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I have to respectfully disagree with both answers and toss in one of my own. In the days before Christ, there was a place of "sleep" called Sheol, which was "the grave." Sheol was divided into two "parts". For instance, in the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Lazarus was in "Abraham's bosom" which was a paradise of sorts...where Lazarus found peace and comfort. Across a great gulf was the rich man in some serious torment...which would have been Hades.
Paradise was a place for guys like Abraham, Noah, Moses and David...believers who died before the redeeming work of Christ on the cross. Hades was for the non-believers. When Jesus died, he descended into Sheol and led the believers from their "captivity" (even though it was a paradise) into heaven. If you'll recall the thief on the cross, Jesus told him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." As he had not yet died, descended to the grave and ascended into heaven, Jesus was telling the guy, that as a believer, he would find himself in paradise when he died. Shortly thereafter, however, he would follow Jesus, along with the others, into heaven.
Once Jesus ascended, however, NOW when believers die, they immediately find themselves in heaven...or rather in the presence of Jesus, who sits at God's right hand in heaven. Non-believers still go to Hades to await their judgment and final sentencing, which is an eternity of torment in hell.
Also, keep in mind, that God does not send anyone to hell...we each choose our own destination by accepting or rejecting Christ. God tells us what we get if we choose Jesus...and he tells us what we get if we don't. Then he leaves the choice to us as individuals. The only person that can save you is Jesus. The only person that condemn you to hell is you...by deciding to reject the one that can save you. Choose wisely, my friend... :0)
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