different Views on the Existence of Hell: Basically, Christianity and Islam are the only religions that have this concept. Judaism believes in reward and punishment of the soul, but the concept might differ. Since Christianity and Islam is practiced by about 1/2 of the world population, just by the numbers, that might suggest that there is about a 50-50 chance that hell exists, which makes for great debate material. Read below from our contributors:

One Opinion that Says Maybe Yes and No- it does exist but comes from these words:

From Easton's Bible Dictionary

The concept of Hell is derived from the Saxon helan, to cover; hence the covered or the invisible place. In Scripture there are three words so rendered:-

(1.) Sheol, occurring in the Old Testament sixty-five times. This word sheol is derived from a root-word meaning "to ask," "demand;" hence insatiableness (Pro_30:15, Pro_30:16). It is rendered "grave" thirty-one times (Gen_37:35; Gen_42:38; Gen_44:29, Gen_44:31; 1Sa_2:6, etc.). The Revisers have retained this rendering in the historical books with the original word in the margin, while in the poetical books they have reversed this rule.

In thirty-one cases in the Authorized Version this word is rendered "hell," the place of disembodied spirits. The inhabitants of Sheol are "the congregation of the dead" (Pro_21:16). It is (a) the abode of the wicked (Numbers_16:33; Job_24:19; Psalms_9:17; Psalms_31:17, etc.); (b) of the good (Psalm_16:10; Psalms_30:3; Psalms_49:15; Psalms_86:13, etc.).

Sheol is described as deep (Job_11:8), dark (Job_10:21, Job_10:22), with bars (Job_17:16). The dead "go down" to it (Numbers_16:30, Numbers_16:33; Ezekiel_31:15, Ezekiel_31:16, Ezekiel_31:17).

(2.) The Greek word Hades of the New Testament has the same scope of signification as Sheol of the Old Testament. It is a prison (1Pe_3:19), with gates and bars and locks (Matthew_16:18; Rev_1:18), and it is downward (Mat_11:23; Luke_10:15).

The righteous and the wicked are separated. The blessed dead are in that part of Hades called paradise (Luke_23:43). They are also said to be in Abraham's bosom (Luke_16:22).

(3.) Gehenna, in most of its occurrences in the Greek New Testament, designates the place of the lost (Mat_23:33). The fearful nature of their condition there is described in various figurative expressions (Mat_8:12; Mat_13:42; Mat_22:13; Mat_25:30; Luke_16:24, etc.). One Belief with Explanation I believe it is .....

It does exist. And it is not a fun place. it's not a party place. you don't want to go there. it is a lake of fire where sinners go for eternal damnation. you may say, "why would God send people there when he loves us and is a good God?" Well, the answer to that is because God is just. We are all sinners and we all deserve to go there.

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:10 "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8-9 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth th Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved [from hell]. For with the heart, man confesseth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

And so you see, there is a way to escape hell. That's where heaven comes in. According to Christian beliefs, if you will accept Christ as your savior from hell, and from your sins, admitting that you are a sinner, and are coming to God, because he is the only way out, then he will save you. Keep asking questions and when you're ready, make a decision.

A Suggestion that it is a Misinterpretation Hell does not exist, it is the mere imagination and mere misinterpretation of the Bible. None of the scriptures mentioned above even mention hellfire rather they mention perish or to suffer eternal DESTRUCTION not burning. The lake of fire in Revelation simply represents the eternal destruction of the people being hurled into it. When a person dies they are "conscious of nothing" as Corinthians says. They are not conscious of burning in a fiery hell but rather in a sleep like state. Notice that when Lazarus died and came back he had no memory of a fiery hell or heaven. The Dogma of Catholicism It is a dogma of the Catholic Church that Hell does exist both as a spiritual and physical place. Hell is reserved for the devil and all the fallen angels as well as those souls that die unreconciled to God and without the state of grace. Hell is eternal and any soul consigned there is there for eternity without reprieve or hope. This is why the Catholic Church strives so mightily in Her endeavors to spread the Catholic Faith and to make people aware of the nature of Hell and sin and God's saving grace, lest souls fall into hell. Purgatory There is also a concept of purgatory, which seems to be a holding ground fot those not yet decided. And, apparently the Catholic church takes donations to allow someone to remain in purgatory to await the day of judgment,

An Opinion that Says Yes Yes, hell is believed in some religions. But what about Christianity? Do Christians have to believe in hell?

Turn with me me to Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10

For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. 6 Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun. 10 All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She������´ol, the place to which you are going.

Another good point is the Genesis account of things. Genesis 1:1 In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

If Jehovah God actually chose whether he wanted you to go to heaven or hell, wouldn't he have created hell? The account just says that he created two things, the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return."

It says that we are dust, Jehovah created us from dust, we die, we return to dust. It doesn't say that we have a separate force, a separate being, we are one person, we are who we are.

Another scripture backs this up as well. Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.

It doesn't say that when Jehovah created man he put an invisible force into him, it's plain and simple.

So all it comes down to its pagan teaching, really, would any Christian really want to be believing in pagan things, would Jehovah want you to? In the bible, lots of things must be taken as symbolic, this is how lots of people thought, maybe they couldn't make it any simpler, maybe a symbolic description confused less? Quite possible! Answer If you believe that there is Hell, then, it's true there's Hell and you don't need proof or even have to ask the question of its existence.

Rachelpopl speaking I think this is suppose to be hell. Earth. When we die it is like we retire to heaven.

i promise you its real look in genisis that was from the Adam and eve story.

heaven and hell are real indeed. Some christians belive that when the bible says " the lake of fier" it is metephorically speaking.But God knows that we are only human so he makes the bible as simple as possible for us to understand.

Answer

Torment, suffering and alienation from God are real to those who experience it. Such hell is a condition anyone can experience in this world or the next. Hell is not a physical place, but a spiritual condition.

The safeway answer:

Here you have 2 scenarios.

1: Hell does exist as a means of punishment for sins accumulated in the living world; or

2: Hell does not exists and we can do as we please without bearing consequences after death.

If we believe that Hell does NOT exist, then we can do as we please. Than do that ! On the other hand, if Hell does exist, then we could get punished for not believing that Hell exists in the first place.

So I would think that it's safer to believe in Hell instead. You loose nothing by believing that there is a Hell.

hell doesnt exist neither does heaven

i dont believe i can do what i want ..common sense and legistaion

regulates that

if anybody can prove there is a heaven and hell..prove it

dont keeep harping on about somebody wrote this and somebody

wrote that ..else anybody can claim whatever they want
The Bible says that Hell does exist. However, we will not know until we die.
Yes

Hell is "A state of separation from God; exclusion from God's presence." WE can choose to be separated from God, so hell exists.

If you can imagine a big city like New York without any good in it, no kindness, no giving, no smiles, no joy...at all...that is close to hell, but not complete. Because all good things come from God, hell means to be separated from ALL that is good.

It is not a punishment because you were not good enough in life, it is a choice. The one and only God is a just God. When we do things to separate ourselves from Him, he honors our choice. Yet, God wants to be with each one of us because He still loves us so much, no matter how many things we have done to walk away from Him. So, we need someone to "save" us from these choices we have made. Jesus came to pay for those bad choices with his life, even though he never made a bad choice. If we choose to believe that Jesus did this, our relationship with God is restored and we can start experiencing the very real joy and peace of heaven here on earth way before death.
The subject of hell is subjective. If you are religious, and you are a follower of your religion then you could believe there is hell. But if you aren't religious then you may not believe there is hell, or you will only believe there is hell until its existence is proved

Answer from the Muslim point of view

It is true that God is forgiving and loving but He is so only for those who worship Him as the one and only one God with no partner, no companion, no associate, and no equivalent. The Quran says (English translation):

"Indeed, Allah (or God; He is the same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for those whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly made a tremendous sin"(4:48)

and says:

"And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah (God) and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know" (3:135)

and says:

"Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah (He is the same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (3:31)

Answer from the Orthodox Jewish point of view

It is precisely because God is loving, that He created punishment in the afterlife. If Hitler, for example, could wantonly kill so many people and escape through suicide, where would God's kindness be? We who believe in God, take solace in that such wicked people cannot flee from God.

Answer from the Christian point of view

The simple answer to that is; "God didn't." The Bible does not tell us; God sends the wicked to some fiery place of torment, the churches tell people that. The Bible tells us "God IS love" not just HAS love, he is the very essence of love, so as you rightly said a loving God would have "no need" or desire to create such a place. 'Christianity may have made hell a household word,'says U.S.News & World Report, 'but it doesn't hold a monopoly on the doctrine. The threat of painful retribution in the afterlife has counterparts in nearly every major world religion and in some minor ones as well.'

Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jains, and Taoists believe in a hell of one sort or another. The Bible tells us, the dead have no conscious existence, so hell cannot be a fiery place of torment where the wicked suffer after death.

What, then, is hell? Examining what happened to Jesus after he died helps to answer that question. The Bible writer Luke recounts:

'Neither was [Jesus] forsaken in Hades [hell, King James Version] nor did his flesh see corruption.' (Acts 2:31) Where was the hell to which even Jesus went? The apostle Paul wrote:

'I handed on to you . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures.'(1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)

So Jesus was in hell, THE GRAVE.

Answer

Hell is real, but it was not originally created for mankind. It was created for the devil and his angels. Some prefer to call it the lake of fire, but whatever name it goes by, it's real, it's hot, and it's everlasting for those who go there. A

Answer

Luke 16 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Matthew 25 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Answer

LUKE 16 22-28-- that you mentioned, is an illustration, the language throughout the account is plainly parabolic and cannot be construed literally.

REVELATION

20:15--Is this the hellfire Christendom speaks about? No, for in the preceding verse, we read: 'Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.'

(Revelation 20:14, KJ)

If hell is cast into the lake of fire, the lake cannot itself be hellfire. Moreover, death is not something concrete that can be picked up and hurled somewhere. So the lake of fire must be symbolic.

REVELATION 21:8--A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8)

All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50

MATTHEW 25

41-46--this cannot mean that immortal souls of goatlike ones will suffer in an eternal fire. No, for humans are souls; they do not possess immortal souls. (Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4)

By sentencing the goats to 'everlasting fire,' the Judge means destruction devoid of a future hope, which will also be the permanent end for the Devil and his demons. (Revelation 20:10, 14)

Hence, God's Judge sets out opposites. He tells the sheep, 'Come'; the goats, 'Be on your way from me.' The sheep will inherit 'everlasting life.' The goats will receive 'everlasting cutting-off.' Matthew 25:46.

Answer

You: "LUKE 16 22-28-- that you mentioned, is an illustration, the language throughout the account is plainly parabolic and cannot be construed literally."

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries - capital emphasis added: (Significantly, Jesus does NOT present this story as a parable, and IN NO OTHER PARABLE does Jesus ACTUALLY NAME AN INDIVIDUAL (as the poor man is named here). We have every reason to believe that Jesus is giving us an actual "case history," that He would know because He is the man from heaven.) Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

(CERTAIN: ti' an enclitic indefinite pronoun Transliterated Word TDNT Entry Tis None Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech tis Definition a certain, a certain one)

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries: ((Jesus is describing Hades (called Sheol in the Old Testament), which was the common abode of the dead Some who are in Hades rest in comfort (the bosom of Abraham), but others are in fires of torment Hades is not the Lake of Fire (what we usually think of as Hell, referred to in Revelation 20:15, and called Gehenna in the Old Testament), but Hades is a "waiting place" until the day of final judgment (Revelation 20:11-13) ))

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things,

and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries: (Now the rich man is concerned for his brothers on earth; the first indication we have that the rich man thought of anyone else comes after it is too late.)

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

You: "REVELATION 20:15--Is this the hellfire Christendom speaks about? No, for in the preceding verse, we read: 'Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.' (Revelation 20:14, KJ) If hell is cast into the lake of fire, the lake cannot itself be hellfire. Moreover, death is not something concrete that can be picked up and hurled somewhere. So the lake of fire must be symbolic."

"REVELATION 21:8--A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8)

All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50"

Rev. 20: 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. From Blue Letter Bible. org: (At the present time, the Final Hell, the "Gehenna" or "Lake of Fire", is unoccupied.

(1) The very first ones who will be cast into it will be the "Beast" and the "False Prophet" Revelation 19:20.

(2) Satan and his Angels will be cast into it a thousand years later. Revelation 20:10.

(3) And then, all the wicked "those who will be delivered up from Hades, the present Hell, whose names were not written in the "Book of Life", after the "Great White Throne Judgment", will be cast in the "Lake of Fire" to spend eternity. Revelation 20:12-15. 1. SHEOL: In the Old Testament it usually means the place of departed spirits. Psa 16:10 2. HADES: Usually means place of the departed spirits in the New Testament. Act 2:27 3. TARTARUS: The deepest abyss of Hades prepared for the Devil and his angels. Mat 25:41-46 4. GRAVE (QUEBER IN HEBREW): "He was buried in the grave of his father." 2Sa 17:23 5. TOPHET (OLD TESTAMENT) GEHENNA (NEW TESTAMENT GREEK): These words are used to describe the lake of fire. NOTES: SHEOL AND HADES occasionally can be translated "grave" but not always. QUEBER always means "grave" where the body goes. Sheol, Hades, and Queber are not used interchangeably. 6. HELL AS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE: Everlasting fire Mat 25:41 Eternal punishment Mat 25:46 Outer darkness Mat 8:12 Everlasting destruction 2Th 1:9 Lake of fire Rev 19:20 7. THE PURPOSE FOR HELL: For the Devil and his angels Matthew 25:41 For the wicked Rev 21:8 For the disobedient Rev 2:8, 9 For the fallen angels 2Pe 2:4 For the beast and the false prophets Rev 19:20 For the worshipers of the beast Rev 14:9 For the rejectors of the Gospel Mat 13:41-42 8. THE NATURE OF THE PUNISHMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF HELL: Bodily Mat 5:29, 30 In the soul Mat 10:28 With degrees Mat 23:14 Unchangeable Luk 16:22-31 9. SURPRISES FOR THE INHABITANTS OF HELL: They possess memory Luk 16:23, 26 They cry for release Luk 16:24 They cannot escape from God. Psa 139:8 10. THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED WILL BE ENDLESS FOREVER AND EVER. NOTE: Matthew 25:46 "And they shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal." In Jesus's own words the punishment of the wicked is everlasting, and the life of the righteous is eternal. Everlasting and eternal are the same Greek word "aionios." Therefore, the punishment of the wicked will be just exactly as long as the life of the righteous. The word is the very same word used in Romans 16:26 (..everlasting God..) If the word means endless duration when applied to existence of God, and if it means endless duration when applied to the existence of the righteous, then it also means endless duration when applied to the existence and punishment of the wicked.)) NOTE that if hell is not real and ETERNAL, then neither is Heaven. Also note, the meanings of the word 'death': From Blue Letter Bible.org Strong's concordance - Capital emphasis added: from 2348 Part of Speech n m Outline of Biblical Usage 1) the death of the body a) that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended b) with the implied idea of future misery in hell 1) the power of death c) since the nether world, the abode of the dead, was conceived as being very dark, it is equivalent to the region of thickest darkness i.e. figuratively, a region enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and sin 2) metaph., the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name, a) THE MISERY OF THE SOUL ARISING FROM SIN, WHICH BEGINS ON EARTH BUT LASTS AND INCREASES AFTER THE DEATH OF THE BODY IN HELL 3) THE MISERABLE STATE OF THE WICKED DEAD IN HELL 4) in the widest sense, DEATH COMPRISING ALL THE MISERIES ARISING FROM SIN, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, TO BE FOLLOWED BY WRETCHEDNESS IN HELL Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead (3498), and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Note the various meanings of the word 'dead': As used in Luke 15:24 about the "Prodical son". Was the son actually physically DEAD? No, he was dead as in SIN: 3498 - 'dead' Capital emphasis added: 1) properly a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate 2) metaph. a) SPIRITUALLY DEAD 1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because GIVEN UP TO TRESPASSES AND SIN 2) inactive as respects doing right b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative Same here in Romans - same word 'dead', same number 3498: Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead (3498) indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Again: Eph 2:1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead (3498) in trespasses and sins; Col 2:13 And you, being dead (3498) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; As for the human soul not being eternal, note these: Hbr 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul (5590). "soul" from 5594 Part of Speech n f Outline of Biblical Usage (Capital emphasis added): 1) breath a) the breath of life 1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing a) of animals b) of men b) life c) that in which there is life 1) a living being, a living soul 2) the soul a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being DESIGNED FOR EVERLASTING LIFE c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body) Whether YOUR soul has everlasting life in Heaven or in the Lake of fire (or hell, whichever term you prefer), is your choice.

