Hell and Heaven

HEAVEN AND HELL: IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE: PROF.M.M.NINAN
Ephesians 4: 7-10 “7 But each one of us was given grace according to the measure of the gift of
Christ. 8Therefore God says, ‘When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts
to men.’ 9But this, ‘He ascended’ —didn't he also first descend into the lower parts of the earth?
10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all
things” (Ephesians 4:7-10 quoting Psalm 68:18).
When Christ died, was buried, arose from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of God, he set
a host of captives free from sin and took them captive to himself. He continues to do so even
today and will continue until he comes again, "that he might fill all things" (Ephesians 4:10).
So Christ went to Hades and "led captivity captive" (Ephesians 4:8)
In that God "rescued those who were under the domain of darkness, and transferred them to the
kingdom" Jesus snatched spiritual captives from Satan (cf. Matthew 27:52-53)
and conquered Death and Hell (1 Corinthians 15:55)
and empowered His Church to eternal victory.
"And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).
The reconciliation and renewing and making things new covers all things in the cosmos in the
theology of Paul and Revelation of Jesus by John. It is everywhere emphasizing that the effect of
the Cross in not only for the living, but also for those died and those in the future where ever they
are:
Isaiah 43:18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am
doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Revelation 21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Isaiah 65:17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
114