Volume 23: Heaven & Hell
Eschatological Destinies, Intermediate State & the New Creation
Heaven & Hell delivers a precise scriptural and historical study of human destiny beyond physical death. It untangles ancient Hebrew and Greek vocabulary (Sheol, Hades, Tartarus, Gehenna) and articulates the ultimate Christian hope: not disembodied spirits in clouds, but resurrected physical life on a renewed Earth.
A thorough biblical and theological survey of the afterlife: Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, Tartarus, the Intermediate State, the Lake of Fire, and the physical New Earth.
Key facts
- Scripture distinguishes between the 'Intermediate State' (believers present with the Lord, unbelievers in Hades) and the final eternal state following the resurrection.
- The Hebrew word Sheol and Greek Hades refer to the realm of the dead, while Gehenna refers to the final place of punitive judgment.
- The historic consensus of orthodox Christianity affirms Eternal Conscious Torment, alongside minority positions like Annihilationism (Conditional Immortality).
- The ultimate destination of redeemed humanity in Revelation 21–22 is the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's dwelling place is permanently with humanity.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to a person the moment they die?
The physical body returns to the earth while the soul immediately enters the Intermediate State: believers are consciously with Christ (Phil 1:23, 2 Cor 5:8), awaiting the bodily resurrection at His return.
What is the difference between Hades and Hell (Gehenna)?
Hades is the temporary holding realm of departed spirits prior to judgment, whereas Gehenna (the Lake of Fire) is the final, post-resurrection place of eternal judgment for the unrepentant.
Will heaven be a physical place?
Yes; the culmination of biblical eschatology is not an ethereal cloud existence, but the physical resurrection of the saints inhabiting a fully restored and redeemed physical New Earth.
How does God's justice align with the reality of Hell?
Hell reflects the supreme, infinite worth of God's holiness and glory; sin against an infinitely good Creator merits eternal consequence, and God honors human choices to reject His fellowship.