Answer

I guess I'm too simple minded and my simiple mind says that Hell is eternal separation from God

Answer

1. JESUS DOES NOT PRESENT THIS STORY (LUKE 16) AS A PARABLE. The Jerusalem Bible, in a footnote, acknowledges that it is a 'parable in story form without reference to any historical personage.'If taken literally, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could all fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one's fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of Hades; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there. Does that sound reasonable to you? If it were literal, it would conflict with other parts of the Bible. What does the parable mean? The 'rich man' represented the Pharisees. (See verse 14.) The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. (See Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32.) Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.'Acts 5:33; 7:54. 2. SOME WHO ARE IN HADES REST IN COMFORT, BUT OTHERS ARE IN FIRES OF TORMENT In all, the word 'Hades' occurs ten times in the earliest manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures.'Mt 11:23; 16:18; Lu 10:15; 16:23; Ac 2:27, 31; Re 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14. In all but two cases in which the word Hades is used in the Christian Greek Scriptures it is related to death, either in the verse itself or in the immediate context. Hades is the common grave of mankind, where the dead and buried ones are unseen. It thus signifies the same as the corresponding word 'Sheol,'and an examination of its use in all its ten occurrences bears out this fact. Note too that 'the rich man' of the parable is spoken of as being 'buried' in Hades, giving further evidence that Hades means the common grave of mankind. ALL (good & bad alike) "rest" in Hades, the common grave. The human body cannot be "tormented" while in Hades, as the Bible tells us the condition of the dead, that they are "unconscious" 3. HADES IS NOT THE LAKE OF FIRE I agree, Hades is the common grave of mankind, whereas "the lake of fire" is not a literal place, it is symbolic of complete destruction 4. HADES IS A "WAITING PLACE" UNTIL THE DAY OF FINAL JUDGMENT (REVELATION 20:11-13) The resurrected 'dead' will be judged during Judgment Day yes, all those held in the grip of Adamic death are in Hades, sleeping in their graves, none are being "tormented" up to the day of Judgement. 'the scroll of life'is opened indicating that there is opportunity for those (good or bad) who heed that education to have their names written in that scroll. Ahead of them will be the prospect of eternal life in human perfection. 5. THE VERY FIRST ONES WHO WILL BE CAST INTO IT WILL BE THE "BEAST" AND THE "FALSE PROPHET" REVELATION 19:20. The seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast out of the sea, representing Satan's political organization, is tumbled into oblivion, and along with it goes the false prophet, the seventh world power. (Revelation 13:1, 11-13; 16:13) While still 'alive,'or still functioning in their united opposition to God's people on earth, they are cast into 'the lake of fire.' Is this a literal lake of fire? No, not any more than the wild beast and the false prophet are literal animals. Rather, it is a symbol of complete, final destruction, a place of no return. Here is where, later, death and Hades, as well as the Devil himself, will be hurled. (Revelation 20:10, 14) It is certainly not an inferno of eternal torture for the wicked, since the very idea of such a place is detestable to God.'Jeremiah 19:5; 32:35; 1 John 4:8, 16. 6. SATAN AND HIS ANGELS WILL BE CAST INTO IT A THOUSAND YEARS LATER. REVELATION 20:10. When Revelation 20:10 says that the Devil is to experience 'torment forever and ever'in 'the lake of fire and brimstone,' what does that mean? Revelation 21:8 (KJ) says clearly that 'the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone' means 'the second death.' So the Devil's being 'tormented' there forever means that there will be no relief for him; he will be held under restraint forever, actually in eternal death. This use of the word 'torment' (from the Greek ba'sa'nos) reminds one of its use at Matthew 18:34, where the same basic Greek word is applied to a 'jailer.' RS, AT, ED, NW. 7. ALL THE WICKED TO SPEND ETERNITY BEING TORMENTED. REVELATION 20:12-15. After God lets Satan and his demons loose from the abyss where they have been for the 1,000 years. What is the result? The Bible shows that Satan is successful in turning some persons away from serving God. These will be as 'the sand of the sea,' meaning that their number is undetermined. After this test is carried out, Satan and his demons, and also those who do not pass the test, are thrown into the symbolic 'lake of fire,' which is the second (eternal) death. (Revelation 20:7-10, 15) 8. SHEOL: MEANS THE PLACE OF DEPARTED SPIRITS. PS. 16:10 The Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades mean the same thing. This is shown by looking at Psalm 16:10 in the Hebrew Scriptures and Acts 2:31 in the Christian Greek Scriptures. So that established, what kind of place is Sheol, or Hades? The fact that the King James Version translates the one Hebrew word Sheol three different ways shows that hell, grave and pit mean one and the same thing. And if hell means the common grave of mankind, it could not at the same time mean a place of fiery torture. Notice, too, that Jesus Christ was in Hades (Sheol), or hell. Are we to believe that God tormented Christ in a hell of fire? Of course not! Jesus was simply in his grave. Ecclesiastes 9:10, reads: 'All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol [grave, King James Version; hell, Douay Version], the place to which you are going.'So the answer becomes very clear. Sheol and Hades refer not to a place of torment but to the common grave of mankind. (Psalm 139:8) Good people as well as bad people go to the Bible hell. 9. HADES: MEANS PLACE OF THE DEPARTED SPIRITS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. ACT 2:27 Jesus Christ when on earth was greatly strengthened in the knowledge that God had caused to be foretold of him that, as God's chief 'loyal one,'his soul would not be left in Sheol. (Ps 16:10) On the day of Pentecost, 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied this prophecy to Jesus, saying: '[David] saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses.' (Ac 2:25-28, 31, 32; compare Ac 13:32-37.) Hades and Sheol are one and the same; THE GRAVE. Where humans go at death. 10. TARTARUS: THE DEEPEST ABYSS OF HADES PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. MAT 25:41-46 Tartarus is a prisonlike, abased condition into which God cast disobedient angels in Noah's day. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6: (1Pe 3:19, 20) This directly links the matter to the account at Genesis 6:1-4 From these texts it is evident that Tartarus is a condition rather than a particular location, inasmuch as Peter, on the one hand, speaks of these disobedient spirits as being in 'pits of dense darkness,' while Paul speaks of them as being in 'heavenly places'from which they exercise a rule of darkness as wicked spirit forces. (2Pe 2:4; Eph 6:10-12) The dense darkness similarly is not literally a lack of light but results from their being cut off from illumination by God as renegades and outcasts from his family, with only a dark outlook as to their eternal destiny. Tartarus is, therefore, not the same as the Hebrew Sheol or the Greek Hades, both of which refer to the common earthly grave of mankind. This is evident from the fact that, while the apostle Peter shows that Jesus Christ preached to these 'spirits in prison,' he also shows that Jesus did so, not during the three days while buried in Hades (Sheol), but after his resurrection out of Hades.'1Pe 3:18-20. Likewise the abased condition represented by Tartarus should not be confused with 'the abyss' into which Satan and his demons are eventually to be cast for the thousand years of Christ's rule. (Re 20:1-3) Apparently the disobedient angels were cast into Tartarus in 'Noah's days' (1Pe 3:20), but some 2,000 years later we find them entreating Jesus 'not to order them to go away into the abyss.''Lu 8:26-31 11. SHEOL AND HADES CAN BE TRANSLATED "GRAVE" BUT NOT ALWAYS. Regarding Sheol, the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1971, Vol. 11, p. 276) noted: 'Sheol was located somewhere 'under' the earth. . . . The state of the dead was one of neither pain nor pleasure. Neither reward for the righteous nor punishment for the wicked was associated with Sheol. The good and the bad alike, tyrants and saints, kings and orphans, Israelites and gentiles 'all slept together without awareness of one another.' Throughout the inspired Scriptures, Sheol is continually associated with death and not life. (1Sa 2:6; 2Sa 22:6; Ps 18:4, 5; 49:7-10, 14, 15; 88:2-6; 89:48; Isa 28:15-18; also compare Ps 116:3, 7-10 with 2Co 4:13, 14.) It is spoken of as 'the land of darkness' (Job 10:21) and a place of silence. (Ps 115:17) Abel apparently was the first one to go to Sheol, and since then countless millions of human dead have joined him in the dust of the ground. 12. HELL --MAT 25:41-46, MAT 8:12,2TH 1:9 REV 19:20 Matthew 25 says "lake of fire" not hell; they are 2 entirely different things. Hell is the English equivalent for, Sheol and Hades, the grave. The "lake of fire" is a symbolic lake meaning, eternal destruction. Matthew 8-'The sons of the kingdom thrown into the darkness outside'are natural Jews who do not accept the opportunity offered first to them of being rulers with Christ. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob represent God's Kingdom arrangement. Jesus is relating how Gentiles will be welcomed to recline at the heavenly table, as it were, 'in the kingdom of the heavens.' Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-13; Acts 10:28. this scripture is not discussing what happens after death at all. 2 Thess. in the Revised StandardTtranslation reads--: 'They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction* and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.' NAB & NE read-'Eternal ruin" JB reads-'lost eternally,' Everlasting destruction is the destiny of stubborn, goatlike people who do not want to know about God's purposes or who refuse to act when they have the opportunity. Just as; 'everlasting life' is the destiny of humble, sheeplike people who want to know about God, who listen to his instructions, and who then submit to his will. 13. THE PURPOSE FOR HELL: MATTHEW 25:41 REV 21:8 REV 2:8, 9 2PE 2:4 REV 19:20 REV 14:9 MAT 13:41-42 Tormenting people forever and ever in a fiery furnace does not serve any "purpose" and it certainly does not bring glory to a; "God of love" MATTHEW 25- is a parable, not to be taken literally. REVELATION 21;8- A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8) All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50; 2 peter is speaking of perfect angels who wilfully and deliberately turned against God, and even then, they are not tormented, they will be killed, with no hope of a resurrection. Eternal destruction is what awaits all those mentioned in these scriptures, not eternal torment. 14. THE NATURE OF THE PUNISHMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF HELL: MAT 5:29, 30 MAT 10:28 MAT 23:14 LUK 16:22-31 MATTHEW 5;29'Speaking in illustrative language Jesus says, it is even more vital to 'throw away' anything, even something as precious as an eye or a hand, to avoid immoral thinking and actions. Otherwise, Jesus explains, such persons will be thrown into Gehenna (a burning rubbish heap near Jerusalem), which symbolizes eternal destruction. Matthew 10-- Notice that there is no mention here of torment in the fires of Gehenna; rather, he says to 'fear him that can destroy in Gehenna.'By referring to the 'soul' separately, Jesus here emphasizes that God can destroy all of a person's life prospects; thus there is no hope of resurrection for him. So, the references to the 'fiery Gehenna' have the same meaning as 'the lake of fire' of Revelation 21:8, namely, destruction, 'second death.' Matthew 23-- Gentiles who converted to the Pharisaic sect of Judaism were very reprehensible. Some of them may previously have had God's disapproval, but on becoming Pharisees, they became doubly disapproved, certainly headed for destruction in Gehenna. Luke 16-- Since the rich man (religious leaders) and Lazarus (common people) are not literal persons but symbolize classes of people, logically their deaths are also symbolic. Those who make up the rich-man class come under divine disfavor because of persistently refusing to accept the Kingdom message taught by Jesus. They thereby die to their former position of seeming favor. Whereas "Lazarus" or the common people, die to their former spiritually deprived condition and come into a position of divine favor. Whereas they had earlier looked to the religious leaders for what little dropped from the spiritual table, now the Scriptural truths imparted by Jesus are filling their needs. They are thus brought into the bosom, or favored position, of the Greater Abraham, God. 15. SURPRISES FOR THE INHABITANTS OF HELL: LUK 16:23-26; PSA 139:8 LUKE 16-- Taking it literally, we have a rich man going to a place of torment for no apparent reason other than the fact that he was rich. Are all rich people bad? Are all rich people going to a red-hot hell? The poor man goes into Abraham's bosom. Are people going here just because they lack money? Is there enough room for all the poor people in the world to recline on Abraham's bosom? Obviously, Bible scholars admit, Abraham's bosom has to be interpreted figuratively. So since the fate of the poor man is symbolic, then, if the story is to be consistent, the fate of the rich man also must be symbolic. Further, if the 'blazing fire'were literal, would the rich man ask for just one drop of water? Could even a bucket of water, much less a drop, get near a blazing hell? Taken literally, the account is worse than absurd: it outrages reason! Jesus spoke a parable, a story with symbolic meaning. 16. HUMAN SOUL ETERNAL 'The Christian concept of a spiritual soul created by God and infused into the body at conception to make man a living whole is the fruit of a long development in Christian philosophy. Only with Origen [died c. 254 C.E.] in the East and St. Augustine [died 430 C.E.] in the West was the soul established as a spiritual substance and a philosophical concept formed of its nature. . . . His [Augustine's] doctrine . . . owed much (including some shortcomings) to Neoplatonism. ''New Catholic Encyclopedia (1967), Vol. XIII, pp. 452, 454. 'The concept of immortality is a product of Greek thinking, whereas the hope of a resurrection belongs to Jewish thought. . . . Following Alexander's conquests Judaism gradually absorbed Greek concepts.''Dictionnaire Encyclop'dique de la Bible (Valence, France; 1935), edited by Alexandre Westphal, Vol. 2, p. 557. 'Immortality of the soul is a Greek notion formed in ancient mystery cults and elaborated by the philosopher Plato.''Presbyterian Life, May 1, 1970, p. 35. Ezek. 18:4: 'The soul* that is sinning 'it itself will die.' Acts 3:23: 'Indeed, any soul [Greek, psy'khe'] that does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.'

