First let's look at Paradise. We all know that Jesus told the thief on the cross that, today he would be with Him in Paradise. In Second Corinthians 12 we are told about a man who is "caught up into Paradise". Revelation chapter 2 says that he that he who overcomes will eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of Paradise.
Revelation gives great detail about what Heaven will look like. All the way down to the size of it! We know Heaven will come down from the sky and be placed where Jerusalem is now. Therefore, the eternal Heaven that we are all anxious to see does not exist yet. So, I believe that the saved who have died are in Paradise, a place where they are reserved waiting for Judgement Day. What other explanation could there be? (I'm seriously asking.)
We all see Hell as a place filled with fire. A never ending burning raging fire. But as of right now, the "Lake of Fire" has not been cast into Hell yet. They are two different things.
Revelation chapter 20 tells us that the Lake of Fire will be cast into hell.
In Second Peter chapter 2 verse 4 we are told that the angels who sinned were cast down to hell and are bound in chains of darkness, reserved until judgement.
So if the Bible speaks of both Paradise and Hell being places of reserve (Reserved: Kept or set apart for a particular use or purpose.) would that not indicate that that is where our friends & loved ones are who have passed on? Either in Hell awaiting the Lake of Fire. Or, hopefully, in Paradise awaiting the Heaven that God promised us?
No comments:
Post a Comment