Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Several years ago, a group of us had the immense blessing to visit the South Pacific. Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and a couple of other surrounding islands. The beauty was overwhelming. The lush scenery, the clear blue water.
Scuba diving and snorkeling were beyond what can be described. The friendliness of the local community made us feel welcomed and like we were at home. It was all an incredible experience — and never before, or since, have we experienced anything like it. In a word, it was…paradise — a word we used often during our stay.
But there were a few downers. The scenery was extraordinary, and so were the costs. Most of the restaurants were extremely costly, and even in the local markets we frequented, we found very high prices.
While we didn’t let these high costs taint our experience at the time, it certainly was a factor and would have an impact on any decisions as to a return.
Paradise yes, but not perfect. It was paradise because of where we lived and what our experiences had been. For the locals, who struggled as any group of people do, it was beautiful, yes, but still, life came with troubles.
What Is Paradise?
Growing up, so many of us thought of heaven as a place we go when we die. “We step out into heaven.” The image that was painted for us as kids was one of angels with wings and harps floating on the clouds. But it was perfection.
What many though don’t think about is that “heaven” was created in the beginning with the earth. It is not something that exists eternally but rather a part of creation. The very first line of the Bible tells us: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
But “heaven” or the “heavens” are spoken of throughout Scripture, primarily as God's dwelling place: a parallel but superior realm where everything operates according to God's will.
Jesus taught us to pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...” (Matthew 6:9-10).
From as early as the third century, many Christian teachers began to teach the idea of “leaving earth and going to heaven,” which became mainstream by the Middle Ages, and the source of what we were taught as kids.
But let’s face it, so many of us still view heaven as a place with gates of pearl, streets paved with gold, and walls of precious jewels — all descriptions on Revelation 21.
We think of heaven as the location of the throne of God and the angels of God, and the eternal dwelling place of the righteous dead in the afterlife. Of course, all our thoughts, our ideas, and concepts of heaven are given to us by Scripture:
From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind… (Psalms 33:13).
Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
Jesus even told a parable of a beggar named Lazarus and the rich man, in Luke chapter 16, verses 19-31.
In fact, 19 times Jesus revealed that heaven is a real place and God the Father dwells there. A place created by God. A place reserved for us who believe and by believing, given the grace of becoming children of God.
What Is Heaven Like?
We can count on heaven being a real place that we will experience, but the question remains, what will heaven be like? What will our experience be like?
One thing is for sure, we know what heaven won’t be — we won’t be as angels with wings and harps, floating on the clouds. Well, at least I think that’s what it won’t be. We actually know very little about what heaven will be like. The teachings of the Bible don’t paint a complete picture.
But Jesus’ words convince us that heaven is a place of joy, rewards, and treasures:
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:2).
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ… (Philippians 3:20).
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven… (Matthew 5:12).
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven… (Luke 6:23).
And to the thief who was crucified next to Jesus; the one who honored Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus said this:
Then he (the thief) said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Paradise. A word we can use so glibly — as in describing a wonderful vacation spot — but Jesus used it to describe where we would be joining him.
We know from all of Jesus’ words that heaven is the place of eternal life with God after we depart this world. It is a place of rest and peace, as well as perfect union and communion with our Creator, Lord and Savior. Jesus is preparing a special place for us in heaven — with him.
Are the descriptions of heaven contained in Revelation 21 literally true — with gates of pearl, streets paved with gold, and walls of precious jewels?
I have no idea, but this I do know — heaven won't be anything like we imagine. It will be so much greater, far beyond anything we can think or dream. It will be…paradise.
What Do Heaven and Paradise Mean for Christians?
So often in this life, we are asked to trust that God knows better than us. We are asked to trust his perfect judgment. Trust that we are with him. Trust that he always knows what is best for us.
The words of Jesus in Matthew 7 make this clear: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (v. 11).
Paul described it this way:
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…” (Philippians 1:21-23).
Better by far. Paradise. Wow!
Many years ago, I read a story titled “That Is Enough” — the author is unknown:
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room with his tail wagging and an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside... He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough."
What is heaven? I don’t really know, but I know that my Master is there — my Father, my Creator, my Savior — and that is enough. That alone makes it paradise.
For further reading:
What Is Heaven Like According to the Bible?
What Is the Difference Between Heaven and the Eternal State?
Love from the Garden to the Silver Screen
Where Was Jesus During the Three Days Before His Resurrection?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Rasica
