Lenten Quote: The Divine Scandal

Healtheland,

Do our souls go anywhere; I mean when we say "hell" are we really talking about some distinct physical place? I'm not inclined to speculate on where the souls of those who die in Christ go before resurrection, it's just not all that clear from scripture.

Back to Brunner's quote...from the rest of what he says in the source from which this quote came, "hell" is being in wrong relationship with God and others, and in its ultimate and final form, "hell" is banishment from God. I take that to mean that hell is a death that begins for us in this life.

Brunner stresses that since we cannot give our all to God, God in Christ gives his all to us. Descending to the very depths of hell so that we might be freed from it. And consequently that we might have eternal life, that begins for us in this life.

Given that Hell is where God is not, the statement is even more paradoxical. God went to where he isn't.

Of course, I prefer the iconic image of Christ opening the gates of Hell but the concept is the same: Freedom from Death.

What is "hell" exactly? Is it the grave? Is it the lake of fire? Or is it simply where the souls of those who died outside of Christ are awaiting final judgment? And if that be the case, where do the souls of people who died in Christ go until final resurrection?