Faith & Reason Nexus

Scriptural References and Stages of Existence

Heaven

• Luke 16:19-26: Highlights the contrast between the rich man in torment and Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom.
• John 14:1-2: Jesus promises a place in Heaven for the faithful.
• 1 Peter 1:4: Describes an incorruptible inheritance reserved in Heaven.
• Revelation 21: Depicts the glory and peace of Heaven.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: Assurance of resurrection and eternal unity with Christ for believers.

Earth

• Kingdom of God and Christ: Represents the Church, where believers live and serve God.
  • Colossians 1:13: Believers are delivered from darkness and transferred to Christ’s Kingdom.
  • Plan of Salvation: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and Be Baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
• Kingdom of Satan (The World): Represents the domain of sin and rebellion.

Hadean Realm (State After Death)

1. Paradise (“Abraham’s Bosom”)
   • Luke 23:43: Jesus promises the thief on the cross entry into Paradise.
   • Luke 16:22: Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s Bosom.
   • A place of peace and rest for the righteous until judgment.
2. Torment (“Tartarus”)
   • Luke 16:23: The rich man is in torment in Hades.
   • 2 Peter 2:4: Reserved for the ungodly.
   • Jude 6: A holding place of punishment awaiting final judgment.
3. Great Gulf
   • Luke 16:26: A fixed gulf separates the righteous from the wicked in the Hadean realm.

The Judgment

• Hebrews 9:27: Everyone faces death and judgment.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: All will appear before Christ for judgment.
• Matthew 25:31-46: The separation of the righteous and wicked.
• Revelation 20:12-13: The final judgment when the dead are judged according to their deeds.

Hell (“Gehenna”)

• Eternal punishment for the wicked.
  • Mark 9:47-48: A place of unquenchable fire.
  • Matthew 10:28: Destruction of both body and soul in Hell.
  • Revelation 20:14-15: The lake of fire is the second death.

Key Notes

• The Hadean Realm (Paradise and Torment) is temporary, leading to the final judgment.
• After judgment, the righteous enter Heaven, and the wicked are cast into Hell (Gehenna).
• Our choices and obedience determine our eternal destiny.

“Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)—choose wisely.