Paradise

Old Testament New Testament Book of Mormon Statements of Belief

Origins of the Topic

What (and where) is Paradise?

This topic typically surfaces based on Luke 23:42-43, "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." This verse is misunderstood and misused by many people.

Commentary: The concept of paradise originates in the Old Testament.

Old Testament

Verses (Concept of a holding place after death)

Hebrew word <sh'owl> means the world of the dead. - Key Verse -
Hebrew <sh'owl> (Strong's 7585). Hades or the world of the dead including it's accessories and inmates.

The grave (hell) is a place to hide - Key Verse -
Job 14:12-14 [12] So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. [13] O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave <sh'owl>, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! [14] If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

The grave (hell) is a place to hide - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Job 14:12-14
[12] So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
[13] O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave <sh'owl>, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
[14] If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

Hell is a place to hold souls - Key Verse -
Psalm 16:10 - For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell <sh'owl>; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

The gates of the grave (the gates of hell) - Key Verse -
Isaiah 38:10 - I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave <sh'owl>: I am deprived of the residue of my years. Commentary: Compare with Matthew 16:18, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Verses (Concept of a separateion of people after death)

Abraham was gathered to his people in "Abraham's Bosom." - Key Verse -
Genesis 25:8 - Then Abraham gave up the Ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. Commentary: There is a concept called "Abraham's Bosom." In the New Testament and in Jewish writings, it is a term signifying the abode of bliss in the other world (see Luke 16:27 for a more detailed description). It is separate from the place that is not an abode of bliss. The term predates the New Testament. The phrase, "was gathered to his people" is a reference to "Abraham's Bosom."

Abraham was gathered to his people in "Abraham's Bosom." - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Genesis 25:8 - Then Abraham gave up the Ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Commentary: There is a concept called "Abraham's Bosom." In the New Testament and in Jewish writings, it is a term signifying the abode of bliss in the other world (see Luke 16:27 for a more detailed description). It is separate from the place that is not an abode of bliss. The term predates the New Testament. The phrase, "was gathered to his people" is a reference to "Abraham's Bosom."

Jacob was gathered to his people in "Abraham's Bosom." - Key Verse -
Genesis 49:29,33 [29] And he (Jacob) charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, [33] And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Joshua and "all that generation" were gathered to his people in "Abraham's Bosom." - Key Verse -
Judges 2:6-10 [6] And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land. [7] And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel. [8] And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old. [9] And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath- heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. [10] And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

Joshua and "all that generation" were gathered to his people in "Abraham's Bosom." - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Judges 2:6-10
[6] And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land.
[7] And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.
[8] And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
[9] And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath- heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
[10] And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

God said he would gather the king of Judah to his fathers in "Abraham's Bosom" because he had humbled himself before the Lord - Key Verse -
2 Kings 22:18-20 [18] But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire of the Lord, Thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; [19] Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. [20] Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again. Commentary: The section starts at 2 Kings 22:8. This section is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:18-28. To be gathered to "thy fathers" in Abraham's Bosom is a reward for loving the Lord "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

God said he would gather the king of Judah to his fathers in "Abraham's Bosom" because he had humbled himself before the Lord - Key Verse - Key Scripture

2 Kings 22:18-20
[18] But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire of the Lord, Thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;
[19] Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.
[20] Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Commentary: The section starts at 2 Kings 22:8. This section is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:18-28.

To be gathered to "thy fathers" in Abraham's Bosom is a reward for loving the Lord "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

New Testament

Paradise is in the heart of the earth - Key Verse -
Matthew 12:40 - For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Commentary: The location of paradise is in the heart of the earth. Jesus went to Paradise first and did not ascend to Heaven until after his resurrection.

The Gospel will go forth into hell - Key Verse -
Matthew 16:17-18 [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell <haides> shall not prevail against it. Commentary: People seem to think these verses talk about people breaking out of hell, when, in fact, they talk about the Gospel being able to go across the gulf that divides hell and paradise (see Luke 16:19-31) and into hell.

The Gospel will go forth into hell - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Matthew 16:17-18
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell <haides> shall not prevail against it.

Commentary: People seem to think these verses talk about people breaking out of hell, when, in fact, they talk about the Gospel being able to go across the gulf that divides hell and paradise (see Luke 16:19-31) and into hell.

Paradise is within sight of hell (haides) and there is a gulf between the two places that cannot be crossed - Key Verse -
Luke 16:19-31 [19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell <haides> he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Commentary: See the definition for the Hebrew "sh'owl" for "hell" <haides> used here. Paradise is within sight of hell <haides>.

Paradise is within sight of hell (haides) and there is a gulf between the two places that cannot be crossed - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Luke 16:19-31
[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
[21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
[23] And in hell <haides> he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
[26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
[28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
[29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
[30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
[31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Commentary: See the definition for the Hebrew "sh'owl" for "hell" <haides> used here. Paradise is within sight of hell <haides>.

Paradise and Heaven are not the same - Key Verse -
Luke 23:40-43 (IV 41-44) [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. TBD

Paradise and Heaven are not the same - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Luke 23:40-43 (IV 41-44)
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
[41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

TBD

Jesus was in paradise between his death and resurrection
John 20:16-18 [16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. [17]Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. [18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Commentary: Jesus was in paradise for the three days between his death and resurrection (see Luke 23:40-43 and also Matthew 12:40).

Jesus was in paradise between his death and resurrection

John 20:16-18
[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
[17]Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
[18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Commentary: Jesus was in paradise for the three days between his death and resurrection (see Luke 23:40-43 and also Matthew 12:40).

