Hell: What the Bible REALLY Teaches
 

V.

JESUS, PETER, AND JOHN ON HADES

There are 4 references to HADES in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23). Of these, the f first three add nothing to what we have discussed above, being in full harmony with the teachings of the Old Testament on SHEOL. The fourth reference is entirely figurative, (21) being found in a parable; and is, therefore, of no use in determining the meaning of HADES.(22)

Apart from its 4 occurrences in the Gospels, HADES is found twice in the Book of Acts (2:27 & 3 1). Here the apostle Peter applies David's prophecy in Psalm 16:9-10 to the death and resurrection of Jesus. (23)

The 4 remaining New Testament occurrences of HADES are found in the Book of Revelation (1: 18; 6:8; 20:13 & 14). In each of these it is paired with "death" and, as everywhere else in Scripture, means GRAVEDOM. (24)

The apostle Paul admonished Timothy to "hold fast the pattern of sound words"(2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). We believe that it is of the utmost importance that we confine ourselves to the God-breathed terminology of the Holy Scriptures when we speak of the state of the dead. For if we stray from the sound words of Scripture---"words ... which the Hoiy Spirit teaches" (1 Corinthians 2:13, NKJV) --- we may eventually stray from sound teaching as well!
 

References>         <BACK         The Gates of Hell