ScriptureStream

While the spirit inhabits the body, there is life; when the spirit departs the body, there is death. But what is dead? It is not the spirit, but the body. When the spirit departs the body, where does the dead body go? Where does the living spirit go? The general answer is that the body goes to the grave and the spirit goes to the Hadean world. But where does the Bible teach that the spirits of the righteous go to hades? “Hades” is used eleven times in the New Testament and there is nothing good said about it.

It speaks of:

It is used figuratively:

The spirits of the evil do indeed go to hades. But there is no evidence that the spirits of the righteous go to hades; in fact, it is incongruous to think the righteous go to hades since there is nothing good said about it in the New Testament.

What is the point that Peter was trying to make in Acts 2:31? Was it that Jesus’ spirit came out of the hadean world or was it that Jesus body was resurrected from hades, the grave? The entire context shows that he was speaking of the resurrection of Jesus’ body. His body was not going to be in hades (the grave) long enough to see corruption.

The word “soul” (PSUCHE) has many different meanings in the scripture; the context has to determine its meaning in any given place.

A discussion of the spirit of Jesus is not even in this context. It is simply saying He would not be in the grave long enough for His body to see corruption.

Notice the contrast in each verse:

Luke 16:19-31: The rich man’s spirit was in hades, where there is torment. Lazarus’ spirit was in Abraham’s bosom, where there is comfort. “Abraham’s bosom” is the antithesis of “Hades,” just as “comfort” is the antithesis of “torment.” Thus, “Abraham’s bosom” can no more be “hades” than “comfort” can be torment.”

Revelation 6:9: The souls of them that were slain for the word of God were not in hades. They were under the altar.

Revelation 14:1-3: The hundred forty and four thousand did not stand in hades. They stood on mount Zion.

They did not sing the new song in hades. They sung it before the throne and before the living creatures and elders.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8: When we are absent from the body, we will be present with the Lord. The Lord is not in the hadean world, but heaven (Matthew 22:44; Acts 7:55).

Hebrews 9:24: Jesus did not go to some intermediate place to offer the atoning blood; He offered that blood in heaven. Romans 8:34: Jesus did not go to the hadean world to make intercession for us; He makes intercession before the throne of God. (Romans 8:34).

Philippians 1:23: Paul’s desire was to depart and be with Christ. Christ was not in the Hadean world, but in heaven, where he offered the atoning blood (Hebrews 6:20; 9:24) and where He ever lives to make intercession for the saints (Hebrews 7:25).

I have seen no evidence that the spirits of the righteous dead go to an intermediate place. I have seen much evidence that they go to heaven. I have seen no evidence that “paradise” is an intermediate place. I have seen evidence that it is heaven. I have seen no more evidence for the “intermediate” place that my brethren speak about than I have for the intermediate place that the Catholics or Mormons speak about!

When Nathan confronted David with his guilt relative to his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, David prayed (Psalms 51:10):

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” 

David did not need a physical heart transplant; but he desperately needed a clean Bible heart. 

The Bible heart is identified by what it is said to do.

A clean heart is necessary for one to see God (Matthew 5:8). But how does one get a clean heart? Peter answers: “God put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their heart by faith (Acts 15:9). But it is not by faith only; if so, even the devils would have pure hearts (James 2:19). It is a faith that obeys in  love (Galatians 5:6).  It is a faith that obeys by faith in baptism in the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). It is a faith that keeps one penitent and serving. As we leave this point, let me emphasize it says “create in me a clean heart”.

The right spirit thinks on things that honest, true, pure, just, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8). A right spirit brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  A right spirit hates evil with the same passion with which it loves truth (Psalms 119:128). In short; a right spirit does whatever it does in the Name of Christ. (Colossians 3:17).

The way to effectively pray this can pretty well be summed up in three points.  Draw nigh to God (James 4:8).  Keep one’s body in subject to the will of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9).  

Some members have no real joy in God’s salvation. This is the reason for unfaithfulness. It takes no coaxing to get one to do that which he enjoys. Rejoice is an oft-repeated command. Rejoice always (Philippians 4:4). Rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12). Rejoice in Christ (Philippians 3:3). When we delight in the law of the Lord, we will be faithful (Romans 7:22; Psalms 1:1-2).

Now let us notice verse 13:

“Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee”

When David got these things right, he would be in position to teach others effectively.  So will we be. But let us be sure that we teach are “Thy” ways,” not my ways or the ways of any other source.

The church was started by teaching God’s ways, and it can only be kept pure by teaching God’s ways.

Jesse Jenkins