Answer

The above is annihilationism. That is totally unbiblical. I see on your profile you are a JW. That explains it. Unfortunately, annihilationism is not the only incorrect teaching in the JW's. A few apostate and anti-Biblical false doctrines that JW's teach

* CHRIST IS NOT EQUAL TO GOD because He is a creature.

* Christ was first of God's creations

* Christ died on a stake, not a cross

* Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person

* Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated

* Wicked will be eternally destroyed

* The human soul ceases to exist at death

* Hell is mankind's common grave

* Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ

* The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God

((Me: Part of the problem, is the Bible version that JW's use. There have been so many changes made to it, that it is way too many to list here, but here are a few.

They change pertinent texts to fit their doctrines, ie, Jesus is not God, God is not a Trinity, annihilationism, etc.

And, from time to time, seem to change their teachings around instead of remaining steadfast.))

The Jesus I know, is God. The God I know is a Trinity. The Jesus that saves is God. The Holy Spirit that lives within me is a part of that Trinity. Jesus rose bodily, just as our bodies will be resurrected one day.

Hell (Lake of fire, whatever), is eternal, and so is the punishment for those who go there. burning

Answer:

To my mind, the answer is: God did not make hell.

Satan did!

The scriptures say that we receive "our wages" of whom we list to obey.

If we obey God, we receive His wages ... effectively, peace and happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the eternities.

On the other hand, if we follow Satan, we receive uncertainty, confusion and unhappiness in this life and hell after this life.
You see a long time ago the all mighty God, he sensed danger in his palace up in the skies, Heaven, thought there was a rebellion in the midst. There was, an angel decided that he wwould be a better ruler than god and decided to attack, God caught him in the middle of his attack and didnt know what to do, so to make a quick plan, god created hell to send the evil spirit into to live in and he became known as the Devil, and because of that legend, anyone who commits serveral evil acts in his/her life will be sentenced to hell by god.

Answer:

God created Hell for Satan and his fallen angels.

Opinion

The postulation that there is a Heaven and/or Hell is a common motif in religious belief. These locations vary in nature from the ancient Greek afterlife of a rather dreary wandering around in gloom to the rollicking beer fest that Viking heroes enjoyed in preparation for Ragnarok. The Christian or Islamic interpretation of an ease filled eternal existence for the good and a torment filled eternity for the bad is common.

Most atheists and agnostics have noticed that there is a lot of speculation and affirmation based on belief on these issues (see Dante's "The Divine Comedy" or Twain's "Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven" for examples) but a dearth of hard evidence. Based on the lack of proof the answer would be: No

Opinion

Yes, there is, depending on what you believe in. There is Heaven for people who do not sin, or for people who are truly sorry for there sins. Hell is a place for people with a lot of sins (considering everyone sins at some point in their lives). There is Limbo, which is technically earth, it is a place for people who have not been baptized. There is also Purgatory, where God will made up his mind where you belong.

Opinion

There is a Heaven and Hell and it's your choice where you end up.

Opinion

Heaven and hell are believed to be real by many people in the world. There is no definitive way to answer the question, as we have no proof of what happens after a person dies.

