Realistic Visions of Paradise

Most of us look forward to some form of paradise.

But it can mean different things to different people.  Some opinions are well-defined.  Others are vague.

And most squabbles about what or where it is fall short of any realistic consensus, because traditional beliefs rarely sacrifice their sacred cows without a fight. Many of these visions contrived by men have been firmly embedded in teaching institutions and congregations for centuries.

As a result, the real impact of the term “Paradise” on God’s people is seldom experienced since the unchecked human imagination has no boundaries in the absence of Biblical exegesis.

So then, what can the texts of the Bible itself actually tell me?

Literally translated in the Bible, this Greek word παράδεισος [pará-dā-sôs] is defined as “a place of blessedness, from the base meaning of garden.” And nothing in the three instances of its usage in the New Testament suggests this term to indicate anything other than an incomprehensible but glorified existence or environment in the immediate presence of the Creator. [see: Lk.22:43, 2Cor. 12:4, Rev. 2:7]

So, what’s the important thing for me to understand about ‘Paradise?  

In Luke’s gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, our Lord’s response to the criminal being crucified beside Him was profound on many levels:

“But the other [criminal being crucified with Jesus] answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man has done nothing wrong.’  And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You might come in Your kingdom!’ And He [Jesus] said to him, “Truly I say to you today, you shall [future tense] be with Me in Paradise.”   [Lk. 23:40-43]

As an inductive reader, it’s critical for me to consider the context of the criminal’s question to Jesus in the preceding sentence.  He was painfully aware that both he and this guy they called “King of the Jews” were on the brink of death, yet he made no petition for his “spirit” to be able to accompany that of our Lord’s on any journey into disembodied bliss.

There was, however, a plea to be remembered at the appropriate time, that is, whenever Jesus “might come into His kingdom.” The Greek grammar and the context of the conversation clearly indicate that both he and Jesus perceived His kingdom as something to transpire in the future.

The text reveals nothing about the two criminals regarding their knowledge of the Jews, the Scriptures or its prophesy.  It only records one repentant man’s desperate appeal to share in something he could only hope for.

Paradise is surely the sum of unimaginable splendor soon be revealed in all fullness upon Jesus Christ’s return to the Earth, where God, the Father shall ultimately bring together all creation under His direct authority for the purpose of amplifying His glory and Divine objectives. [see: 1Cor. 15]

But perhaps the real significance of Paradise lies more in how it was used rather than its definition.

The Bible only records Jesus promising it to one person.

What kind of person was he?