I knew you would divert from the topic of the post. So let me refresh your sweet memorey...
Jesus told the thief He would be with Him that very day.....and since it’s written we are immediately in the presence of the Lord at death, of course then so was the thief...and it did not require anything on his part but belief. He acknowleded Christ’s sinlessness...acknowledged his own sinful condition....and then looked to Jesus....simple yes...beautiful..without question.
3857. paradeisos – an ancient Persian word meaning “enclosure, garden, park.”
See: http://bible.cc/revelation/2-7.htm
See: http://bible.cc/2_corinthians/12-4.htm
See: http://bible.cc/luke/23-43.htm
The usages are specific and clear. Paradise isn’t Heaven. Heaven is a different word.
Now, ask yourself what did Jesus say exactly?
Luke 23:43
New Living Translation (©2007)
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
He didn’t go to Heaven that day. Jesus didn’t go to Heaven until after the Resurrection.
John 20:17
New Living Translation (©2007)
“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
The abode of our Father is Heaven. Hence our Heavenly Father. Jesus hadn’t been there yet. Is he a liar? No, you’ve simply misinterpreted scripture.
It’s a common error when doctrine dictates. Let the Bible dictate. The truth of it will set you free.
>>Jesus told the thief He would be with Him that very day.....and since it’s written we are immediately in the presence of the Lord at death, of course then so was the thief...and it did not require anything on his part but belief. He acknowleded Christ’s sinlessness...acknowledged his own sinful condition....and then looked to Jesus....simple yes...beautiful..without question.<<
Amen and Amen. Don’t you wish that all would understand the simple word of grace? When the apostles preached and declared that those that heard were saved I wonder if they forgot to tell us that those people also had spent years learning the theology of some denomination somewhere. They must have forgotten to tell us all that too.