Here is the Heresy
The American church teaches that once a “Christian” dies their Spirit is instantly in the presence of the Lord in Heaven. Yet Jesus told us the story (not a parable) about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16). Here we are told of two existing locations. Hades is for the wicked and Paradise for the righteous. These two locations are still populated with souls until their respective judgment day. The rebellious sinner (Great White Throne Judgment) is sent into the Lake of Fire to spend an eternity. The righteous saint (Bema Seat Judgment) rules and reigns with Jesus in His Kingdom.
Here is the Truth
When a person dies their soul goes immediately to Hades (rejectors of God & Christ) or it goes to Paradise (lovers of God and Jesus). Here they await their respective judgement day which will eventually decide their eternal fate.
