Heaven and Hell — Are They Real?

By Danny True

The problem with our “religions” is that we are taught things but really don’t know how to validate (prove) some of the more important “characteristics.” Two cloudy issues are: Heaven and Hell. One may wonder why, since these two “places” or issues or doctrines are really at the heart of our beliefs?

There are a few groups that are “spin-offs” of Christianity or Judaism that do not believe in either Heaven or Hell. But they are rare and, quite frankly they are out in left field, for they dismiss the references and definitions of them that are found in the Bible!

Even Islam has a version of Heaven (which is, incidentally, diametrically opposite that of Christianity or Judaism). So, for the purpose of this writing I will look at this subject from a Christian perspective.

The Old Testament is rather vague as to Heaven and Hell. Heaven was generally understood by the people of that time as a place where the stars are hung, and clouds and rain are kept and perhaps a few angels floating around, too. The most commonly used word (ouranos) defines it as “sky, air“.

Hell, conversely, was a hole in the ground where the dead were implanted ({Strong’s} hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates:–grave,  pit.). If you stop there with their views of Heaven and Hell, it would seem that there is nothing to look forward to in the after-life.

When Jesus came to earth to show us how to live a Godly, productive life, He also brought some teachings that clarified Heaven and Hell somewhat. Actually, He told us more about circumstances of being in Hell than what to look forward to in Heaven! In the “Parable of Abraham’s Bosom” (Luke 16:22-31 NIV), the story tells about how BAD conditions are in Hell.

As far as Heaven, Jesus basically told us that it is a GOOD place to be, that Father God lives there as well as our loved ones who have gone before us, and that He, Jesus, is there (now) preparing “accommodations” for all His believing friends, whom He calls His brothers and sisters.

In the Book of Revelation, the “glimpse” into Heaven that John was allowed showed it as with streets of pure gold, gates and doors of solid pearl, etc. and with exquisite, precious stones, some of which have never been seen before here on earth.  It gives one the impression of a “glorified” Garden of Eden!

I do not believe that the few people who claim to have “visited” Heaven OR Hell actually experienced those “trips.” Regardless of all the books and TV interviews (Christian & secular), the stories they tell just don’t line up with the Scriptures.

As mentioned in verse 31 of the above Parable, when asked about someone returning from the dead to describe how bad Hell is, Jesus said “- – - ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead‘ “. In short, Jesus told us all we need to know (about Heaven and Hell), and what the prophets before Him told us as well.  Why would He allow anyone to do these things now (come back from the dead {or near-death experience}) to describe what it’s like when He has specifically prohibited that? He will NEVER go against His own word!

I know, it tickles the ears (and sells books!) when we hear people describe their “experiences”. But, we have been warned about having our ears tickled!

So, regarding these “issues”, we have to rely on our faith and our trust. Personally, my faith tells me that what Jesus has told me and what I have read in the Bible are sufficient for me. And, my trust in Jesus when He says that Heaven is good (real good) and that Hell is bad (very bad) is enough to motivate me to journey in the right direction.

My whole life has been based on what He (His Word) has “told” me and I am not going to change my trust in Him now, especially when people try to supersede Jesus with these kinds of stories.

Heaven is good; Hell is bad.   Both are real.

‘Nuff said.   Make your choice, now, while you can!