‘And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”’ (Luke 23:42-43 ESV).
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked him, but the other believed in him. Jesus responded to the one who believed with confident assurance that he would have the very thing he had asked. What can we learn from Christ’s response?
First, Jesus said, “Today.” Believer’s who die in Christ are immediately transferred into the presence of Christ. The believer’s body sleeps in the grave, but the soul is immediately with Christ.
Second, Jesus said, “You.” Believers retain their unique identity in heaven. “You” will be you in heaven. Otherwise, the promise makes no sense. Personality and memories are retained.
Third, Jesus said, “You will be with Me.” Believers who die are immediately found with Christ. This is the most wonderful aspects of Christ’s promise of eternal life.
Fourth, Jesus said, “Paradise.” Believers will be with Christ in paradise. What is paradise? It is another word for the present heaven, the place where Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father. The place where the saints and the heavenly host currently dwell until the final consummation when Christ returns and brings to pass the new heavens and the new earth.
So, who will be with Christ in paradise? Repentant sinners like the criminal on the cross who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. To all who believe in Him, on the day of their death, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the confident hope that we have in Christ. For we know that we will be with You in heaven some day and will experience the joy of eternal life. Help us to always set our hearts and minds on things above where Christ is. In Jesus’ name, amen.