What distinguishes Hades, hell, and the grave? Are there already individuals in heaven and hell, or are they holding out for Christ’s second coming? What does Revelation 20:11–15 imply by death? What distinguishes the Lake of Fire from Hell?
The thief’s death on the cross
When Jesus hung on the cross, He spoke the words: “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” to one of the thieves (Luke 23:43). This indicates that right after the thief’s death, he would go to heaven, because he trusted Jesus for his salvation. Another indication for immediate departure to either heaven or hell, is Luke 16: 19-31. Jesus tells the story of the rich man and poor Lazarus here; it is not entirely clear whether this is a parable or not, but it is hard to believe that even if it were a parable, Jesus would describe a situation that is totally false. The rich man dies and wakes up in Hades, or hell. Lazarus is carried to the bosom of Abraham right after his death.
Passage from Revelation
The passage from Revelation 20:11-15 talks about death and Hades, or hell. Death here means the last enemy that will be destroyed when Christ returns and raises believers. This refers to physical death. Death and hades will both be thrown into the lake of fire, which is also called the second death. Second death refers to spiritual death. All people who are not reconciled with God through Jesus Christ, will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). This passage teaches that Hades is temporary and will exist until Jesus returns. After the great judgment when the books are opened (Revelation 20:12) Hades and death are both swallowed by the lake of fire along with all whose names are not in the book of life; but those whose names are written in it, will enjoy the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21).
Places that exist
Thus, until Jesus comes back, there are locations like paradise and hell. When Jesus returns, those who die in Christ will obtain a new resurrection body that will not be susceptible to disease or death (Revelation 21:4). Until then, they will remain in heaven as spirits (Hebrews 12:23).
The reality of hell and the lake of fire is terrible. A person without Christ is utterly lost in death and darkness. God does not want people to end this way. He sent his one and only Son to reconcile sinners to Himself: “For our sake he made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Paul wrote to the believers of Corinth that God implores people to get reconciled: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Just like Paul was an ambassador for Christ, so believers nowadays are ambassadors for Christ who have the task to point people to Christ and to reconciliation that is found only in Him.
