In discussions regarding the locations of heaven and hell, it is commonly inferred that heaven exists above the earth, while hell is situated below it. Jesus has provided clear explanations about heaven and the dwelling place designated for the redeemed; while Jesus explained the hell as a place of eternal punishment (Matthew 25:56), a place with unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43),a fiery furnace (Matthew 13:42) and the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). Notably, the Old Testament does not reference a location specifically termed “hell,” but it does mention certain places on earth that are deemed uninhabitable. Furthermore, it indicates that wicked people are drawn to these places and engage in various acts of wrongdoing against God.
The Old Testament employs the Hebrew term “tehom” to denote a boundless realm, which is later translated into English as “abyss” and “sheol.” This terminology encapsulates the concept of an expansive, chaotic chasm associated with the underworld. Furthermore, in the New Testament, this designation is utilized to depict the confinement of demonic forces, as outlined in the Book of Revelation. It also serves to describe the confinement of souls who either did not have the opportunity to encounter the Gospel or, having heard the Good News, chose to reject it.
The Fearful and the Fearless
The concept of hell instills fear in the hearts of believers, leading them to diligently adhere to the statutes of the Word of God in an effort to avoid this fiery abode. In addition to their concerns regarding hell, believers often harbor anxieties about their future, apprehensions about the punishment of God, and at times, trepidation towards nature, which they may mistakenly interpret as omens of impending misfortune. They also fear negative remarks from others, and indeed, the list of their fears seems endless. Consequently, God consistently encourages individuals not to be fearful of that which may harm the body but cannot affect the soul.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28 (NIV)
This serves as an encouraging message to those who love God, yet presents a daunting reality for those who do not. The emphasis lies in the notion of not allowing worldly fears to overwhelm us. It is only through an understanding of God’s supremacy over all things that one can interpret this message as uplifting; otherwise, it may present a terrifying image of God and His nature. Those who do not have love for God are preoccupied with thoughts of hell, whereas those who love Him recognize that the challenges and adversities of this world cannot harm their souls, which have been redeemed by God and are on a continual path toward eternal life.
The amount of guilt feeling as the outcome of committed sin one has in his heart causes fear about the wrath of God till the time he hears the good news that his sins were forgiven by God approximately two thousand years ago. Only when we discern the truth of the Word of God, we can disregard the fears that the world brings in into our hearts. The scripture encourages us not fear but to have discerning Spirit, that is the Holy Spirit.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Experience Of Heaven and Hell on Earth
Most individuals anticipate their reward in heaven and assume that, if deemed wicked by God, a fiery place—hell—awaits them. Many believers view the tribulations of this world as inevitable and have grown accustomed to them, reasoning that the greater their suffering, the more substantial their reward in heaven will be. In their quest for heavenly rewards, they often inflict torment upon themselves on earth, unaware of how to find solace. When Jesus and His disciples were at sea, tossed about by tumultuous waves and a raging storm, He did not permit them to perish; instead, He reassured them of peace. He calmed the winds and the waves to provide protection and comfort to His disciples during their time on earth. Jesus later also prayed to His Father, requesting that they be safeguarded from evil rather than removed from the earth (John 17:15). Although Jesus assured us of the existence of mansions in His Father’s abode, He desires for us to remain on this earth to acclimate to living a life similar to heaven here and now. For, just as Jesus descended to this earth, He brought heaven with Him.
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
Living on this earth, the grace bestowed upon us to address God as our Abba Father exemplifies the existence of the Kingdom of God within our realm. The testimony of Paul, wherein he asserts that the troubles of this world have no bearing on him, as recorded in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, serves as a practical illustration of the life of His Kingdom manifested on this earth. In order to align our earthly existence with the glorious life of heaven, it is essential to acknowledge that God consistently accompanies us through every challenge we encounter (Isaiah 43:2).
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 5:22 (NIV)
In the original Greek, Jesus employed the term Gehenna in the aforementioned statement to symbolize hell, alluding to the Hinnom Valley situated near Jerusalem. This valley served as a focal point for pagan worship, where monarchs such as Ahaz and Manasseh engaged in the abhorrent practice of “passing their children through the fire” to Molech. King Josiah subsequently dismantled the altars in Topheth, located within the valley, in an effort to cease these sacrificial rites (2 Kings 23:10).
The Hebrew term Ge-Hinnom served as the etymological foundation for the Greek term Gehenna, which is employed in the New Testament to denote hell or a place of eternal punishment. Gehenna functioned as a refuse dump for waste and animal carcasses from the Temple, consequently becoming associated with burning and decay. Furthermore, this site, located outside Jerusalem, evolved into a place for individuals who sinned against God. Thus, it is essential to recognize that Jesus referenced a terrestrial location akin to hell, wherein sinners become acquainted with their existence in that realm.
So he poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war.
It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand;
it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.
Isaiah 42:25 (NIV)
The Ultimate Truth
Apparently, Jesus refers to earthly locations as representations of heaven and hell to enlighten and prepare us for the realities we may encounter. Simply put, being in communion with God constitutes heaven, whereas living in absence of God represents hell. God admonishes those who have become accustomed to a life reminiscent of hell to repent and seek Him, in order to embrace the blessings of heaven right here on earth. If we learn to pray as Jesus instructed us, in truth and spirit, saying, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we will experience a life imbued with the peace bestowed by God; otherwise, we shall be swept away by the tribulations of this world, living a life akin to hell.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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