PreserveMF, it is my understanding from reading the Bible that when Jesus died, he went to hell and "PREACHED SALVATION" to those held in Paradise......those in paradise were the ones who worship God previously. If they accept Him they also rose from the grave with him when He came up out of the grave. After that, people did not go to Paradise..........you either accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and go to heaven OR you don't and by not accepting Him you choose to go to hell. God gives His WAY to people and every person makes their own choice....heaven or hell. The Bible also says that when a Believer IN Jesus dies this is what happens..........TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD. Hope this helps. People don't realize it but when you give our life to the Lord Jesus, He comes into you and begins, by the work of the Holy Spirit, to change your heart, your attitude and everything about you.......because He loves you so much He wants you to be free of all intanglements of the past. JESUS LOVES YOU.