Introduction: The concepts of Sheol and Abraham’s Bosom hold significant theological importance within the framework of Judeo-Christian beliefs. These two terms are mentioned in the Bible and offer insights into the afterlife, shedding light on the nature of existence beyond earthly life. This paper aims to explore the references to Sheol and Abraham’s Bosom in the Bible, delving into their meanings and implications for believers.
Sheol: The Depths of the Earth: Sheol is a term used in the Old Testament to describe the realm of the dead, a place often associated with the depths of the earth. While it isn’t explicitly detailed in Scripture, several verses provide insight into its nature:
- Psalm 139:8: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.” This verse suggests that Sheol is a place beyond the earthly realm but still within the presence of God.
- Job 10:21-22: “before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and utter darkness.” Job’s description of Sheol emphasizes its shadowy and enigmatic nature, a place where light is absent.
- Isaiah 38:18-19: “For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.” This passage highlights the separation between the living and Sheol, where communication with God is limited.
Abraham’s Bosom: A Place of Comfort: Abraham’s Bosom is a term used in the New Testament to describe a place of comfort or “paradise” for the souls of the righteous awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. It is associated with the concept of reward and eternal bliss:
- Luke 16:22-23: “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” This parable by Jesus illustrates a clear distinction between the righteous (Lazarus) in Abraham’s Bosom and the unrighteous (rich man) in a place of torment.
Implications and Interpretations: The concepts of Sheol and Abraham’s Bosom provoke contemplation on the nature of life after death. While Sheol seems to represent a general place of departed souls, Abraham’s Bosom signifies a place of comfort and rest for the righteous.
In 2 Corinthians 5 and Philippians 1 we gain an understanding that a Christian’s soul goes to be with God in Heaven with they die so how come Lazarus’ soul went to a place called Abraham’s Bosom that was right next to the place of torment that the rich man’s soul went to? When the second man of the trinity (God the Son) can to us we know that things drastically changed for believers. Looking at the scene before the crucifixion of Jesus we understand everyone’s soul whether saved or unsaved, went to a spiritual realm that overlaps with the center of planet Earth. The Old Testament calls this realm Sheol. From Luke 16 we further gain an understanding that it was divided into essentially two compartments (kind of like a smoking section and a non-smoking section), one of paradise also known as Abraham’s Bobom and the other of torment. This is much of why the Saints in the Old Testament are described as going down when they die. An illustration of this is when Jacob had thought his son Joseph had died, he stated that he would go down to Sheol mourning his son (Genesis 37:35). Another illustration of this would be when King Saul summoned the soul of Samuel from the dead, Samuel’s soul is described as coming up from the earth (1 Samuel 28:13).
So what changed from then to now? Glad you asked…
The message of the cross has always been critical for the salvation of the saints. It is important now, and it was still important then. Until Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross, heaven was not open to them. Their sins were atoned for, or covered up, but they were not taken away. The death of Christ is what took away sin and allowed the saints who died before the crucifixion to go to heaven. At His Ascension, Jesus brought them to where they could not go before – heaven. 1 Peter 3:19 describes that when Jesus was dead for three days (He was still hard at work) He went and “preached to the spirits in prison”. Jesus depicted victory over sin, death, “hell”, and the grave to both compartments of Sheol. Ephesians 4:8 further explains that “when He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (NKJV). These “captives” are likely the Old Testament saints who died prior to the cross and now that Jesus had fulfilled the mission of the cross and paid the debt for sin. Many fail to understand or show any interest in these Old Testament Saints and what happened to them then they died but they were defiantly on the journey beyond. Even though these Old Testament believers were “saved” by believing in the future atonement of Christ it appears that God chose to store their souls in a “place of paradise” in Sheol until Jesus completed His atoning sacrifice (kind of like Heaven was off limits until this happened). Now as Jesus ascended to Heaven, He emptied Abraham’s Bosom.
Think about the story of the thief on the cross who Jesus promised “paradise”. The story of the thief on the cross is found in the following Bible verses: Matthew 27:38, Luke 23:32-43 and Mark 15:27. This story is in many ways one of the most touching stories in the Bible. A dying penitent thief accepts Christ as Lord and Master and is assured by Jesus of a place in paradise. At death they both went to Abraham’s Bosom in Sheol and during Jesus’ ascension He took his soul up to Heaven.
Now that Jesus has completed His atoning work, every true follower of Jesus now goes to be directly in God’s presence in Heaven (Revelation 6:9-11). Just as Paul states, “to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Conclusion: Sheol and Abraham’s Bosom serve as vital components of biblical teachings regarding the afterlife. They reflect the duality of existence beyond this world—between a realm of gloom and darkness and a realm of comfort and hope. Ultimately, these concepts remind believers of the divine justice, the assurance of rewards for the righteous, and the importance of living a life aligned with God’s will to partake in the blessings of Abraham’s Bosom.
We are to believe, trust in, and to follow Jesus. There is but only ONE way to Heaven… and that is through Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 