The idea of paradise fills many with hope and curiosity, and the Bible gives us glimpses of this beautiful promise. God’s Word paints a picture of eternal joy and peace. Today, let’s look at how Scripture describes paradise and what awaits believers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Paradise
Genesis 2:8-9
“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
This verse introduces the concept of paradise as the garden of Eden. It depicts a place of beauty, abundance, and harmony, where God created a perfect environment for humanity to dwell with Him. The presence of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil indicates the freedom of choice and the potential consequences that accompany it.
Paradise, in its original form, represents the ideal state of communion between God and mankind, where all of their needs are fulfilled and they enjoy harmonious fellowship with one another.
Revelation 2:7
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
This verse presents paradise as the ultimate reward for those who remain faithful to Christ. The tree of life, mentioned in both Genesis and Revelation, symbolizes eternal life and restoration to the state of paradise that was lost through sin.
In paradise, believers will experience the fullness of God’s presence, enjoy eternal fellowship with Him, and partake in the joys of everlasting life.
Luke 23:43
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
In this verse, Jesus speaks to one of the criminals crucified beside Him. He assures the repentant criminal that he will be granted immediate access to paradise upon his death. It exemplifies God’s mercy, grace, and willingness to offer salvation to anyone who turns to Him in faith, regardless of their past.
Paradise, in this context, represents the blissful state of being with Jesus in His heavenly kingdom, experiencing His love and forgiveness for all eternity.
2 Corinthians 12:4
“He was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”
This verse refers to the apostle Paul’s out-of-body experience, where he was taken to paradise and encountered divine revelations. Paul’s description of paradise as a place where he heard indescribable things emphasizes its incomprehensible beauty and glory.
Paradise is portrayed as a realm beyond human comprehension, where the hidden mysteries of God are revealed and experienced in a way that surpasses earthly limitations.
Matthew 25:34
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”
These words of Jesus convey the promise of inheriting the kingdom of God as a form of paradise. The kingdom is depicted as a prepared inheritance, awaiting righteous believers since the very beginning of creation.
Paradise, in this context, represents the culmination of God’s eternal plan, where believers will receive their reward and enter into everlasting joy, peace, and intimate communion with the King of kings.
Revelation 22:1-2
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
This verse describes the heavenly city in paradise, where the river of the water of life symbolizes the presence of God, providing spiritual sustenance and eternal satisfaction. The tree of life, now depicted on either side of the river, represents the continual provision of abundant life and healing.
In paradise, believers will experience unfading spiritual nourishment, perpetual growth, and complete restoration of body, soul, and spirit.
2 Timothy 4:18
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his confident hope in being delivered from all harm and safely brought into the heavenly kingdom. This speaks to the assurance that paradise awaits those who faithfully endure trials and persecution.
Paradise, here, represents a place of ultimate security and triumph over evil, where believers will eternally worship and glorify the Lord who has rescued them.
Luke 23:39-43
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ 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.’”
This passage tells the story of the crucifixion, where one of the criminals recognizes Jesus’ innocence and acknowledges Him as the Messiah. In response to the criminal’s plea, Jesus promises him immediate access to paradise.
Paradise, in this context, signifies the immediate entry into the presence of Christ upon physical death, highlighting the offer of salvation and eternal life even in the final moments of one’s earthly existence.
2 Peter 3:13
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
This verse points to the future restoration of all things, where God will create a new heaven and a new earth, a renewed paradise where righteousness reigns forever.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, where His perfect justice and righteousness prevail and all creation experiences complete restoration and harmony.
Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Through these words of David, the psalmist, the idea of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is presented as a form of paradise. It symbolizes the constant presence of God’s goodness, love, and provision throughout one’s entire life and for eternity.
Paradise, in this context, represents the intimate, eternal fellowship believers have with God, where they find complete satisfaction and security in His presence.
