Heaven and hell

@Iago

There is much misinformation about what the Bible says about heaven and hell, from many sources.

First, we must recognize that the words heaven and hell are English words, with no direct ties to Hebrew or Greek roots.

Hebrew is a very literal language. The English word heaven is usually used by translators in the place of the Hebrew word shamayim. The Hebrew word is most commonly thought to mean "the skies", literally, the atmosphere above the earth.

Similarly, the Hebrew word sheol is most commonly thought to mean "the grave", literally, the earth below.

Why, then, would translators choose the English words "heaven" and "hell", rather than a more literal translation to "the skies" and "the grave"?

We need only look to Isaiah for more detailed descriptions of ethereal things (chapter 6) and of infernal things (chapter 14). Those passages make clear to us that there is a very real "heaven" and a very real "hell" beyond the earthly meaning of the symbols.

The very clear teaching of the Bible is that the dead will be resurrected. Both the wicked and the righteous will be raised, and will be judged.

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2 (NIV) cf. Isaiah 26:19

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. John 5:28-29 (NIV) cf. Revelation 20

Question for you, Iago. When you stand before the throne and God declares a verdict, what will that verdict be?

And don't be fooled into thinking that you can offer "contradictions in the Bible" as a defense. That won't work.

The contradictions we "find" in the Bible are a clue to us that we have missed the meaning. They indicate that we have grasped the real meaning, most probably because or we have injected our own meaning.

November 30, 2010 9:24 AM