Abraham's Bosom

 

♨️Not Everyone Will Attain the Resurrection of the Dead in Christianity

The belief that not everyone will attain the resurrection of the dead in Christianity—and that those who do not will go to Sheol (Hades) —finds support in scripture through a careful analysis of key biblical passages. This study examines six interconnected points that lead to this conclusion.

1. No One Has Seen God or Entered Heaven Except Jesus

Scripture makes it clear that no one has seen God or entered heaven except Jesus.

• John 1:18 states, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” This establishes that even the patriarchs and prophets did not ascend to heaven to see God.

• Similarly, in John 6:46, Jesus declares, “Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.” These verses affirm that access to the Father and heaven was exclusive to Jesus before his redemptive work.

2. The Dead Went to Sheol

In the Old Testament, when individuals died, they were described as going to Sheol, a place of the dead.

• In Genesis 25:8, Abraham’s death is described as being “gathered to his people,” signifying his departure to Sheol, where his ancestors dwelled.

• Similarly, Deuteronomy 34:5-6 recounts Moses’ death without any mention of him entering heaven.

• Psalm 16:10 references Sheol directly, as David says, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” This indicates that Sheol was the general destination for the dead, even the righteous.

• Jacob said when he thought Joseph died, "All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, 'No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.' Thus his father wept for him."

3. Jesus’ Death and the Raising of Holy People

When Jesus died, significant events related to Sheol occurred. Holy people are actually raised from the dead but not everyone

• Matthew 27:52-53 records, “The tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.” This suggests that Jesus’ death marked a pivotal moment, releasing some from Sheol.

• Ephesians 4:8 states, “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” Jesus’ resurrection and ascension involved freeing those who had been held in Sheol.

4. Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit the Kingdom of God

In 1 Corinthians 15:50, Paul asserts, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” This reinforces the necessity of a transformation through resurrection to enter heaven, underscoring that physical death alone is not sufficient.

5. Resurrection from the Dead is Different than being born again

Paul’s statement in Philippians 3:11 reveals his focus on the resurrection: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul equates resurrection with the ultimate prize, recognizing that not all will attain it. Additionally, in 1 Corinthians 9:27, he acknowledges the possibility of disqualification, further emphasizing that resurrection is conditional.

These verses prove that it requires resurrection from the dead to get heaven. This is considered the prize which not even Paul, who certainly was a Christian, was not sure he attained. So if there are Christians, who don't qualify for the prize. Where do they go.

♨️Not Everyone Will Attain the Resurrection of the Dead in Christianity. If Someone Does Not Attain Resurrection, They Will Go to Hades

1. Christians Do Not Automatically Go to Heaven Upon Death

There is no biblical verse that explicitly states Christians immediately go to heaven when they die. In fact, scripture indicates that salvation and entrance into heaven are dependent upon resurrection.

1 Corinthians 3:15: “If anyone's work that he has built on it is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."

This verse suggests that not all Christians will inherit the same rewards, and some will barely escape judgment. This seems to indicate they will be saved out of hell.

Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

This verse explicitly states that not all Christians will enter heaven, reinforcing the idea that entrance into heaven is conditional upon obedience and God’s judgment.

"For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13. According this scripture, there are Christians who will not inherit God's kingdom.

2. Revelation's Chronology of Resurrection

The Book of Revelation outlines a clear chronology for resurrection, showing that entrance into heaven comes through specific resurrections.

Revelation 19:7-9: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

This describes the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus) where the saints (resurrected believers) are united with Him. This moment requires resurrection to participate. This happens before the second coming. The church is apart of the armies of God at the 7th trumpet. Revelations 29:14-15 Jude 114-15

Revelation 20:4-6: "They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection."

The "first resurrection" includes the righteous who reign with Christ during the millennium. 

Revelation 20:11-15: The "second resurrection" occurs after the millennium, when all the dead are judged. Those whose names are not in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, but before judgment, they remain in Hades.

3. Hades as the Only Destination Before Resurrection

Hades is repeatedly described as the temporary holding place of the dead. There is no indication in scripture of an alternative place for souls awaiting resurrection.

Luke 23:43: Jesus tells the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This seems to suggest the thief would immediately be in heaven. However, “paradise” refers to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22), which is described as a compartment of Hades for the righteous dead.

Acts 2:27: Peter quotes Psalm 16:10, saying of Jesus, “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead; you will not let your holy one see decay.”

This shows that Jesus Himself descended into Hades after His death, further proving that even the righteous went to Hades, not heaven, before resurrection.

Luke 16:22-23: In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Lazarus is taken to “Abraham’s bosom,” a place of comfort within Hades, while the rich man suffers in torment. Both are in Hades but separated by a great chasm.

