I have a question - about 2 seperate verses, I don't recall where they are to be found - where there is reference to the souls in prison as well as the reference to Abraham's side. Here we see both a Hades and Paradise referred to that many believe existed before Jesus died and opened the gates of Paradise. Obviously, there were exceptions like Elijah going straight to heaven but a general consensus amongst many Christians is that the OT belivers did not go directly to heaven but had to spend time in a 'waiting room' until Jesus came and opened the doors to heaven - I don't believe this but many do, what do you guys think and how do we explain the verses that refer to 'souls in prison' and 'Abraham's side'

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine