Matthew 12:40 "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Some denominations speak of a doctrine called "Purgatory", which is supposed to be an in-between place where people who are righteous before God, went to, and still go to (people whom God imputes righteousness to, Old & New Testament). It is my belief, however, and that of others who study the correct Biblical Doctrine, that this place is actually called "Paradise" and "Abraham's Bosom". That this abode was a place that OLD TESTAMENT saints went to, which were men and women accounted as righteous for their belief in God.
Jesus told the thief crucified beside him, who called out to him saying "Lord remember me when you come into your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42), saying "TODAY, shalt thou be with me in paradise" Luke (verse 43). When Jesus was raised from the dead and Mary Magdalene was the first to see him risen, he told her to not touch him because he had "not yet ascended to his Father in Heaven" (John 20:17). Where was Jesus for those 3 days? Do the Holy Scriptures actually answer this question?
Ephesians 4:8-12 "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ"
(Did the thief crucified beside Jesus, go to Paradise with him THAT DAY, as Christ promised? YES!)
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I am a graduate of Liberty University (1996) for completion of theological studies (33 college credits), and I completed "Bible Survey" with Assemblies of God - Berean College. I consider myself a "Bapticostal" (a Baptist also having Pentecostal beliefs). Bible studies are one of my most-covered book subjects. I am, however, careful to only address those subjects I believe God has given me correct revelation on. I was a Christian Youth Minister, beginning in 1983 for approximately 18 years. During, between and after youth ministries I served in other church capacities as well, including interim pastoring and retirement home ministry. MOST IMPOTANTLY, I am a redeemed man, who has received salvation by acceptance of Jesus Christ (John 3:16) and what he did for me in shedding his blood and dying for me on the cross, and in his resurrection from the dead, giving me the promise of eternal life, purely by grace; not due to anything I have done, other than to accept it freely.