4. Conclusion: Resurrection Determines Eternal Destination

The Bible consistently teaches that resurrection is the dividing line between eternal life and remaining in Hades. Without resurrection, there is no entrance into heaven or eternal life. As shown in Revelation, the righteous are raised before the first resurrection, while the rest of the dead remain in Hades until the second coming. Jesus’ own descent into Hades, the mention of Abraham’s bosom as part of Hades, and the absence of any scriptural promise of immediate entrance into heaven all confirm that Hades is the only destination for the dead who have not yet attained resurrection.

♨️When A Christian does go to Hades what side will they end up on? Torment or Paradise

I. The Presence of God Extends to Sheol

The omnipresence of God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, indicating that there is no realm beyond His reach, including Sheol—the abode of the dead. Several biblical passages affirm this theological concept. Psalm 139:8 (CEB) states, "If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there." This verse underscores the inescapable presence of God, affirming that His divine reality permeates all existential dimensions. Additional scriptural support includes Deuteronomy 32:39, Job 26:6, and Amos 9:2, all of which illustrate God’s authority and presence extending even to the depths of Sheol.

II. Attributes Associated with God's Presence

The presence of God is not merely an abstract concept but is accompanied by tangible attributes that transform the condition of those who experience it. Scripture provides several key attributes that manifest in God's presence:

• Joy and Eternal Pleasures: Psalm 16:11 (CEB) asserts, "You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Eternal pleasures are always in your right hand." 

• Peace: Philippians 4:7 (CEB) states, "Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus," indicating that divine peace transcends human comprehension and safeguards the believer.

• Love: Romans 5:5 (CEB) explains, "This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us," emphasizing that God's love is a direct result of His presence.

• Protection: Isaiah 43:2 (CEB): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you when through the rivers, they won't sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you won't be scorched, and flame won't burn you."

III. The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus presents the parable of Lazarus and the rich man to illustrate the significance of God's presence and its implications for the afterlife. The narrative describes Lazarus, a poor beggar, who, upon death, is carried to "Abraham's side," a place of comfort and divine presence, whereas the rich man, who lived in self-indulgence, finds himself in torment. A great chasm separates them, not in terms of physical distance but rather in terms of their spiritual state. While both men occupy the same general realm of the dead, only Lazarus experiences the blessings of God's presence, whereas the rich man is in torment from the fire.

IV. The Means of Attaining God's Presence

A key distinction in the parable is the naming of Lazarus, while the rich man remains anonymous. This detail is unique, as Jesus rarely names individuals in parables. The name "Lazarus" derives from the Hebrew Eleazar, meaning "God has helped," which implies that Lazarus had sought divine assistance, thereby demonstrating faith.

• The Necessity of Asking: Scripture affirms that divine intervention is contingent upon human initiative in seeking God. James 4:2 (CEB) declares, "You don’t have because you don’t ask," illustrating that God’s actions requires human petition. Similarly, Matthew 7:7 (CEB) instructs, "Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you." These passages highlight the necessity of active engagement with God through faith.

• Faith as the Basis of Righteousness: Scripture consistently emphasizes the centrality of faith in the believer's relationship with God. Romans 14:23 (CEB) states, "Everything that isn’t based on faith is sin," indicating that faith is the defining characteristic of a righteous life. Furthermore, Romans 1:17 (CEB) asserts, "The righteous person will live by faith," reinforcing the principle that righteousness is inseparable from faith.

• Abraham's Faith as a Model: Abraham serves as the example for all Christians that righteousness comes through faith. Romans 4:3 (CEB) declares, "Abraham had faith in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This demonstrates that divine approval is granted based on faith rather than works or status.

• Repentance Rooted in Faith, Not Fear: In the parable, the rich man requests that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers, believing that a miraculous sign would lead to their repentance. However, Abraham responds that they have already received sufficient revelation through Moses and the Prophets. This underscores the theological principle that true repentance must be grounded in faith rather than fear. Fear, as an emotional response of the flesh, is till sin and therefore cannot keep people from the torment of the flames.

V. The Implications of Seeking God Authentically 

Merely attending church services or reciting prayers out of fear of hell does not constitute genuine faith. The rich man lived a life without the need for God. Anyone who does not pray and seek God and lives according the principles of the world is the same. As Hebrews 11:6 (CEB) states, "It’s impossible to please God without faith because the one who draws near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards people who try to find him." This passage reinforces the necessity of earnestly seeking God for genuine spiritual transformation.

Conclusion

The presence of God is not restricted to earthly existence but extends even to Sheol. The experience of God's presence, whether as paradise or torment, is contingent upon one's faith and spiritual disposition. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man illustrates that God's presence transforms Sheol into a place of comfort for the faithful, while those who lack faith remain in torment. Ultimately, salvation is not achieved through fear but through a genuine pursuit of God, grounded in faith and dependence on His grace.