Themelios is an international evangelical theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well. It was formerly a print journal operated by RTSF/UCCF in the United Kingdom, and it became a digital journal operated by The Gospel Coalition in 2008. The new editorial team, led by D.A. Carson, seeks to preserve representation, in both essayists and reviewers, from both sides of the Atlantic. Each issue contains articles on important theological themes, as well as book reviews and discussion—from the most important evangelical voices of our time.
“According to J. Jeremias, three significant changes occurred:1 (a) the concept of resurrection gave rise to the idea that the dead would not remain in Sheol for ever; (b) Greek and Persian views on retribution after death resulted in the division of the underworld into different compartments for the righteous and the wicked; (c) the Greek concept of immortality led to the idea that the righteous went directly to heaven whereas the wicked descended to Sheol, which consequently was perceived as a place of punishment.” (Page 41)
“According to W. Brueggemann,2 māwet is used in three distinctive ways: (a) biologically, indicating ‘the end of historical life’ (e.g. Gn. 21:16); (b) mythologically, ‘as a power, agent or principle’ (e.g. Jb. 18:13; Je. 9:21);3 and (c) symbolically, ‘as the loss of rich, joyous existence as willed by God’ (e.g. Dt. 30:15; Ps. 13:3–4).” (Page 41)
“Secondly, in a significant proportion of passages Sheol is linked unquestionably with evil-doers” (Page 44)
“Taken together these observations would seem to indicate that Sheol does indeed denote the ultimate abode of the wicked alone.” (Page 44)
“Eschatology and ethics are inextricably linked. The glimpses of the future afforded by the New Testament are designed not to satisfy our curiosity about the unknown but to stimulate holiness of life.” (Page 51)