by Dorcas Kulwa | 13 March 2022 08:46 pm03
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but biblically, each one refers to a specific concept or location related to life after death. Here’s a clear and scripturally backed explanation of each:
Definition: The eternal dwelling place of God, His angels, and ultimately, the redeemed. It is often referred to as the Third Heaven, the highest realm.
The Apostle Paul described being caught up to the third heaven, a realm of indescribable glory:
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven… and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (ESV)
It is where Jesus ascended to after His resurrection and where He prepares an eternal home for believers:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
— John 14:2 (ESV)
God’s transcendence is affirmed in:
“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you…”
— 2 Chronicles 6:18 (ESV)
Summary: Heaven is the ultimate and eternal destination for those in Christ — a place of complete joy, peace, and the presence of God.
Definition: Paradise refers to an intermediate, blissful state where the souls of believers go after death while awaiting the resurrection of their bodies and final entrance into Heaven.
Jesus told the repentant thief:
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
— Luke 23:43 (ESV)
This is understood as a spiritual realm of peace, also referred to as “Abraham’s bosom,” where the righteous like Lazarus were taken:
“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.”
— Luke 16:22 (ESV)
Also echoed in Revelation where martyred souls are seen under the altar, resting and waiting:
“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God… They were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer…”
— Revelation 6:9–11 (ESV)
Summary: Paradise is not the final Heaven but a waiting place for believers who have died. It is peaceful and secure a foretaste of what is to come.
Definition: Hades refers to the temporary abode of the dead both righteous and unrighteous before Christ’s resurrection. Post-resurrection, it is associated more with the waiting place of the wicked.
In the Old Testament, “Sheol” is often used to describe the grave or realm of the dead:
“Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would conceal me until your wrath be past…”
— Job 14:13 (ESV)
David spoke prophetically of Christ, saying:
“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
— Psalm 16:10 (ESV)
After Christ’s resurrection, believers are no longer bound to Hades but go to Paradise, while Hades now holds the unsaved dead:
“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised…”
— Matthew 27:52 (NKJV)
Summary: Hades is the realm of the dead, often now referring to the waiting place of the unsaved dead, who await final judgment.
Definition: Gehenna refers to a place of fiery torment, used by Jesus to describe the fate of the wicked. It represents divine judgment and is not temporary — it leads into the Lake of Fire.
Gehenna was a real valley outside Jerusalem (Valley of Hinnom), used as a burning trash dump, which became a symbol of divine judgment.
Jesus warned of it:
“And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell [Gehenna].”
— Mark 9:45 (ESV)
Jesus described it as a place:
“Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.”
— Mark 9:48 (ESV)
After final judgment, Gehenna leads to the Lake of Fire:
“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death…”
— Revelation 20:14 (ESV)
Summary: Gehenna is a place of conscious torment for the wicked — a prelude to the final Lake of Fire. It is permanent and irreversible.
Definition: The final and eternal punishment for Satan, demons, and all who are not in the Book of Life.
The final judgment of the wicked occurs at the Great White Throne:
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
— Revelation 20:15 (ESV)
Summary: This is the ultimate destination for those who reject Christ. It follows Gehenna and is final an eternal separation from God.
This is not just a theological discussion — it’s a personal and urgent matter. Jesus Christ offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
— John 3:36 (ESV)
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 (ESV)
If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Eternal destinies are real and permanent.
Repent: Turn away from sin (Acts 3:19).
Believe: Trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 10:9).
Follow Him: Live a life led by the Spirit, grounded in the Word (Galatians 5:25).
May God give us wisdom and grace to understand and respond to these truths.
Please share this message with others.
Shalom.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/03/13/whats-the-difference-between-heaven-paradise-hades-gehenna-and-hell/
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