I have wondered if the thief on the cross is the only one in paradise.
Those who hold to the end times rapture scenario assert that the rapture removes Christians to, I presume, some type of paradise. It seems the Christian’s judgment is immediate.
Gabriel blowing his horn followed by the dead being raised is consistent with a theory that at death we go into a “soul sleep” from which we wake up when we hear the horn.
There is Lazarus and the Rich Man — does it teach about paradise and hell — or does it teach (modernizing it) that “they have the New Testament, let them read it!”
All three theories are supported by scripture.
Two comments:
(1) when three rather mutually exclusive theories are presented, how does one distinguish among them while we are still in our earthly bodies? Those who are dying to know the answer will be the first to know the answer.
(2) what difference does it make? This is not a test of fellowship; it is not doctrine for which there is a fork in the road: one way to heaven, the other doom. Now you must CHOOSE!
I generally select #2 since my salvation doesn’t depend on whether I figure this puzzle out. [What! Me Worry?] People have offered scenarios for centuries (maybe).
On the other hand, if I neglect to feed the hungry, etc., being a cheerful giver, etc., taking up my cross... my name might be blotted out of the Lamb’s Book of Life. Our time is best spent DOING Christianity rather than attempting to understand the enigmas of Christianity.
Except that works don't save you.
They are the FRUIT of salvation, not the cause of it.
If you can *lose* your salvation by not doing good works then you're depending on your good works to save you and they can't.