Luke 16:19–31 shows that, prior to Christ's resurrection, Hades was divided into two realms: a place of comfort where Lazarus was (Abraham's bosom or Abraham's side) and a place of torment where the rich man was.
Before the cross, the spirits of those who died in faith of a coming redeemer, went to a place that came to be known as Paradise. The Jews also called it Abraham’s Bosom. It was located in Sheol, which is Hebrew for “the abode of the dead. ” Its Greek name is Hades.
Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) above....They did not go directly to Heaven because Heaven was only opened to believers after the cross. When Jesus rose from the dead, these spirits were taken to Heaven (Ephesians 4:8).
Wasn't story about Lazarus a parable? As in a story to convey a lesson? Not a recounting of a thing that actually occurred? Like the story of the prodigal son?
Patriotism (and religion) is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
