[boatbums]

You almost got it. Before Jesus died on the cross and rose again, those who died went to Hades, yes. But Hades had two compartments. Paradise (”Abraham's Bosom”), as Jesus spoke of in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, and Sheol.

The righteous went to Paradise (those who trusted in the coming Messiah, the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world). The wicked went to Sheol. Before the final sacrifice of Christ, sin was only covered (expiated) and God would never even look upon sin nor allow it to defile Heaven. When Christ died on the cross, the “veil of the Temple was torn” remember? Scripture says Jesus descended into Hades and “led captivity captive.”

1.Psalm 68:18
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

2.Ephesians 4:8
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

He brought those souls in Paradise to Heaven with him. They will receive their glorified bodies when the Rapture happens. “We will not all die, but we will all be changed” I Thess 4.

Jesus’ resurrection proves that sin has been paid for (propitiation) not just covered.

Those who were in Sheol are still there and will be until Hell is created for Satan, his demons, the anti-christ, the false prophet, at the end of the Millennial reign of Christ. At the “Second Judgment” the “Great White Throne Judgment) those in Sheol will be judged - their names will not be found in the Lamb's book of life and they will be cast into Hell for eternity. I have lots more Scripture passages to show this if you'd like.

[RobRoy]

>>The righteous went to Paradise (those who trusted in the coming Messiah, the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world).<<

That one confuses me. The blood of Christ is a concept understood only by post Resurrection Christians, to the best of my knowledge. And the OT is very clear that nobody was/is righteous. I also see Lazarus and the rich man as a parable.
Here is an interesting diatribe on the subject:
http://www.jeremyandchristine.com/articles/lazarus.html

[Brookhaven]

I already understood all that. I just didn’t feel that long an explination was needed at the time.

Good job explaining it all though.

[Marysecretary]

Thank you for your fine explanation, boatbums.