Heaven, hell, and saving souls: Were we always wrong?

Abstract

Is the Bible clear on heaven, hell, and eternity? This question is important for the mission of the church. In recent books, N.T. Wright challenges the concepts of heaven and hell and the saving of souls for eternal heaven or the proclamation of judgement to those who are lost. Although his view is one of critical realism, which differs substantially from Bultmann’s demythologizing of the Bible as viewpoint, there are some similarities. Hans Küng also has some questions regarding traditional views on eternity. Bram van de Beek, however, explains that it is necessary to mention that this world is not our abode. In discussing biblical texts such as many parables and many of Paul’s utterances, one must regard the references to eternal life and the reality of heaven and hell as essential in the proclamation of the gospel. God’s grace is, however, much more glorious and encompassing than his wrath.