Begin with Scripture
Original studies in judgment, holiness, mercy, and resurrection. All summaries are identified paraphrases and interpretation, with links to the public-domain World English Bible.
Search every verse mentioning hell, Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, Satan and demons
Judgment and the least of these
Jesus describes the Son of Man separating people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. The scene places acts of mercy toward the hungry, stranger, sick, and imprisoned within a sobering account of final judgment. This is an identified paraphrase, not a quotation.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyThe final judgment
Revelation portrays resurrection, judgment before a great white throne, opened books, and the defeat of death and Hades. The lake of fire is called the second death. This is a paraphrase of apocalyptic imagery, not an eyewitness description of geography.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyThe rich man and Lazarus
Jesus tells of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus, a reversal after death, a fixed chasm, and a warning to hear Moses and the prophets. The story exposes indifference to suffering and the limits of demanding spectacular signs. Identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyReverence without manipulation
Hebrews contrasts the fearful approach to Sinai with coming to Mount Zion and Jesus, mediator of a new covenant. It calls believers to grateful worship with reverence and awe because God’s kingdom cannot be shaken. Identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyPerfect love and fear
John grounds Christian love in God’s initiative and the sending of his Son. Love for God must be expressed in love for others, and mature love addresses fear connected with punishment. Identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyThe hope of being with Christ
Facing his departure, Jesus comforts his disciples and promises a place with the Father and reunion with himself. He identifies himself as the way, truth, and life. This is an identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyResurrection, not escape
Paul connects the Christian gospel to Christ’s death and resurrection and argues that believers’ future resurrection depends upon his. Death is an enemy to be defeated, not the final word. Identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studySaved by grace
Paul describes salvation as God’s gift, received through faith rather than earned through works. Those made alive in Christ are created for good works. This is an identified paraphrase.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studySheol: the realm of the dead
Sheol is a Hebrew term commonly associated with the dead or the grave. Its usage varies by text and should not automatically be read as the fully developed idea of final punishment. Identified lexical overview.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyHades and the final judgment
Hades is a Greek term connected with the realm of the dead. Revelation distinguishes it from the lake of fire and portrays it giving up the dead before its defeat. Identified lexical overview.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyGehenna in Jesus’ warnings
Gehenna is associated with the Valley of Hinnom and appears in Jesus’ serious warnings about judgment. The imagery calls for decisive repentance. Identified lexical overview.
Read the study Interpretation · Scripture studyTartarus: a distinct usage
Second Peter uses a Greek verb related to Tartarus in describing sinful angels held for judgment. This is a particular textual usage, not a general synonym for every description of human final destiny. Identified lexical overview.
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