Destiny
The Aionian Bible shows the location of eleven special Greek and Hebrew Aionian Glossary words to help us better understand God’s love for individuals and for all mankind, and the nature of after-life destinies. The underlying Hebrew and Greek words typically translated as Hell show us that there are not just two after-life destinies, Heaven or Hell. Instead, there are a number of different locations, each with different purposes, different durations, and different inhabitants. Locations include 1) Old Testament Sheol and New Testament Hadēs, 2) Geenna, 3) Tartaroō, 4) Abyssos, 5) Limnē Pyr, 6) Paradise, 7) The New Heaven, and 8) The New Earth. So there is reason to review our conclusions about the destinies of redeemed mankind and fallen angels.
The key observation is that fallen angels will be present at the final judgment, 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6. Traditionally, we understand the separation of the Sheep and the Goats at the final judgment to divide believing from unbelieving mankind, Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15. However, the presence of fallen angels alternatively suggests that Jesus is separating redeemed mankind from the fallen angels. We do know that Jesus is the helper of mankind and not the helper of the Devil, Hebrews 2. We also know that Jesus has atoned for the sins of all mankind, both believer and unbeliever alike, 1 John 2:1-2. Deceased believers are rewarded in Paradise, Luke 23:43, while unbelievers are punished in Hades as the story of Lazarus makes plain, Luke 16:19-31. Yet less commonly known, the punishment of this selfish man and all unbelievers is before the final judgment, is temporal, and is punctuated when Hades is evacuated, Revelation 20:13. So is there hope beyond Hades for unbelieving mankind? Jesus promised, “the gates of Hades will not prevail,” Matthew 16:18. Paul asks, “Hades where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55. John wrote, “Hades gives up,” Revelation 20:13.
Jesus comforts us saying, “Do not be afraid,” because he holds the keys to unlock death and Hades, Revelation 1:18. Yet too often our Good News sounds like a warning to “be afraid” because Jesus holds the keys to lock Hades! Wow, we have it backwards! Hades will be evacuated! And to guarrantee hope, once emptied, Hades is thrown into the Lake of Fire, never needed again, Revelation 20:14.
Finally, we read that anyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life is thrown into the Lake of Fire, the second death, with no exit ever mentioned or promised, Revelation 21:1-8. So are those evacuated from Hades then, “out of the frying pan, into the fire?” Certainly, the Lake of Fire is the destiny of the Goats. But, do not be afraid. Instead, read the Bible's explicit mention of the purpose of the Lake of Fire and the identity of the Goats. “Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the consummate fire which is prepared for... the devil and his angels,’” Matthew 25:41. Bad news for the Devil. Good news for all mankind!
Faith is not a pen to write your own name in the Book of Life. Instead, faith is the glasses to see that the love of Christ for all mankind has already written our names in Heaven. Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you,” John 15:16. Though unbelievers will suffer regrettable punishment in Hades, redeemed mankind will never enter the Lake of Fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. And as God promised, all mankind will worship Christ together forever, Philippians 2:9-11.
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