28. Paradise God's Purpose for Man

Chapter 27
Paradise

The Location and Size of Heaven

Heaven is the home of the redeemed in God. As stated in the beginning of this book, there are three heavens: (1) The air we breath (our atmosphere), (2) the location of the sun, moon, and stars, separated by the firmament (arch in the sky), and (3) the place of heaven where God Almighty and His redeemed saints dwells.

The word "heaven" means air we breath, clouds, sky, stars, firmament (arch in the sky), and where God dwells.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens (plural-including all three heavens) and the earth.

Psm 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the works of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained...

The third heaven is a "place" of being, not simply a spiritual experience.  It is a physical place where God dwells, along with the redeemed saints and angels.  Regarding its size, it will be large enough to house the estimated seventy plus billion people who has ever lived upon the earth since the time of Adam and Eve.  It was always God's desire that everyone become saved and spend eternity with Him (2 Pet 3:9). That, however, is not the case because God gave man a free will to choose what he wants in life.  That would include his eternal destiny, which does not always align itself with God's will.  Of these seventy billion people, about 8.1 billion people are living on the earth today. How many saints will end up in heaven is unknown.  It will, however, only be a remnant of all the people who have ever lived upon the earth since the time of Adam and Eve.

Heaven also contains an innumerable number of angels. For heaven to house all the saints (past, present, and future), as well as God's angels, it would only make sense that heaven would have to be an immense place (Heb 12:22-23; Jer 33:22).  The books of Hebrews and Jeremiah tell us there is an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly of the Church, and the saints under the Old Covenant.  Jeremiah stated that all the hosts of heaven cannot be numbered, just as the sands of the sea measured.

Three Areas of Heaven

There appears to be three separate areas in heaven: (1) Paradise, (2) the New Jerusalem (Holy City), and (3) the Throneroom of God.   Within the Holy City; however, rests the throneroom that rest on the mountaintop of God.  Each area of heaven seems to have its own special function. Paradise has played such a vital role in our understanding of heaven, so let's examine Paradise to receive a greater perspective of heaven in general. 

Paradise

In our last chapter, we brought the Tribulation Period up to the final phase of right before Jesus returns to earth for the Battle of Armageddon.  Right now, let's switch gears and look upward to what has been going on in heaven for these past seven years.  But first, we need to look at Paradise - its origin, and how God transferred it to various places to finally end up in heaven, as it presently houses the departed redeemed of the Lord who are awaiting their glorified bodies.

Man's most accurate understanding of the vastness of heaven can only be validated by what Scripture gives us. While heaven will be the believers eternal home, lived out forever, we often use our imagination speculating beyond what we know to be truth.  Scripture validation will primarily be used here to explain heaven; however, speculation and experiences will also be noted. 

Paradise - Garden Headquarters for Lucifer on the Earth

Paradise could have been the garden headquarters for Lucifer upon the earth. 

Ez 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God...

Paradise - Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve

After God spent six days creating the earth, God then created Adam and Eve in His own image (Gen 1:2-27).   God provided a beautiful garden for them.  The Greek name for the Garden of Eden is Paradise (Gr. paradeisos, “beautiful garden”). 

Gen 2:8-15 The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed...Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

This garden was lush, filled with foliage, having trees that were pleasant to the sight, bearing fruit good for eating. The Tree of Life, with its fruit, was in the midst of the garden, had a river flow out of it to water the ground. That river then continued outside of the garden to form four rivers to water the earth.  This water of life could then bring forth lush foliage and trees throughout the earth very much like what was in the Garden of God in Eden.

There Adam and Eve dwelt until they sinned against God, which some biblical scholars claim it was only about a week or so.  Following their fall to Satan, God drove them out of the garden and placed angels guard around it to prevent them from entering back in.  Why?  Because the Tree of Life was in the center of the garden giving out life.  Had they continued living in the garden, they could partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, which gave life - life to continue on forever.  Because they were now tainted with sin, God had to cast them out of the garden.  God later removed the Garden from the earth.  As such, the Tree of Life was also removed, preventing all forms of life to continue on forever.

