My question concerns revelation chapter 20. The Bible seems to indicate that the final “resting” place of the wicked will be in the lake of fire. Is this the same place as hell? What does it mean by death and hades and they gave up their dead? Where are the unsaved kept until the Great White Throne Judgment. OK, I guess that is three questions.
The Great White Throne judgment is the event where all the unsaved from the age of man will be assigned their final destiny. From the time of their death until they stand before the throne they are being kept in a temporary place called Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek where they are being tormented by the devil. (In the KJV both words are translated as Hell.) Until the cross, the saved also went to this place, but were comforted by Abraham while they waited for the Lord’s sacrifice to open the gates of Heaven. After the resurrection, He took the believers to Heaven. The unsaved remained where they were.
When Rev. 20:13 says that death and Hades (Hell) gave up the dead that were in them, it means the dead will be taken to stand for judgment before the Great White Throne. Then death and Hades (Hell) and anyone who’s name is not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire to join Satan, the anti-Christ and the false prophet, where they’ll all be tormented day and night forever. (Rev. 20:10,15)