“The thief on the cross was told by Jesus that he would be in paradise that day. Time is what we are stuck with here on earth.”
I need to remember this one on “stump the pastor” day for Bible study. Recall that Jesus descended into Hell and rose on the third day.
I’m guessing that you have covered it with the idea of “time” being a human restriction. Or, was it semantics? “Because you believed today, you will be in Paradise with me...”
Hmm. I read a book where ALL would be in the presence of God after death. Except that those sinners that did not believe would experience God’s Truth and Light as agony exposing their sin. Like back in the OT where people would die if they looked at God.
Although I’m not sure that I want to be in a Heaven where I am “with” sinners in constant torture.
Read Isaiah Chapter 66 verses 23 and 24. Very sobering. But we are also reminded there will be no tears in heaven. That is where I want to be. Near my precious Savior.