Paradise - Abraham's Bosom in the Core of the Earth (Hell)

Many biblical scholars claim that God’s beautiful garden, referred to also as Paradise, moved to the bowels of the earth - known to us as part of hell.  While we do not have scriptural support to verify this, we do know this:  Either God moved Paradise or He created another Paradise in the core of the earth that resembled the Paradise that was the Garden in Eden.  Ephesians 4:8-9, however, leads us to believe Paradise in the earth was then moved to heaven.

The word "hell" is an English word for the Hebrew word "sheol," and the Greek word "hades."  All three words mean the same thing - the underground place of the dead.  Hell, as we know it was divided into two different groups:

• Abraham's bosom - a garden-like place of beauty and comfort where the departed souls of those who loved God and His ways rested.  There they awaited their release to receive their glorified bodies.
• The place of torment and flames -  A place for the departed souls who chose to deny God and His ways.

Separating the two places was a chasm where neither side could cross over to the other.

Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.  But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.²⁴ “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ ²⁷ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ²⁸ for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ ³⁰ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ³¹ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” nkjv

According to the Jewish Talmad, the term “Abraham’s bosom” describes a beautiful garden where God’s people – the faithful Jews - went following their death.   It was a temporary holding place where Abraham, the “father of faith,” welcomed all his children home until they were able to go to their final reward of the land as God had covenanted with Abraham and heaven above.   

Jesus referred to Abraham’s bosom as Paradise when He hung on the cross.  The thief next to Him had come to recognize Jesus as the true Messiah and he was begging Jesus not to forget about him.  Jesus then promised him saying "today, you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43).  That day, Jesus and the thief both died and God bought them down to Abraham's bosom.  On the third day after Jesus' death, God raised His Son from the dead out of Abraham's bosom

• Believers in Christ – those who have died after the resurrection of Christ no longer go to Paradise in the core of the earth.  They now go to Paradise in heaven to await their glorified bodies.

Paradise - A Place in Heaven Where Saints Await Their Glorified Bodies

As was brought out earlier, there are three separate areas in heaven: (1) Paradise, (2) the New Jerusalem (Holy City), and (3) the Throneroom of God.  Each area of heaven seems to have its own special function.  Let's look at the place in heaven called Paradise, which is the resting place for all the departed saints who are awaiting their glorified bodies. It's location appears to be on the plains or foothills surrounding the Holy City - the Mountain of God - and the throneroom of God resting on the top. 

Paradise in heaven resembles the other Paradises with its lush greenery, trees, and flowers.  The Tree of Life is also planted there for the eating of the departed saints, along with rivers flowing down the mountain of God, bring forth the waters of life and refreshing to everyone.

Rev 2:7...To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

The Bible teaches that “the righteous” in Christ will live in Paradise when they depart from this life to await their glorious bodies.  They will join the Old Testament saints who were in Abraham's bosom before it was transferred to heaven as the Garden of God/Paradise.    

The Apostle Paul explains his miraculous experience in Paradise in II Cor 12:1-7.  Whether he had an out of body experience (NDE), or he actually died, he could not say.  He saw and heard things that were so fabulous -  "literally out of this world."  This experience not only blessed him, but gave us hope as it gives us a glimpse of heaven as well. 

2 Cor 12:1-4… I knew a man in Christ about fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Rev 2:7 ...to him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

What Happens to Believers Upon Death?

When death occurs, the human flesh decomposes. While many forms of disposals take place, most people are buried in the grave or cremated.  Our bodies originally came from dust, and the Lord tells us that our bodies will return to the same (Gen 2:7; Gen 3:19).  The spirit/soul will separate from the dead body and will immediately be delivered to either paradise in heaven or hell.  As an unbeliever in Christ Jesus, that spirit/soul goes straight to hell, while a believer in Christ will go straight to Paradise in heaven.  Both places are holding places to await judgment and our final resting place.  

