What does the Bible say about Hades (the Greek word hades), also known as Sheol (the Hebrew word šᵊ'ôl)? Hades in the Bible is the temporary abode of the dead (Acts 2:27). It consists of two compartments: a place of comfort (also called Abraham's bosom) and a place of torment that will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).
Table of contentsFamily Worship GuideSermon NotesLesson One: Hades (Greek) or Sheol (Hebrew) is the temporary abode of the dead.Lesson Two: Believers were removed from Hades at Jesus’s ascension.Lesson Three: Unbelievers will be removed from Hades at the Great White Throne Judgment.
https://youtu.be/zvM22FAeL5k
What does the Bible say about Hades (Sheol)? Hades in the Bible is the temporary abode of the dead consisting of two compartments.
Family Worship Guide
Directions: Read the following verses and then answer the questions:
Day 1: Genesis 37:35, Job 14:13, Psalm 9:17, 31:17, 88:3, Isaiah 5:14, 38:10, Numbers 16:30, John 20:17, Matthew 12:40, Hebrews 2:17, Acts 2:24-31: Why doesn’t the Old Testament discuss heaven and hell as much as the New Testament? Where did Jesus go between His death and resurrection and how do we know? Describe the two compartments in Hades.
Day 2: Ephesians 4:8-9, Hebrews 6:19, 10:4, 20, Matthew 27:51, John 3:13, Genesis 5:24, 8:2, 2 Kings 2:11 and discuss: When was the place of comfort in Hades emptied? Who was removed at that time and how were they removed? Why couldn’t believers go to heaven earlier in the Old Testament?
Day 3: Revelation 20:11- 15, John 5:22, 28-29, Matthew 10:15, Acts 17:31, 2 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:12-13 and discuss: When is the place of torment in Hades emptied? Describe the great White throne judgment. Who faces this judgment and how are they judged? How can people avoid this judgment?
Sermon Notes
The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Hades in the Bible Is….”
On Sunday mornings we’re working our way through Luke’s gospel verse by verse and we find ourselves at Luke 16:19, which begins the account of the rich man and Lazarus.
But don’t turn there because we won’t start those verses until next week. As you might know, the account introduces us to Hades. As I developed material to explain what Hades is, so you would have the background for that account, I found that it provided more than enough material for its own sermon. In fact, I had to cut out quite a bit of material just to keep it to one sermon…such as all the material on Gehenna and Tartarus.
I would like to begin by asking you to take your minds to the Old Testament. Think of places that discuss heaven and hell or eternal rewards and eternal punishment.
Interestingly, even though we know heaven and hell are of incredible importance, you probably can’t think of many verses discussing them.
Unless I am missing something, this is the only verse in all of the Old Testament discussing eternal life and eternal punishment…
Daniel 12:2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
There is one verse that seems to discuss eternal punishment…
Isaiah 66:24 “They shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
You probably recognize this verse because Jesus quoted it to describe hell.
There are a few verses that subtly describe heaven…
Psalm 16:11 In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Here heaven is loosely described as the joy of being in God’s presence.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Here heaven is described as being with God forever.
Psalm 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