Opinion

By stating that there is no proof of a heaven and/or hell means that they do not exist does not make it so. For the people that read and study the bible over thousands of years, from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation, the bible has been proven incredibly accuate historically and spiritually. Furthermore, Jesus listed the events that would take place before He returns and judges the world, warning to us 'be ready'. Those world events have already occured with only a few exceptions, meaning we are in what the bible calls the 'end times'. The odds that these events could be a coincedence is astronomical.
in the metaphorical sense, indeed i believe so. this questions is a warzone waiting to happen. i believe there is something greater but not heaven or hell. simply put we believed heaven was in the clouds until we could fly above them. then perhasp it was space until we traveled its expanse. so where is heaven? then we drilled to the deepest regions of earth to find more rock, wheres hell?....on that note check out "sounds of hell" Google and interpret it as you like, its really cool or spooky. In either event science cant provide awnsers to existence but god cant provide awnsers to his devout disciple who kill to purify the land.

be a good person in heart and you don't need a road map to heaven,

kill in gods name (abortion clinic bombings anyone?) and go to heaven?

somewhere, somehow, i believe moses didnt have Verizon ("can you hear me now")

There are so many mysteries out there. It is natural for people to "make-up" Heaven and Hell as a way to calm them in life, so when somebody hurts them they can think "well, when that person goes to Hell they will regret what they did to me." Or it could very well be true to. I personally believe in reincarnation because it makes so much more sense to me. It's hard for me to believe that a God who loves us will send us to Hell for stupid mistakes. "Hell" actually comes from the Greek word "Hel" which simply means "away from the light". Preists started making "Hell" sound worse and worse because people were "sinning" more and they feared they would leave Christianity. There are two main emotions that humans have and they are love and fear.The fear of going to Hell and the love for your family and fearing not to see them in heaven combines to create the Hell fearing God fearing religion of (really strong) Christianity (very very strong Christianity not to insult anybody). I am still a Christian and I go to church but it's very hard for me to believe in a cruel God. I believe in Christianity, (especially) Native American, Eastern, the Jewish story and much more. I am very open and love learning new things. You should really look up Karma (Bhuddism) and Native Americans beliefs, I live by them day by day. My advise to you and to anybody who may be reading this is to follow your heart and listen to what it's telling you. Only YOU know. Everything that I have just said was in MY personal opinion, I don't want to offend anybody because we are all allowed to believe what we choose.

Answer

Apparently some Christians continued to believe in reincarnation even after the Council of Nicaea, because in A.D. 553 the Church found the need to single out reincarnation and condemn it explicitly. At the Second Council of Constantinople the concept of reincarnation, bundled together with other ideas under the term "pre-existence of the soul", was decreed to be a crime worthy of excommunication and damnation ("anathema"):

Answer

I like a previous answer that hell is the absence of light. Light is awareness. Heaven on earth can be produced by bringing forth into the conscious mind the spirit of the superconscious mind which houses the blue print for us to become whole. Hell is what we create for ourselves by doing otherwise. Heaven or hell is not some far off place at some other time. It is now. We initiate with our intention to seek first the kingdom of heaven and this is within.

Reincarnation is necessary because we must come to an understanding of the 144,000 parts of ourselves, or ways of thinking. Can anyone imagine doing all this in one lifetime?

Answer

According to the Bible hell is a place of torment forever removed from God's presence. Reincarnation is forbidden, "For it is appointed once for man to die, then the judgment" and Heaven is God's dwelling place and only he decides how you must qualify to go there.

Now if man was their own god then perhaps they could choose what "existence" they would have after death, however GOD is the one that created the "spirit realm" and governs it his way.

Since "eternity" wasn't created by man but GOD then I will accept GOD'S answer over man's.

Men ARE they're own god.... And we DO choose which existence we choose to actualize into physical reality..... So not only is there reincarnation, but multiple INCARNATIONS...... Many different aspects of our soul focused in different areas....

Answer

There is no evidence from the texts or normal observation that reincarnation exists. I think the reason for making up this theory was that human can't simply get the fact that when his body decays and becomes earth again (transforms into its 1ry components which are then reused by plants in the normal life circle) that his very 1ry components could be collected again to bring him back to life after death, or because man believes that his soul and body are one compartment and can't be separated apart, so he assumed that every part of his decayed body carries part of his soul as well.

Answer

Without the Quranic scriptures I woldn't get the understanding of this whole issue.

According to what I got from the Quran, man consists of a physical body and a soul, a soul of his own, that soul was present there befor the man's birth, Allah brought all the soules before Him and witnessed them that He is their only God.., they were then preserved there to be placed in bodies when time comes for them to come to life..

172. And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord ? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware;

173. Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did ?

when human gets sleep, his soul is partly taken out of his body, so some see visions that may come true in real life for they have clear transparent souls, and this is why we should wake the sleeping person calmly, otherwise it would affect his internal organs, and weakens his heart.

42. Allah receiveth (men's) souls at the time of their death, and that (soul) which dieth not (yet) in its sleep. He keepeth that (soul) for which He hath ordained death and dismisseth the rest till an appointed term. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take thought.

As for the 1st answer, I'd like to make a comment.. it's God's justice that obliges questioning every human for all he did, small or big, all is being written in files, but being questioned means punishment, coz when God forgives, He never asks. But, concerning faults done towards others, God would bring the two conflicting humans and urge both to forgive each others and win extra place in heaven, but if this was a big sin, like killing, or accusation of prostitute... etc, the doer of such sins will pay for them some of his good deeds as a price to the other party, but if his good deeds didn't fulfil that price, the remainder would be some bad deeds of the other party to be added to his, that means his fortune of good deeds is out, he'd then dwell to Hell.

All precisely weighed, Subhan Allah!

ANSWER

The idea that resurrection isn't possible isn't a new one. It was something which was even challenged by the Arabs of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) time. Quran addresses this issue in various ways. Firstly it asks man with a counter question? To give you an example;

Have they not seen that God, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not wearied by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Surely He has power over every-thing. (46:33)

Does man think that he will be left to himself uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth? Then he became a clinging clot; then He shaped and fashioned, and made of him a pair, the male and female. Is He then not able to raise the dead to life? (75:36-40)

It reminds humans that you were created from a drop of semen, it ask us to reflect as to what is a more difficult process, creating you from a drop of semen or giving you life when you were dead or just collecting all the remains (minerals, bones etc) and bringing you back into life again.

Answer

Aha. You are very clever to ask such a subtle trick question. Neither reincarnation nor heaven/hell make any sense at all, and that is a crucial point, for both people of faith and for skeptics and non-believers in general. Such concepts belong to a realm that is outside of 'sense'; they are not nor can they be part of our sensory or experiential world. They belong to the realm of faith which is unassailable from the point of view of believers, and irrelevant/unprovable from the point of view of non-believers. These concepts are part of the unseen things hoped for by believers; the essence of faith. If they were provable, and they are certainly not, then faith would be utterly meaningless.

Answer

For time immemorial mankind want to find answers for the unanswered questions. Relegions had come forward and tried to provide an answers to such questions. All relegions are started/ by humans intellegent, Charisnatic and Great people ( though almost all claim that they have reveleation from GOD). To all such questions the answer is all powerful, all pervasive GOD. It fills the gap. But it does not satisfies the intellegent mind.So it was natural to show some kind fear and reward( Carrot and stick) . Hell and heaven are these carrot and stick. When asked for proof the answer invariably in all the relegions more or less is " Those who have faith (The Believers) do not question and those who do not have faith (Non Believer) will never get the answer".

Answer

I think that it would be a bit of both, because I believe in god and stuff but I don't believe that you could stay in one place for all eternity, because even if you did everything possible to do there it would only be a fraction of a percent of your time there. I think that when you die you get punished for your sins or rewarded for your goodness but when your time is right you return to earth again to keep the cycle growing. You see, if you believe that you have a soul, like many people do, then it would be an energy, which couldn't be destroyed OR created, so you have probably lead many lives before this both in heaven, hell and on earth.

Answer

In my opinion, reincarnation makes much more sense. On the other hand, I don't disbelieve in Heaven and Hell. Instead, I believe in a bit of a combination of the two. The idea of karma determining what your next life is like helps this idea, because it would make sense that those who build up a large amount of bad karma spend their next life in a different plane containing "Hell", and if they complete the reincarnation cycle you end up in "Heaven". On the other hand, the Christian/other major religions idea of Heaven and Hell makes less sense, giving you one lifetime to live as you should and if you don't, you are doomed to an eternity of suffering in hell

Answer

Well, I bet to Hindus reincarnation. and to Christians (and many other religions) Heaven and Hell. Neither can be proved by science, so neither make much sense. but I like the idea of going to Heaven better than being reincarnated. I mean, I've been on this world once, and once is enough for me. I like the thought of going to someplace so much better than earth better than living on earth again and again.

Answer

There's some questions you'll never get the answer for, just believe in what your heart tells you. Also, not to make the last reply sound incorrect(everyone is entitled to there own opinion)but he/she said, "because even if you did everything possible to do there it would only be a fraction of a percent of your time there". Think more positive, like maybe there is an unlimited amount of things to do. If you believe in god then believe that he's active and in positive ways.

