MEMORY VERSE: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 16:19-26
INTRODUCTION
Paradise is a place where the righteous go after death to await the second advent of the Lord. The word, paradise, is usually used as a synonym for “heaven” Rev. 2:7. Paradise is a place of rest for believers in Christ. It is a place where believers are united with Christ and His Father Lk.23:43. Jesus used “paradise” as a synonym for ‘heaven’. The apostle Paul wrote of someone (probably himself) who “was caught up to paradise” 2Cor.12:4. In this context, paradise obviously refers to Heaven.
OUTLINES
1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE
2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE
1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE
Paradise is the Father’s House Jn. 14:2. Jesus told the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day Lk. 23:43. Paradise is a place that is wonderful beyond description 2 Cor.12:4 Paradise of God is also said to be a high and holy place Isa. 57:15 where there is no sin Ps. 15:1-2; Rev. 21:27. The paradise of God has the tree of life for the health of nations Rev. 22:2. It is a peaceful place Isa.65:25. It is also a place that those who have faith in the Lord will enter immediately upon death Acts 7:55-56 Paradise is a place of unending bliss and happiness Ps.16:11. It would seem to be an intermediate place, as opposed to the final establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. 2 Pet. 3:10 13; Rev.21:1-7. There is no need to worry about what happens after death if you are born again and living in holiness because whoever believes in Jesus Christ and endures to the end will be saved Acts 4:12; Matt. 10:22. The inhabitants of the paradise of God are holy Rev.21:27.
2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE
The paradise of God has the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations Rev.22:2, 14; Ezek.47:12. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him Rev 22:3. Saints will see the face of the Lord and His name will be on their foreheads Rev. 22:4; 1 Cor.13:12; 1 Jn.3:2. Night will be no more. There will be no need for light or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever Rev.22:5. There will be no more sin or the sorrow that sin brings. The greatest of these sorrows is death which has been conquered by Jesus Christ’s victory at Calvary Isa.25:8; 1 Cor.15:54.
To have access to God’s paradise, repentance, confession of sin, and putting your trust in Christ is very essential. A fearful expectation of fierce judgement awaits those who are not on God’s side Rev. 20:11-15.
CONCLUSION
One thing is sure, if you miss heaven (paradise), you cannot mis hell. Be prepared.