II Cor 5:8  We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Luke 23:34  And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.

Everyone will have to face their judgment to receive their eternal reward or punishment.

• Believers will receive their resurrected glorified bodies, followed by facing Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive their rewards for their faithfulness while they lived upon the earth.
• Unbelievers, however will remain in hell until the Great White Throne Judgment which follows the 1000-year Millennial Period.  There all unbelievers will stand before God to receive their punishment for what they did upon the earth.  Every deed will be judged.  From there they will be cast into the Eternal Lake of Fire for all eternity.   

Is Man Aware of His Presence After Death

Scripture gives us evidence that believers are consciously aware of their presence in heaven.   In Rev 6:9-11, Scripture gives explanation of the tribulation martyrs in heaven asking the Lord how long it will be until their righteous blood is avenged.  Not having their resurrected bodies at this point, they are fully conscious, having speech and memory.  Whatever form our spirit/soul takes on in heaven, it will be recognized by each other.

II Cor 12:2  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know.  God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

In the same way, those in hell are equally aware of their presence.  Their presence, however, will be one of torment.

Luke 16:22-24 So it was that the beggar died and was carried to Abraham's bosom.  The rich man also died and was buried.  And being in torments in Hades..."for I am tormented in this flame."

What Will Believers Look Like in Paradise?

If our death precedes the upcoming Rapture of the Church, our existence in Paradise will be a temporary state of being until Christ comes to rapture His people unto Himself.  At the time, our decomposed body, or ashes, will be immediately and miraculously resurrected (raptured) into wholeness and be joined to our spirit and soul as immortal, glorified saints, to live forever.

Many people are concerned about those who drowned at sea, cremated with ashes being spread around, and any other ways of decomposure.  We must never forget that God knows and created our DNA.  He originally created Adam (mankind) out of the dust of the ground and no matter what kind of decomposure man would face, God can gather our ashes or body parts to recreate it to immorality.  

Will We Be Sexless in Paradise/Heaven?

In heaven, we will not be sexless.  Males will remain as males and females will remain female.  Whatever sex we were in this life will be heightened to its greatest potential in our resurrected, glorified, immortal bodies.  There will be, however, no giving in marriage in heaven.  We must remember that we are married to Christ. He is our bridegroom, and we are His bride. There will also be no proliferating in heaven as natural men and women have always done.

We will eat in heaven, but it will not be necessary for life; only for pleasure. Scripture seems to indicate that we will not have to eat and drink, but we will do so for pleasure.  After Jesus' resurrection, He ate literal food, and if you recall, we will be celebrating our marriage to Christ at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.  That will be a time of great rejoicing, meaning food will be for pleasure instead of sustaining life. 

People's Experiences of Pardise/Heaven

There are people who have had after or near death experiences (NDE), being transferred to heaven, but have been revived and returned back to earth (such as the Apostle Paul).  There are others who have had visions or dreams of heaven as well.  This section will be devoted to personal experiences of heaven.  We cannot take them as factual truth because they cannot be supported by Scripture.  They do, however, expand our imagination on what heaven "may" be like.  These accounts are numerous, yet so similar, sometimes having exactness of description.  

There have been many who have had "out of body" experiences, going to heaven and coming back, claiming to have their loved ones waiting to welcome them in.  Others have claimed that when they were about to leave this life and travel to heaven, their angelic host, or a loved one, or even Jesus was standing by to escort them.  Their reunion upon entering into heaven was something they could not express adequately, as their joy was overflowing to see their loved ones who had gone before them.  

Let this be a reminder of the importance of praying for our loved ones here on earth to receive Christ as their personal Savior, so they too will spend eternity in heaven with us.  

