Heaven and Hell
Heaven and Hell are places mentioned in the Bible as the eternal destinies for humans after they die. However, there is a big difference between the two. This information allows people to understand the many differences. Most people understand the basic differences to be that one place is good and the other bad; one includes joy and the other suffering. Unfortunately, many people believe that they will end up in one place or the other based on their actions alone. For example, people may think that doing good deeds during their lives will guarantee a place in paradise.
Furthermore, people also assume that Hell is reserved for bad people, namely those who steal, kill, lie and harm others without remorse. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. After reading about Heaven and Hell, consider clicking on one of the links for a Bible quiz related to the subject. When tested, some may find that they knew little about the subjects, while others may already be well versed regarding the eternal destinies.
When God created the world, He also created Adam and Eve and placed them in paradise, or the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve failed to follow God's command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. Because they committed an act of disobedience, the basic human desire to know all and be like God entered the earth. Sin reigned on Earth because of that choice, until humans eventually were saved through Jesus Christ. God could have done away with humans completely, but God longed for them to be by His side - for them to spend eternity with Him.
Therefore, God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, both fully God and man, to be the perfect sacrifice and wipe out the sin marking all humans. Now, there is only one requirement for humans to have sin wiped away and to be united with God: Humans must believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the Messiah, and that He died on the cross for all sin, as well as for the sins of all human beings. There is nothing that people can do themselves to make up for their sins. People must repent, confess and believe that Jesus is the Savior.
With Christ as one's personal Savior, paradise, becomes that person's destination. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father" (Matthew 10:32). Christ also outlined some characteristics of believers that would result in the reward of paradise. In Matthew, Jesus said that the kingdom belongs to those who are persecuted for Jesus' sake, and to those who are poor in spirit. Jesus also said that people must become like little children in order to enter the paradise. Jesus uses many parables, or stories, to explain Heaven and how people are to invest in it, and share their knowledge of it with others.
When many people think of the heavenly paradise, they may think of the pictures of angels playing harps on puffy, white clouds. However, this probably is not an accurate depiction. Even though it is home to angels, the Bible includes descriptions of it as a kingdom, the location of God's throne, and the place from where He reigns over all creation: "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (Psalm 33:13-14). It is further described in the Bible as being lit by the very glory of God. Additionally, paradise is described as a place without tears, pain or suffering, and as a place of eternal worship where God and man dwell in peace for eternity.
On the other hand, Hell is the complete opposite. Many people think of it as a place of eternal fire. Additionally, it is also a place that is completely absent of God. According to the Bible, those who do not believe that Jesus Christ died for sin are in danger of an eternity apart from God when they die because pride stood in the way of their acknowledging Jesus as the Savior. In Matthew, Jesus also talks about those who judge their brothers in anger being in danger of Hell. Get a greater understanding of God's Word by taking the Bible Quiz.
When thinking about life and eternal destination, realize that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's standard. Everyone deserves to be abandoned by God because of the natural human desire to rebel and do things independent of God. Even those who think they are good people need to know that Jesus alone can bridge the gap to Heaven. Take the time to consider eternal destination today. It's the most important decision a person will make.
Furthermore, people also assume that Hell is reserved for bad people, namely those who steal, kill, lie and harm others without remorse. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. After reading about Heaven and Hell, consider clicking on one of the links for a Bible quiz related to the subject. When tested, some may find that they knew little about the subjects, while others may already be well versed regarding the eternal destinies.
When God created the world, He also created Adam and Eve and placed them in paradise, or the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve failed to follow God's command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. Because they committed an act of disobedience, the basic human desire to know all and be like God entered the earth. Sin reigned on Earth because of that choice, until humans eventually were saved through Jesus Christ. God could have done away with humans completely, but God longed for them to be by His side - for them to spend eternity with Him.
Therefore, God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, both fully God and man, to be the perfect sacrifice and wipe out the sin marking all humans. Now, there is only one requirement for humans to have sin wiped away and to be united with God: Humans must believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the Messiah, and that He died on the cross for all sin, as well as for the sins of all human beings. There is nothing that people can do themselves to make up for their sins. People must repent, confess and believe that Jesus is the Savior.
With Christ as one's personal Savior, paradise, becomes that person's destination. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father" (Matthew 10:32). Christ also outlined some characteristics of believers that would result in the reward of paradise. In Matthew, Jesus said that the kingdom belongs to those who are persecuted for Jesus' sake, and to those who are poor in spirit. Jesus also said that people must become like little children in order to enter the paradise. Jesus uses many parables, or stories, to explain Heaven and how people are to invest in it, and share their knowledge of it with others.
When many people think of the heavenly paradise, they may think of the pictures of angels playing harps on puffy, white clouds. However, this probably is not an accurate depiction. Even though it is home to angels, the Bible includes descriptions of it as a kingdom, the location of God's throne, and the place from where He reigns over all creation: "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (Psalm 33:13-14). It is further described in the Bible as being lit by the very glory of God. Additionally, paradise is described as a place without tears, pain or suffering, and as a place of eternal worship where God and man dwell in peace for eternity.
On the other hand, Hell is the complete opposite. Many people think of it as a place of eternal fire. Additionally, it is also a place that is completely absent of God. According to the Bible, those who do not believe that Jesus Christ died for sin are in danger of an eternity apart from God when they die because pride stood in the way of their acknowledging Jesus as the Savior. In Matthew, Jesus also talks about those who judge their brothers in anger being in danger of Hell. Get a greater understanding of God's Word by taking the Bible Quiz.
When thinking about life and eternal destination, realize that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's standard. Everyone deserves to be abandoned by God because of the natural human desire to rebel and do things independent of God. Even those who think they are good people need to know that Jesus alone can bridge the gap to Heaven. Take the time to consider eternal destination today. It's the most important decision a person will make.
Heaven and Hell
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