Heaven and Hell: What the Bible Really Says

Heaven and Hell: What the Bible Really Says

In a world of fluffy clouds, cartoon devils, and well-worn clichés like “heaven gained another angel,” it’s no wonder confusion about the afterlife is rampant. Pop culture has shaped much of what people believe about heaven and hell, but the Bible tells a far more compelling—and sobering—story. This article offers a deeply biblical, non-denominational explanation of heaven and hell using Greek and Hebrew definitions, Scripture in context, and no theological fluff.

The Biblical Picture of Heaven

The primary Greek word for heaven in the New Testament is οὐρανός (ouranos) — ouranos (Strong’s G3772), meaning “sky, heaven, or the dwelling place of God.” It appears over 270 times in the New Testament and carries both a physical and spiritual meaning. Sometimes it refers to the sky or cosmos (Matthew 24:29), but more often, it points to the unseen realm where God dwells.

The Apostle Paul makes it personal:

“I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.” (Philippians 1:23, NLT)

“We would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NLT)

This is often called the “intermediate heaven”—the place believers go immediately upon death, awaiting the final resurrection.

The ultimate hope is the new heaven and new earth, described vividly:

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth… Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them… He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:1–4, NLT)

Eternity with God is not simply floating in the clouds but the restoration of all creation—resurrected bodies living with God forever.

Hell: What the Bible Actually Teaches

In English Bibles, “hell” is often used for multiple Greek and Hebrew terms. But Scripture makes key distinctions:

• Sheol (שְׁאוֹל – Hebrew): The general place of the dead in the Old Testament. Not always negative; both righteous and unrighteous are described as going there.

• Hades (ᾅδης – hadēs, Strong’s G86): Greek equivalent of Sheol; the intermediate place of the dead.

“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up…” (Luke 16:23, NLT)

• Gehenna (γέεννα – geenna, Strong’s G1067): The final place of judgment, often translated as “hell.” Jesus warned about Gehenna more than anyone.

“Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, NLT)

• Tartarus (τάρταρος – tartaros, Strong’s G5020): Used once in 2 Peter 2:4 for the place where rebellious angels are held.

Unfortunately, translations like the King James Version collapsed all of these terms into “hell,” which obscures important theological distinctions.

What Happens When We Die?

Jesus gives us two of the clearest teachings:

1. To the thief on the cross:

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NLT)Immediate conscious presence with Christ.

2. The rich man and Lazarus:

“At the time of death the angels carried him to Abraham’s side… The rich man also died… In Hades… he was in torment…” (Luke 16:22–23, NLT)There is awareness, memory, and separation.

There is no reincarnation, second chance, or “soul sleep.” Death is followed by immediate conscious existence—either with Christ or in judgment.

The Final Judgment and Resurrection

The ultimate destination for all humanity is determined by one event: the final resurrection and judgment.

“The time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son… those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.” (John 5:28–29, NLT)

“I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it… The dead were judged according to what they had done… Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11–15, NLT)

Everyone will be raised. But not everyone will enter the new creation.

Are Hell and Punishment Eternal?

Jesus didn’t mince words.

“Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46, NLT)

The word for “eternal” in Greek is αἰώνιος (aiōnios) — from aiōn (Strong’s G166), meaning “everlasting, without end.” It's used identically for both life and punishment. There’s no honest way to argue that heaven is forever, but hell is temporary.

Common Errors and False Teachings

1. Annihilationism – The claim that the wicked cease to exist. Refuted by Jesus’ own teaching (see above).

2. Universalism – Everyone eventually gets saved. But that’s contradicted by Matthew 25, Revelation 20, and more.

3. Soul Sleep – The idea we are unconscious until the resurrection. Refuted by Philippians 1:23, Luke 16, and Luke 23.

4. Purgatory – Not found anywhere in Scripture. The idea of a temporary place to be “cleansed” is post-biblical.

Why This Matters

A right understanding of heaven and hell brings urgency to the gospel. The stakes could not be higher.

“It is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27, LEB)

Jesus talked more about hell than anyone—not to scare people into religion, but to awaken them to reality. He took hell seriously because He came to save us from it.

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9, NLT)

We do not serve a God who delights in punishment—but one who is holy, just, and merciful beyond measure.