The Book of Revelation and other biblical texts offer complex and sometimes debated perspectives on death, resurrection, and the afterlife. Here's a breakdown of the concepts you're asking about:
1. Different Views of the Afterlife:
* Traditional Christian View (Not Necessarily Revelation's): Many Christian denominations believe that upon death, a person's soul goes to either Heaven (a state of blessedness in God's presence) or Hell (a state of separation from God) to await the final judgment. This view often draws from various biblical passages, not just Revelation.
* The Book of Revelation's Perspective: Revelation's portrayal is more focused on *future* events. It emphasizes the following:
* An Intermediate State (Sometimes): Some interpretations suggest an intermediate state (like "Paradise") for some righteous souls after death and before the final resurrection. However, this isn't explicitly stated in Revelation itself but is inferred by some.
* The Second Coming (Parousia): A core belief is the future return of Jesus Christ to Earth.
* Resurrection: The dead will be raised from their graves, both the righteous and the unrighteous.
* Final Judgment: Jesus will judge all people based on their deeds and faith.
* New Heaven and New Earth: After the judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where the righteous will dwell in eternal peace and fellowship with Him.
2. The Events Described in Revelation:
* The Second Coming: This is a central event. Revelation describes Jesus returning in glory, accompanied by angels and with great power.
* Resurrection of the Dead: Revelation 20:12-13 describes the dead being raised and judged: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books... The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done."
* Judgment: All people will be judged, and their eternal destiny (Heaven or Hell/Lake of Fire) will be determined.
* Eternal State: The righteous will inherit the New Heaven and New Earth, while the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire (symbolic of eternal separation from God).
3. Contradictions and Interpretations:
* "Everyone Goes to Heaven" vs. Judgment: The idea that "everyone goes to heaven" directly contradicts the concept of judgment in Revelation. Revelation clearly states that there will be a separation of the righteous and the unrighteous. Not all will be saved.
* Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation: The Book of Revelation is highly symbolic. Many of its images (beasts, dragons, numbers, etc.) are not meant to be taken literally. Different Christian traditions have vastly different approaches to interpreting these symbols. Some take a more literal (futurist) approach, while others interpret it more allegorically or historically.
In summary:
* Revelation doesn't teach that everyone automatically goes to heaven upon death.
* It describes a future resurrection, judgment, and the establishment of an eternal state.
* The book is highly symbolic, and its interpretation is complex and varied among Christians.
* The final destination (Heaven or Hell) is based on the divine judgment after resurrection.
It's crucial to consult various theological resources and biblical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of these complex concepts. Also, keep in mind that different denominations and individual Christians hold varying beliefs regarding the afterlife.