1 Corinthians 2:9
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
In this verse, Paul quotes from Isaiah to convey the incomprehensibility of the blessings and joys that await those who love God. It suggests that the glories of paradise are beyond human imagination and understanding.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the overwhelming abundance of God’s love, grace, and blessings that await believers, surpassing anything they could possibly comprehend in their present earthly state.
Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
This verse speaks to the heavenly citizenship of believers and their anticipation of the return of Jesus, who will transform their mortal bodies into glorious, imperishable forms like His own.
Paradise, in this context, represents the complete transformation of believers into their perfected state, where they will be freed from the limitations and decay of this world and fully participate in the heavenly realm.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Through these words of David, the psalmist, the experience of joy and eternal pleasures in God’s presence is highlighted as a form of paradise. It emphasizes the satisfaction and eternal delight found in intimate communion with God.
Paradise, in this context, depicts the ceaseless joy and fulfillment believers will experience, being in the presence of God, and partaking in the fullness of His love and goodness forever.
John 14:2-3
“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.”
In these words of Jesus, He assures His disciples of the existence of heavenly dwellings prepared for believers in His Father’s house. He promises to return and personally bring them to be with Him.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the personalized and prepared place of belonging and unity with Christ for all who believe in Him, filled with His love and glory.
Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
Through these words of David, the psalmist expresses his heartfelt desire to continually dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold His beauty, and seek His presence.
Paradise, in this context, signifies the eternal enjoyment of God’s presence and glory, where believers will have unhindered communion with the Lord, experiencing the depth of His beauty and love.
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the temporary nature of present sufferings and compares them to the incomparable glory that will be revealed in believers.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the future manifestation of God’s glory within believers, where their suffering and trials will pale in comparison to the unimaginable joy and rewards that await them.
John 10:27-28
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
In these words of Jesus, He assures His followers that they will receive eternal life from Him and be securely held in His protective and loving care.
Paradise, in this context, represents the unshakable security and eternal life granted to believers as they intimately know and follow Jesus, resting confidently in His loving embrace.
Isaiah 65:17
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
Through these words of the prophet Isaiah, God speaks of His plan to create a new heavens and a new earth, where the former things will be forgotten and replaced by His renewed creation.
Paradise, in this sense, symbolizes the complete restoration and renewal of all things, where the scars and effects of sin will be eradicated, and believers will dwell in a perfect realm of God’s design.
1 Peter 1:4
“and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
This verse speaks of the imperishable inheritance that awaits believers, one that cannot be corrupted or diminished. It emphasizes the eternal nature of the reward that God has planned for His children.
Paradise, in this context, represents the everlasting possession and enjoyment of the inheritance reserved in heaven for believers, free from the decay and imperfections of the world.
Romans 2:7
“To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Paul highlights the promise of eternal life for those who persistently pursue righteousness, seeking glory, honor, and immortality.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the culmination of believers’ pursuit of God’s kingdom, where they will be rewarded with everlasting life and stand in the presence of glory, honor, and immortality.
Psalm 145:13
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”
Through these words, the psalmist acknowledges the eternal nature of God’s kingdom and affirms His trustworthiness and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Paradise, in this context, signifies the eternal reign of God and the perpetuity of His dominion, where believers will enjoy the trustworthy promises of the Lord forever.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
In this verse, Jesus promises a multiplied reward for those who have sacrificed earthly possessions and relationships for the sake of following Him. He assures them of receiving eternal life as an inheritance.
Paradise, in this sense, represents the immeasurable blessings and rewards awaiting those who prioritize eternal matters over temporal ones, including the gift of everlasting life in Christ’s presence.
Ezekiel 36:35
“They will say, ‘This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.’”
These words of the prophet Ezekiel depict the restoration of the land from desolation to fertility, comparing it to the garden of Eden. It speaks to the complete transformation and renewal that God brings about.
Paradise, in this context, symbolizes the restoration of all things by God’s power, where the effects of sin and destruction are reversed, and beauty, abundance, and life reign supreme.