Answer

Which number is bigger: 100 trillion trillion trillion, or 100 trillion trillion trillion plus one? One number might in fact be bigger, but does the difference mean anything at all? Neither of these approaches to life/death makes much sense at all; if there is any difference in sense it is meaningless. It is a matter of faith, and what you have been taught, what you believe, what you have experienced in life and what you hope for. But if you are looking for something 'sensible', these choices will not do it.

Answer

Heaven and Hell, according to the most Biblically-based Christian beliefs, indicate that after death, there are two possible destinations. Either a person's soul goes to join with God, or it doesn't.

Consider the Bible also teaches that each man and woman's soul comes from God, and it seems rather simple to say that the soul comes from God, lives on Earth, then returns to the immaterial super-nature from which it came. It's a single round trip, so to speak.

Reincarnation, according to some Eastern religious beliefs, suggests that a soul starts life as an insect or other tiny creature. It lives and dies, then either moves to a more sophisticated creature or a more humiliating creature, depending on how it lived its life. Eventually, the purest souls are incarnated as humans. If they die having lived a good enough life, they make the final move up to whatever is next. Theories vary, but generally it's a land of gods or pure joy or nirvana or other places that'd be nice to be.

The prospect of Heaven and Hell rely, essentially, on how God deals with His creation (much like how a parent deals with an unruly child).

The prospect of reincarnation rely on the assumption that all souls are trying to better themselves out of some forgotten but instinctually necessary desire to move up in the cosmic ladder of goodness.

Or, to put it in a much simpler way, reincarnation assumes people are generally good while Christianity acknowledges that people are inherently bad.

So look at the world- all of it, from love to hate to greed to selflessness- and decide. Are most people good or bad at heart?

Answer

The concept of heaven and hell, as well as reincarnation, both make sense and both exist.

Most early Christians actually believed in reincarnation. An early Christian leader in the third century named Origen espoused it. In the sixth century, the head of the Christian Church was Emperor Justinian, who could and did overrule the papacy. Pope Vigilius and Emperor Justinian had a disagreement as to whether the teachings of Origen should be part of official Christian theology. Justinian condemned Origen, had Pope Vigilius arrested and put in jail for refusing to sign a papal decree condemning Origen's teaching on reincarnation, and ordered all references of reincarnation omitted from the Bible - including an entire chapter devoted to it.

From that point on, anyone caught teaching the doctrine of rebirth faced governmental prosecution. However, minor references to it still remain in the Bible. With the Church desiring greater control over the masses, they wanted people to think that they only have one shot at salvation - only through the Church - and that there is no chance to have another life later on. Free-thinking individuals who espoused reincarnation were thought of as a threat to Church control and were suppressed. This is the real reason why reincarnation is not part of official Christian theology and is not taught in Christian Sunday school and in seminary today. Not because it was ordained that reincarnation doesn't happen but because a long-dead emperor wanted to gain more control over the masses.

Evidence for the validity of the doctrine of rebirth is found in past-life regression studies as well as within near-death experience research. It is suggested to do an online search on these topics.

As is confirmed by near-death experience research, when we cross over into Spirit, we face a nonliving, infinite, higher power known as The Breath of God, The Light of God, and simply The Light. This higher power judges us according to our application of The Golden Rule, our selflessness (or lack thereof), and by our ability to love genuinely and deeply. How we have lived our life dictates how far we can go into The Light. The higher the plane, the greater the expansion of consciousness and the more powerful the dimension of energy.

Within Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and other metaphysical philosophies around the world, there is the concept of seven heavens or seven planes. The basic idea is that the more spiritually principled after death ascend to the higher planes while those who are on a path of evil are indirectly forced to reside on the lower planes as inferior spirits. The first plane is thought of as the most emotionally painful place to exist while the seventh plane is where individualistic saints reside in The Light.

Past-life regression studies point to everyone having a choice to incarnate and that there is a period in-between lives whereby the soul exists as a disembodied spirit. This is in contrast to the Hindu conception whereby the soul automatically incarnates into another body right after death. What really happens is that there is a period in-between lives whereby the soul has a chance to heal and learn. The more advanced souls take time to reflect and prepare for their next incarnation. Most do not come back for the noble reasons of serving others and spiritually evolving, which is why the world is the way that it is - for now anyway.

Another contradiction of past-life regression studies to the Hindu paradigm is that souls who were human do not go back to being an animal. I recall a past-life regression case whereby a person was regressed back to being a pampered large house cat in an Egyptian palace. But not everyone can be regressed back to having been an animal. Generally speaking, the more intelligent souls prefer and stay humanoid in their incarnations.

Regression studies and near-death experience research also point to cosmic justice panning out not in the flesh but in the Spirit. Reward and punishment is traditionally not found in a future life. Evil people are not forced to become insects. What really happens is that the soul is forced to emotionally feel the pain and suffering that was unfairly caused to one or more innocents. For example, suppose a murder is committed and not one that was conducted out of self-defense. The perpetrator, after death, will be forced to feel all the pain he caused, not only to the victim but also to those left behind: the widow, children, etc. Thus, the true nature of cosmic justice is to directly experience on an emotional level the ramifications of one's actions, and emotional pain can be much worse than physical pain. No one ever truly gets away with anything. It only appears that many do on This Side because we do not see what they go through on the Other Side.

Thus, heaven and hell, as well as reincarnation, are both valid metaphysical concepts that have been in operation for eons.

Christian view: The only way is to give your heart to Jesus Christ - to acknowledge your need for a saviour and to recognize that He is the One who will gain you access to Heaven. You must repent of your sins, turn from them, and imitate God - read your Bible and follow what it says, in order to show your love for Him. Find a pastor to talk to and a good church to attend. Being around other Christians, if they're truly born again, will help you stay strong and keep your relationship with Him genuine; it is good to get encouraged and to encourage others in the faith. Don't get discouraged, and be careful to avoid getting distracted from focusing on Him by the things in this life - for this life will pass away, but life with Him, eternal life in Heaven, will last forever.

Atheist view: You can't as it doesn't exist. Heaven is merely an idea to help people cope with the idea of death, and shield them from the reality of nothingness.

Other non-standard view: Be a good person. Do not make excuses for not doing good things. Make an effort to do good to others every day. Give of yourself. Show compassion. Attempt to live life to the fullest. Realize which of your personal ambitions will actually help the world as a whole, as opposed to provide limited gratification to yourself.

Another Standard View If you want to go God's heaven then you have to believe what that God says.

Acts 4 (v.12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

To become a Christian all you have to do is repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and He'll do the rest.

Mar 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God draws near. Repent, andbelieve the gospel.

Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from Heavenpreach a gospel to you other than what we preached to you,let him beaccursed.

2Ti 1:10 But it is now having been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has made death of no effect,bringing lifeandimmortalityto light through thegospel;

Act 10:36 You know the Word which God sent to the sons of Israel, preaching the gospel of peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all!);

1Co 15:1-4 MKJV And, brothers, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and in which you stand; (v.2) by which you also are being kept safe, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. (v.3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, (v.4) and that He wasburied, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures;

in Islam: obeying God and becoming servant of God.

reading Koran and doings its instructions.

It very much depends on which spiritual beliefs you have. Most gods demand obedience to their rules. However the rules are different depending on the god.

Heaven is only for godly men. In order to go to heaven, one must follow and obey the commandments of God. One must persevere until the end in order to be saved and gain eternal life, thus.

Refer to questions below for more information.

Believe in Jesus Christ and read the holy bible, he is the only way to heaven unless you are perfect which you aren't, I'm sure of it any one else is fake. See you in heaven

Another Answer:

In order to truly be assured of salvation...

First, have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore, in order to please God and thus gain eternal life, you must have faith in God. Though, you must know the true God. To know the true God is to gain eternal life.

God is spirit. He is not man. He is All-Powerful, Almighty, forgiving, great, just, kind, loving, merciful, no-evil, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. God has no beginning and no end. He is therefore immortal. God is the Creator and Ruler of all. You may call God "All-Powerful", "God the Father", "LORD". You may also call Him "Almighty Father in Heaven" or just simply "God".

God is love. His love for all of us is immeasurable. Commit a thousand sins and He will still be good to you. That is how great God is. He is understanding.

Second, accept and believe in Christ as the only mediator between God and men as well as our Savior. Another thing you need to know is that God and Jesus Christ are different. Christ is man with bones and flesh. He is the Lord and Savior. He is the son of God, was made to be without sin. No deceit was found in His mouth. Earlier mentioned, God cannot die. And since Christ died on the cross for us, He is therefore not God but the son of God.

