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We don't know much about *exactly* what happens after we die. Much of the language used in the Bible to describe heaven and hell is metaphorical, and I think this is done deliberately because it would be very difficult for us to understand the precise details. We know that heaven is better than anything we could imagine, while hell is far worse. But do we go there immediately? Is there a holding place (such as Purgatory, which the Catholics believe)? What is heaven and hell really like? There is simply not enough information in the Bible for us to be certain.
The one thing the Bible makes clear is that our destination after we die depends upon the relationship we have with Jesus Christ. I am not one of those people who will tell you, "If you have not confessed that Jesus is your savior, you are going to hell". I think it's more subtle than that. I think you are many ways to know Jesus, and perhaps even many paths to heaven, but all of those path involve Jesus in a very important way. So, I think there is hope for people who don't know the exact details about Jesus' life, so long as they love God and are actively seeking Him. I also think that hell is a destination reserved for people who absolutely hate God and want nothing to do with him. As for what happens to people in that middle gray area -- I don't think anyone knows, but I fully trust that God is fair and wonderful, and that the afterlife will be amazing for anyone who wants to share it with God.
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arsindelve-
12/16/2007 1:36:37 PM
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Hades is the Greek word for hell. It's a bad place and no believer will go there.
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mrspiggy-
2/15/2008 7:35:55 PM
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