Many speak of Paradise as being filled with rivers and lakes for the refreshing of the incoming saints.  As each saint comes into heaven, at different levels of spiritual maturity and weariness, the bodies of water are meant to refresh.  First, they go to the rivers to immerse and get revitalized, both in body and soul, and later to the lakes to immerse deeper in the water.  Each time they immerse, a newness comes in and upon them. (1) 

The saints in Paradise are always available to help other saints.  They are on hand, as some who have experienced heaven and come back, to assist new arrivals or those who are spiritually less mature when entering into heaven.  The new arrivals, especially the weary immature ones, need rest and continuous water immersions.  They also need continuous teachings to get prepared to be fully joined to Jesus at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.  That will not happen, however, until they enter into the Holy City following the Rapture of the Church when they receive their glorified bodies.

Some have claimed that children are everywhere in heaven playing and dancing. (2)  Angels watch over them until their loved ones can join them.  If no loved ones does, their angels continue to care for them.  They are all happy and full of joy.

• My experience in this area came in the form of a vision a short time after a close family member died.  He was a father and one of his children had died before birth many year earlier.  In my vision I saw him kneeling down at his daughter in heaven introducing himself to her as her daddy.  Behind him were some of his family members who had passed many years prior, whom I believe took care of her until daddy could come to her.  The little girl appeared to be about four years old, having blond hair that was in a pony tail, and she had on a cute little dress with lots of crenolins and a bow in the back.  That blessed me so much to know they were together.  As much as we miss him, we know he is happy and with family.  This vision also told me that this little girl grew while in heaven, but at a rate that daddy still had an opportunity to lovingly raise her.

Many have asked the question of whether the saints grow up in heaven.  My vision showed they definitely do.  Miscarried or aborted babies also are in heaven.  Their angels or family members watch over them. 

It has also been recorded by some who have gone to heaven and back that heaven is filled with volumes of books in libraries on the deep truths of God.  Abraham, Moses, Paul, the disciples, and the saints of old are among those who teach the newcomers to assist them in their growth to full maturity in Christ. Other teachers on hand are those who have grown to a deeper level of faith while on earth to help the less mature saints arriving in heaven.(3)  I hope to be one of those teachers some day.  Continuous teachings are given to everyone to know the deeper things of God.  After all, each one of us will need to be fully prepared with the gifts and talents we received on earth so that we can co-rule and co-reign with Jesus when the time comes.  Paradise is our preparation time to learn the deep things of Christ as we prepare to be totally joined to Him as His Bride in our glorified bodies at the Marriage of the Lamb. 

The saints were serving each other continuously and helping each other mature in the Lord.  A continuous testimony of heaven was one of love toward one another.  The more mature were helping others get ready for Jesus' personal presence in heaven as He does from time to time.  Individually and corporately Jesus makes His presence to His body while in heaven. (4)

• I once had a vision of my mother-in-law in heaven. While worshipping the Lord in church one Sunday morning, the Lord gave me a vision of her.  She had been very ill for many years, having her looks digress and had passed away a year or so previously. In my vision, she was radiant and beautiful.  Even though she was in her late 70s when she passed away, my vision of her in heaven showed her to look to be about 50 years old.

Those who are still alive upon the earth at the time of the Rapture of the Church will also be raised up to meet Christ in the clouds.  Our bodies will then be instantly transformed into our resurrected, glorified bodies, like Christ - forever and ever (Rom 8:11).  One disadvantage I see is these raptured saints will only have seven years of training, and then we will all come back with Christ to co-rule and co-reign with Him for 1000 years.  That says to me that as end-time believers, we have a greater responsibility to become more Christ-like here on earth.  The time is so short before the time of the Rapture of the Church.

Click here to view Chapter #31 - Heaven

 

End notes

(1)  Springer, Rebecca. Within Heavens Gates.  Whitaker House.  Pg 15
(2)  Jeffrey, Grant R.  Heaven, The Last Frontier.  Frontier Research Publications.  Pg 188
(3) Springer, Rebecca. Within Heavens Gates. Whitaker House. Pgs 14, 15, 33 & 37.
(4) Baker, H.A.  Visions Beyond the Veil.  Whitaker House. Pg 129
(5) Duplantes, Jesse.  Close Encounters of the God Kind - Video Tape.