Third, hear the gospel. The gospel of Christ is truth. Accept the truth, therefore. Believe the truth. Embrace it. Understand.

Fourth, join the true Church of Christ. To be a member of the flock is to be a true disciple of Christ.

Fifth, follow and obey the commandments of God and Jesus.

Sixth, pray for salvation. Ask God to lead you to the path of salvation.

And that is it.

When the notion that there is a heaven was being developed, it was assumed to be in the sky just above us. Thus we have the prophet Elijah riding a fiery chariot up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11); Jesus rising up through the clouds to heaven (Acts 1:9); and St. Stephen looking up into heaven and seeing Jesus on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55).

Science has shown that heaven is not in the sky just above us, or in any other physical location in the universe. Religion has therefore adapted by saying that heaven is not so much a physical place, but a state of grace. If recent religious belief is true, the dead may be 'there' spiritually, but it is a nowhere place.

The Bible does not clearly speak of three resurrections. The Bible is not clear but seems to speak of two resurrections.

Jesus alludes to a twofold resurrection in John 5:25,28,29

This is stated simply by Paul in Acts 24:15

Act 24:15 Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.

I.e. resurrections of the just and the unjust.

Paul implies in 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 that those who are not "in Christ" will not be raised at the same time as the redeemed/those "in Christ". Possibly this is also in 1Corinthians 15:20-22.

Secondly Christians do not believe in "instant happiness in heaven" or "instant punishment in hell". It appears from the Bible that the resurrection of the just does not occur until Christ returns for His people and THEN they go to "be with Him".

The resurrection and judgement, to eternal death, of the unjust appears to happen just before the heavens and the earth are purged with fire and God makes all things new. THEN the just will have eternal life with God and the unjust will have eternal death, separated from God.

In your life, if you were a good, caring, and generous,and you lived by the 10 commandments, you will go to heaven. If, however, you exploited the weaknesses of others, and did not obey Gods 10 laws, you will surely go to HELL!!! Answer It is impossible to know that you are going to heaven or hell. To get a likely chance to go to heaven is by do good things and allow God to forgive your sins.

Answer The Bible says that God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. It is not God who sends us there but our choice. Just as there are default settings on a computer that make it operate a certain way, so sin is a default setting in our lives. I am a sinner just as much as you are. But the good news is that Jesus came to break that power of sin in our lives. The answer is to accept Jesus as your Savior and live the lifestyle of a Christian. Get into a church where you feel God has led you that teaches the Bible. Read the Word and pray and fellowship with other Christians and let God teach you through His Holy Spirit to help you grow as a Christian. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit within us is our guarantee of going to heaven. That does not mean we can live however we choose. We must live to please God from then on. The peace within your heart is one way you can tell you are going to heaven. Once you are a Christian, don't let the enemy steal your joy by condemning you if you have asked God for forgiveness sincerely. Read the book of I John at the back of the Bible, before Revelation. It will help you a lot. Read in a systematic manner, a book at a time, in the New Testament to start. I usually suggest reading the book of John first then going to other books. So you CAN know you are going to heaven and that's a promise from the Father.

ANOTHER ANSWER:

The religions of this world believe in "living on" in some other place or state of conscious being after "death." With "death" and "life" being the same thing in the minds of the adherents of these religions. Many are taught, and otherwise imagine, that their "dead loved ones" are alive and well in heaven [very few if any funeral proceedings commit or admit that the dear departed is burning forever in hell; but are in a safe and better place] -- that they are constantly "looking down on their families and friends here on earth" from a cloud in heaven or something.

Which conjures up the question of "How blissful can heaven be, to be in continuous personal torment in some notion of heaven, witnessing the struggles, pains and sufferings of the loved ones you left behind alive on earth, day after day for all eternity?"

That's not a subject you hear too many ministers address in their sermons.

But an honest study of the Bible reveals that: "…the dead know not any thing…" [Eccle.9:5]; that the dead are "asleep" [John 11:11 & 14]; and that there is no Scripture that says "go to hell."

And the closest Scripture you'll find that says, "go to heaven," is found in Isaiah 14 - where it turns out to be SATAN's most heartfelt desire!

"For thou hast said IN THINE HEART, I WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN…" (Isa.14:13 KJV).

The Bible even reveals greater detail regarding Satan's attempt to overthrow God's Government, to usurp His Power, and rule the universe by GOING TO HEAVEN to oust Him!

"…I will exalt MY THRONE above THE STARS [biblical symbolism for angels - see Rev.1:20] of God… I will ASCEND ABOVE THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS [Satan was standing on the earth when he said and thought these things; clouds are a phenomena that occurs within the earth's atmosphere]; I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH." (verses 13-14)

That's why we read in the inset chapter 12 of Revelation, which is a encapsulation of Satan's role in both past history, on into the future just ahead of us, about the resulting WAR that broke out in heaven back in the beginning before man was created:

"…his [the Dragon's; Satan's] tail drew the THIRD PART OF THE STARS OF HEAVEN [one-third of God's created angels], and did cast them to the earth…" (Rev.12:4 KJV)

"AND THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN: Michael and his angels fought against the Dragon; and Dragon fought and his angels [stars], and prevailed not; neither was there place found any more IN HEAVEN. And the great Dragon was CAST OUT [of heaven] INTO THE EARTH [the planet from which they launched there government coup attempt against God's throne in heaven], and his angels were cast out with him." (verses 7-9)

This world is populated with these rebellious, wicked spirit-beings to this day… and most of mankind remains blissfully ignorant of the "invisible" danger they are in.

So, the Bible reveals where the REAL desire to "go to heaven" came from. It was Satan's selfish desire TO BE GOD! The desire that he has caused to become an integral part of the false religions of this world [which are all his]! And it's the same desire that still burns in his rebellious heart to this day.

The Truth of the Bible is that GOD NEVER PROMISED ANYONE HEAVEN!

In fact, He tells us that WE CAN'T GO THERE!

"…NO MAN HATH ASCENDED UP TO HEAVEN, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man [Jesus Himself] which is in heaven." (John 3:13 KJV)

"…'Yet a little while am I with you, and then I GO UNTO HIM THAT SENT ME [to His Father on His throne in the third heaven! - see II Cor.12:2]. Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I AM, thither YE CANNOT COME.'" (John 7:33-34 KJV)

It's astounding how many millions of people profess to believe in Jesus… yet "don't believe anything He says!"

So, no matter what men may tell us… Jesus clearly says, above: "we CAN'T go to the heaven where He is!"

"'Why do ye not understand My speech [why don't you believe what I say]? Even because YE CANNOT HEAR MY WORD. YE ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the Truth, because there is no Truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for HE IS A LIAR, and THE FATHER [originator] of it. And because I tell you the Truth, YE BELIEVE ME NOT.'" (John 8:43-45 KJV)

The amazing thing about the passage above, is in the fact that Jesus was talking to people WHO BELIEVED ON HIM[see verses 30-31]! They believed on Him… yet they wanted TO KILL HIM, because they didn't believe a Word He said! [???]

"…'ye SEEK TO KILL ME, because MY WORD HATH NO PLACE IN YOU… But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the Truth, which I have heard from God [His Father in the third heaven]…'" (verses 37 & 40).

Contrary to popular religious belief… the Bible promises NO MAN HEAVEN.

The Promises of God to man are the SAME PROMISES THAT HE GAVE TO ABRAHAM, which all men may inherit one day. And nowhere did God promise Abraham HEAVEN. He promised him LAND! The "Promised LAND." And that "land" is "EARTH!"

"For the Promise, THAT HE SHOULD BE THE HEIR OF THE WORLD [the EARTH, not heaven], was not TO ABRAHAM, or TO HIS SEED, through the Law, but through the Righteousness of Faith." (Rom.4:13 KJV) "And IF YE BE CHRIST's [and don't be so sure that you are, if you don't believe what He says], then ARE YE ABRAHAM'S SEED, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE." (Gal.3:29 KJV)

If you want to know if you're "going to heaven or hell," then… you'll have to look to the religions of this world and not to the Bible… except, maybe, to discover the origins of these false religious beliefs.

As noted above, Satan is revealed to be the "father" or "originator" of "sin" or "the breaking of God's Commandments" [see I John 3:4 for the Bible's definition of sin]… and the first one to "desire to, and actually ATTEMPT to go to heaven" to take over BEING God!

The word "hell," on the other hand, comes to us from the English translation of the Scriptures… originating from FOUR DIFFERENT originally-inspired words: sheol [the Hebrew word for grave - Old Testament], hades [the Greek word for grave - New Testament], tartaroo [a spiritual condition of restraint or imprisonment used in the Bible only once regarding angels], and Gehenna [a valley on the outskirts of Jerusalem, employed in Jesus' day as a place for burning trash; and the occasional bodies of incorrigibly wicked criminals who deserved no descent burial]!

