Heavenly Hope Now

Definitions

For each category you can likely find more Scriptures to make the point. These are just a start. Unless otherwise noted, all definition created by Pastor Evan. Look to Scripture to refine the meaning in all cases.

Heaven

“Heaven is the abode of God, and of those closely associated with him^[1].” The location is in relation to God’s presence. The word gets used in multiple ways throughout Scripture, here are a few.

• Sky/Expanse over the earth: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:8; Genesis 11:4; Genesis 14:9; Psalm 8:8; Jeremiah 23:21; Acts 17:24.
• Dwelling place of God: Genesis 11:7; Deuteronomy 26:15; 2 Kings 2:11; Psalm 11:4; Psalm 14:2; Isaiah 40:22; Isaiah 64:2; Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:34-35; Acts 1:9-11.
• Heaven (as substitute for name of God): Luke 15:18; John 3:27.
• Kingdom of Heaven (also Kingdom of God): Matthew 7:21; Matthew 25:1; James 2:5.
• New Heaven & New Earth: Isaiah 65:1; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21-22.

Sheol (New Testament: Hades)

Realm of the dead, grave, underworld. Not to be confused with the word for hell (below) nor does this mean purgatory.

• Genesis 37:35; Numbers 16:30; 1 Samuel 2:6; Psalm 16:10; Psalm 89:48; Job 17:14-16; Job 21:13; Job 26:6; Matthew 11:23 (quoting Isaiah 14:13-15); 1 Peter 3:19.

Hell (New Testament: Gehenna)

A place of torment and separation from God. Appears to be permanent (compared to Sheol). The word derives from a place (the Valley of Hinnom) near Jerusalem. The valley was notorious for child sacrifice (well before Jesus’ day) and a place to dispose of things (like a dump/landfill) where fire burned. Hell is also described as darkness and separation from God.

• Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 23:33; Matthew 25:30; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; James 3:6; 2 Peter 2:17; Revelation 2:11.

The Soul

Humans are made of body and soul. The soul is immaterial, conscious, and morally responsible; it is the animating inner life and will of the human.

• The soul and the body go together. Matthew 10:28; 1 Kings 17:19-24; John 11:17-26.
• The soul and body can be separated for a time (intermediate state). See 1 Peter 3:18-20; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Matthew 22:23-33; Acts 23:6-10.
• The soul and body will be restored at the resurrection. See 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Philippians 1:21-24.
• The soul is destined for salvation or separation (heaven or hell) at the final judgment based on its response to Jesus’ work on the cross and the resurrection. See Matthew 13:49; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:12; Rev. 20:11-13.

Key Biblical Terms for the Soul

• Nephes (Old Testament, Hebrew). To breathe, neck, soul, life.
  • Genesis 2:7; Psalm 42:1; Psalm 119:20, 81; Psalm 130:5; Proverbs 25:25.
• Ruach (Old Testament, Hebrew). Wind, breath, Holy Spirit.
  • Genesis 1:2; 1 Samuel 10:6; Isaiah 11:1-2
• Psuche (New Testament, Greek). Soul, spirit.
  • Matthew 11:29; Mark 8:36-37; Mark 14:34; Luke 1:46; 1 Peter 1:9; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 2:25.
  • Judgment related to the Soul: Matthew 13:49; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:11-13.

Old Testament Resurrection Hope

The resurrection of the redeemed was a hope of God’s Covenant people Israel. They expected a resurrection of the dead at the end of time, not the resurrection of one man (Jesus) in the middle of time. Jesus fulfilled this hope and more!

• Job 19:25-26; Isaiah 26:19; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Daniel 12:1-3; Hosea 5:15-6:3
• We get a glimpse this hope as well when Jesus died on the cross: Matthew 27:52-53.
• We also see that the Pharisees held this view, the Sadducees did not. Jesus points to their beliefs (based on these OT passages): Mark 12:18-27

Intermediate State

Between the final judgment of humanity and the full restoration of creation (New Heavens, New Earth, restored bodies) there appears to a temporary state. This is where soul and body are separated for a time. Bodies remain (for most people, see Enoch, Elijah, and of course Jesus) on earth, the soul is separated until final judgment. Those in Christ are with God during that phase. Some claim that souls are unconscious (soul sleep) during this period; the Biblical evidence seems to point to consciousness with the Lord for the redeemed.

• Daniel 12:2-3; Luke 16:16-31; Luke 23:39-43; John 11:17-26; John 14:1-3; Revelation 6:9-11.

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^[1] L. L. Morris, “Heaven,” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 457.