Gates of Hell

The region of Bashan, which includes the area of Caesarea Philippi, near the city of Dan, was associated with the underworld or Sheol or Hades, where the spirits of the dead, including the Rephaim (ancient kings), were believed to dwell.  Mount Hermon (Transfiguration), a prominent feature in the landscape of Bashan, was also seen as a place of evil and a gateway to the underworld. 

Caesarea Philippi, the Grotto of Pan, a deep cave with a spring at its mouth, (Spring of B[P]anias) was believed to be an entrance to the underworld, or "the gates of hell" by the pagan inhabitants. The spring, believed to be a path for gods to travel between earth and the underworld, was a central feature of their beliefs. Pagans grusomely offered infant baby sacrifices into the pool.  If the baby or other animal was mutilated and blood seen flowing the lower waters the offering was considered rejected.  If the infant or animal simply sank and disappeared it was considered accepted. 

This juxtaposed to the temple baptism for the dead which is performed in fonts on the back of 12 oxen (bulls of Bashan or 12 tribes of Israel) . Instead of throwing in your child to be killed, Latter-day children are being baptized in pools of water spiritually saving our children and others whose work is performed in sacred temples.  

Psalm 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

Place where Abraham rescued Lot.(Gen 14:14) Place where Joshua defeated 5 tribes (Joshua 11:3). Place were Israel intermarried with pagan tribes. (Judges 3:3). Place were Jereboam built a false temple (1 King 12:29-30). Mount Herman (Transfiguration) was the place were Peter Janes and John were given sealing keys. Ceserea Philippi is located in the uncoincidently contested area of the Golan Heights.