And only ONE of these words - Gehenna - wields the only connection of the fabled "hell" of modern religions sporting infernal or fiery regions; as revealed by Jesus:

"…'I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the Judgment… but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of HELL[Gehenna] FIRE." (Matt.5:22 KJV)

The Bible reveals that a fire will be kindled in this "Gehenna Valley" near Jerusalem at Christ's return… and will continue to burn all during His thousand year rule on earth: an Eternal Fire kindled and kept burning by our Eternal Creator throughout His thousand-year rule over the earth as a constant reminder of what awaits the wicked, rebellious disobedience of men on the earth.

Wicked men on earth who rebelliously embrace the evil ways of Satan [sin] will be cast into this "LAKE[or Gehenna Valley] OF FIRE."

The first two men to be cast into it upon Christ's return will be the two great world leaders during the "Great Tribulation" [a time of unprecedented global distress just ahead of us in this generation] whom the world calls THE ANTICHRIST… but to whom the Scriptures refer as: the BEAST and the FALSE PROPHET!

In the Bible's prophetic description of Christ's return to earth making war against the entire military might of the all the nations on earth in Revelation's 19th chapter, it tells us:

"And the BEAST was taken, and with him the FALSE PROPHET that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast, and them that worshipped his image. THESE BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING with brimstone [sulfur]." (Rev.19:20 KJV)

HERE is the future "fiery… Gehenna… hell" of which the Bible speaks. A VERY REAL fire that burns up the things… and people… that shall be cast into it. It's not a PLACE where LIVING DEAD PEOPLE GO AFTER THEY DIE… but it shall be the very real VALLEY extant on the earth, today, on the outskirts of Jerusalem that shall then be, when Christ returns, THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF INCORRIGIBLY WICKED, REBELLIOUS AND DISOBEDIENT LIVING PEOPLE!

They won't LIVE ON FOREVER in this future "EVERLASTING" Lake of Fire - but the EFFECTS of the Lake of Fire will be "everlasting" or "PERMANENT!" It will bring about that death from which Jesus can save men: the SECOND DEATH! The death from which there shall be NO RESURRECTION.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the [Holy] Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the SECOND DEATH." (Rev.2:11 KJV)

But understand this: While actual incorrigibly wicked MEN shall be cast into the Lake of Fire [shall be cast into HELL] and remain FOREVER DEAD from the natural effects that real fire has on "physical things" [like mortal human bodies] - understand that this Lake of Fire is ultimately going to be PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS -- NOT MAN!

But when Satan and his angels are cast into it... these "immortal spirit beings" won't die! They will suffer the Eternal torment of seeing every evil thing they've ever thought about and worked for GOING UP IN FLAMES... DESTROYED... GONE! Forever!

On the "Last Great Day" of God's plan: Judgment Day; those wicked people who have embraced the disobedient and evil ways of their god, Satan the Devil, will hear man's Creator, Jesus Christ, say: "…'DEPART FROM ME, ye cursed, into EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS…'" (Matt.25:41 KJV).

It's not MAN who shall be in ETERNAL TORMENTS IN [Gehenna] HELL [as the false religions of this world teach their terrified adherents], because mortal men will PERISH… BURN UP… BE REDUCED TO ASHES in the Lake of Fire:

"For, behold, the [Judgment] Day cometh, that shall BURN AS AN OVEN: and all the proud, yea, and all [men] that do wickedly, SHALL BE STUBBLE: and the Day that cometh shall BURN THEM UP, saith the LORD of Hosts… …ye shall tread down the wicked, for THEY SHALL BE ASHES UNDER THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET in the Day that I shall do this…" (Mal.4:1-3 KJV).

So, the Bible doesn't literally say, 'Go to hell.' The type of "hell" that translates into "THE GRAVE" men go to every day, since Satan introduced man to "sin" - "disobedience to God's Commandments" [I John 3:4]. Ye shall surely die [the First Death - see Heb.9:27].

And the one translation of "HELL" that carries with it a connection to FLAMES and FIRE… Gehenna… the Bible reveals is to be prepared for SATAN and his ANGELS - NOT MAN! Yet, while Gehenna Valley will roar with flames initially "prepared for Satan and his angles"… all wicked men who come to embrace their evil thoughts and ways shall be consumed by it.

And the only passage in Scripture that comes close to saying, 'go to heaven,' is through Isaiah's spiritually inspired look INTO THE WICKED HEART OF SATAN THE DEVIL!

The biblical Truth is that NO ONE is going to heaven. At least, not the THIRD HEAVEN of God's throne where Jesus Christ sits today at the Right Hand of His Father, telling His servants that "where He is; they cannot come" [except through prayer].

No man is going there… and certainly, Satan and his angels aren't going there… although that has been their heart's desire.

As for "going to hell" - you need to specify "which hell you're talking about."

The GRAVE is where ALL THE DEAD GO [unless it's a situation where their bodies aren't recovered or recoverable]:

"…for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, IN THE GRAVE [sheol; hell], WHITHER THOU GOEST." (Eccle.9:10 KJV)

As for the coming fiery "Gehenna" HELL - the Bible reveals that THOSE WHO ARE CHRIST'S, who shall be the FIRST TO RESURRECT FROM THEIR GRAVES, IMMORTAL at His coming; know that they will not suffer the effects of the LAKE OF FIRE [HELL] or the SECOND DEATH, because the Scriptures assure them of it:

"Blessed and Holy is he that hath part IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION: on such THE SECOND DEATH HATH NO POWER, but THEY SHALL BE PRIESTS of God [the Father] and of Christ, and SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS." (Rev.20:6 KJV)

The "Gehenna" HELL of the Bible represents the SECOND DEATH from which Jesus can save ALL OF MANKIND… from Satan's hold on them:

"And death and hell [hades; the grave] were cast into the Lake of Fire. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life [following each person's trial and Judgment] WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE." (Rev.20:14-15 KJV)

Look to the minister or pastor of your religion to be told if you'll be going to heaven or hell.

But read, study, and believe the Scriptures recorded in the Bible on the subject, to know and understand the TRUTH of the matter.

Biblically speaking: NO MAN goes to [or has ever gone] to the third heaven of God Almighty - except for Jesus Christ, the One man who CAME FROM THERE in the first place.

And you need to specify WHICH HELL in the English version Bible translation you're asking about. All men are appointed to the First Death [Heb.9:27] and go that "hell" that is the "grave."

But only the most wicked, evil and disobedient men, who shall absolutely curse and refuse God's Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness after they learn the Truth of God in the Judgment, will suffer the Second Death, which is the LAKE OF FIRE… or the "Gehenna" HELL.

already paid

Revelations

14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb

Answer: No. Heaven is not limited by physical constraints.

Answer:

144,000 has nothing to do with number of people that will go go Heaven. God desires all the be saved and to be with Him.

Other Answers

• No. So take your pick. Only you can decide what you should believe.

• Yes. Heaven and hell are real.
• Face it people, heaven and hell are not real!!!
• It's up to you if you believe. If you believe in Heaven, then you believe in Hell. Heaven is a reward you get for doing your deeds on Earth. Hell is when you do bad deeds on Earth.
• Muslims, Jews and Christians believe it is. The bible talks about it being real and Mother Mary appeared to Lucia at Medjugorje. Mary showed Lucia and her two cousins what Hell was like. She also told of Heaven and eternal life with God. So yes, I believe Heaven and Hell are real.

i think when you die your spirit flows away and you are the spirit and you can do whatever you want and met all your friends and family again that have died in the past so i think heaven does exist if you believe in it where you go when your spirit flows away yes.

Probably not in the classical sense of physical torture or bliss.

More likely the afterlife is what you make it.

Hold onto material things, think evil thoughts and you are more likely to make your own hell.

Open your mind to spiritual thoughts and be pure in mind and you are more likely to experience wonderful things.

//Whether people want to believe or not, the bible holds up quite well when tested scientifically. Many of the bible's events, stories and historical persons are verified with other sources of documentation. The more it is studied the more it reveals itself to be an accurate account, historically speaking. Furthermore, the prophetic books such as Daniel and Revelations have been eerily accurate pertaining to world events. The bible, especially the Gospels, speak of heaven and hell as real places. Christ tells us how to avoid one and attain the other, and only through Jesus Christ will one obtain heaven.

It all depends on the religious beliefs of the individual. Only if you want there to be.