What Is Paradise?

Introduction

When Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross, He made a powerful promise:

Luke 23:43

“Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

That single word — Paradise — has created many questions.

What is Paradise?
Is it heaven?
Is it temporary?
Where is it now?

Rather than speculating, we will let Scripture define what we can know clearly — and acknowledge what it does not fully explain.

1. The Meaning of the Word “Paradise”

The word Paradise comes from a term meaning:

• Garden

• Enclosed place of blessing

• Place of delight

It conveys rest, beauty, and nearness to God. It is not described as a place of punishment. It is described as a place of comfort.

2. Paradise in Luke 23

When Jesus told the thief:

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise”

He was promising:

• Immediate presence

• Relationship continuing beyond death

• Comfort, not separation

The key phrase is:

“With Me.”

Paradise is defined not merely by location — but by presence with Christ.

3. Paradise and Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16)

In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus describes:

• Lazarus in comfort

• The rich man in torment

• A fixed separation

Lazarus is described as being in “Abraham’s bosom,” a phrase associated with comfort and rest. Many understand this to describe the righteous side of Hades prior to resurrection.

What is clear from the passage:

• There is conscious awareness after death
• There is comfort for the righteous
• There is separation from the unrighteous
• It is not yet the final resurrection

Scripture does not give full structural details — but it gives enough to show comfort and security for the righteous.

4. Paradise After the Resurrection

Paul also references Paradise:

2 Corinthians 12:4

“Caught up into paradise…”

And in Revelation:

Revelation 2:7

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

By Revelation, Paradise is clearly connected to God’s eternal dwelling and restoration.

This suggests continuity between:

• Immediate presence with Christ

• Future resurrection

• Eternal life in God’s restored creation

5. What We Can Say Clearly

From Scripture, we can say:

1. Paradise is a place of blessing and comfort.

2. Jesus promised immediate presence there to the believing thief.

3. It is associated with being “with Christ.”

4. It connects to the promise of eternal life and restoration.

What we should not do:

• Build detailed maps Scripture does not provide
• Speculate beyond what is written
• Create imagery driven by tradition instead of text

6. Why This Matters

Paradise reminds us that for those who belong to Jesus:

Death is not abandonment. It is presence. The comfort promised is not vague. It is relational. The greatest promise of Paradise is not scenery — it is Christ Himself.

Teaching Summary

Paradise in Scripture describes a place of blessing and comfort in the presence of Christ. It reflects the immediate continuation of relationship with Him and points forward to eternal restoration.