The place after death is not a permanent place
Acts 2:27 - Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Commentary: See Psalm 16:10. The concept of a place that people go after death but is not a permanent abode occurs in both the Old and New Testaments.

People can receive more knowledge and wisdom in paradise
2 Corinthians 12:1-5 [1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. [2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. [3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) [4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. [5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. Commentary: Here is a vision of a person in paradise. This verse is mistakenly used to describe that Paradise was moved to Heaven. It implies no such thing. The word "glory" here means wisdom and understanding (see Glory). So, Paul is saying that he trusts the wisdom and understanding of this person much more than his own wisdom and understanding. It also indicates that wisdom and knowledge that is not available while living is available after death ("heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter").

People can receive more knowledge and wisdom in paradise

2 Corinthians 12:1-5
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

Commentary: Here is a vision of a person in paradise. This verse is mistakenly used to describe that Paradise was moved to Heaven. It implies no such thing. The word "glory" here means wisdom and understanding (see Glory). So, Paul is saying that he trusts the wisdom and understanding of this person much more than his own wisdom and understanding. It also indicates that wisdom and knowledge that is not available while living is available after death ("heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter").

Paradise is below in the earth - Key Verse -
Ephesians 4:6-10 [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Commentary: Jesus first descended before ascending to Heaven (confirms Paradise is below in the earth).

Paradise is below in the earth - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Ephesians 4:6-10
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Commentary: Jesus first descended before ascending to Heaven (confirms Paradise is below in the earth).

Jesus preached to the dead in hell (<haides>, the outer darkness) after he went to paradise - Key Verse -
1 Peter 3:18-19 [18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit: [19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Commentary: A prison is consistent with the description of the gates of hell (see Matthew 16:17-18). Preaching to the dead is also consistent with the dead learning more wisdom and understanding (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-5).

Jesus preached to the dead in hell (<haides>, the outer darkness) after he went to paradise - Key Verse - Key Scripture

1 Peter 3:18-19
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit:
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Commentary: A prison is consistent with the description of the gates of hell (see Matthew 16:17-18). Preaching to the dead is also consistent with the dead learning more wisdom and understanding (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-5).

Jesus preached to the dead in hell (haides, the outer darkness) after he went to paradise - Key Verse -
1 Peter 4:1-6 [1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. [3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: [4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: [5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. [6] For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Commentary: During the time between his death and resurrection, Jesus preached to the dead in Hell (the place that was not paradise - see Luke 16:19-31).

Jesus preached to the dead in hell (haides, the outer darkness) after he went to paradise - Key Verse - Key Scripture

1 Peter 4:1-6
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
[6] For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Commentary: During the time between his death and resurrection, Jesus preached to the dead in Hell (the place that was not paradise - see Luke 16:19-31).

The tree of life is in paradise - Key Verse -
Revelation 2:5-7 [5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. [6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Commentary: This verse is mistakenly used to describe that Paradise was moved to Heaven. The scriptures do not mention that it ever moved. Moving it would indicate a changeable God.

The tree of life is in paradise - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Revelation 2:5-7
[5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Commentary: This verse is mistakenly used to describe that Paradise was moved to Heaven. The scriptures do not mention that it ever moved. Moving it would indicate a changeable God.

Hell is cast into the lake of fire. Hell is not the last place that evil people will go - Key Verse -
Revelation 20:10-15 [10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. [11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Commentary: Several things are described in these verses. The dead will be delivered up from hell (haides), and by implication, paradise, to face judgement. This agrees with the scriptures that state that paradise and hell are temporary places. Also, hell itself will be cast into the lake of fire as well as evil people that did not pass judgment. So, again, hell is not a permanent place.

Hell is cast into the lake of fire. Hell is not the last place that evil people will go - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Revelation 20:10-15
[10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Commentary: Several things are described in these verses. The dead will be delivered up from hell (haides), and by implication, paradise, to face judgement. This agrees with the scriptures that state that paradise and hell are temporary places. Also, hell itself will be cast into the lake of fire as well as evil people that did not pass judgment. So, again, hell is not a permanent place.

Book of Mormon

Paradise is a place before judgment - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 6:31-36 [31] O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the bodies of the righteous; [32] And the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us, in the flesh; [33] Save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect; [34] Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; [35] And the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness. [36] And it shall come to pass, that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment seat of the Holy One of Israel;

Paradise is a place before judgment - Key Verse - Key Scripture

2 Nephi 6:31-36
[31] O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the bodies of the righteous;
[32] And the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us, in the flesh;
[33] Save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect;
[34] Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness;
[35] And the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.
[36] And it shall come to pass, that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment seat of the Holy One of Israel;

After death, people go to either paradise or the outer darkness until their resurrection - Key Verse -
Alma 19:42-48 [42] Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection. [43] Behold, it has been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken taken home to that God who gave them life. [44] And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, etc. [45] And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord: for behold they choose evil works, rather than good: therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house; [46] And these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the devil. [47] Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful, looking for, of the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection. [48] Now there are some that have understood that this state of happiness, and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrection.

After death, people go to either paradise or the outer darkness until their resurrection - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Alma 19:42-48
[42] Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection.
[43] Behold, it has been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken taken home to that God who gave them life.
[44] And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, etc.
[45] And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord: for behold they choose evil works, rather than good: therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house;
[46] And these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the devil.
[47] Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful, looking for, of the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.
[48] Now there are some that have understood that this state of happiness, and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrection.

People pass away and go to paradise - Key Verse -
4 Nephi 1:14-16 [14] And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land, but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus. [15] And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year; yea, and in fine, until the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; [16] And there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation which had passed away.

People pass away and go to paradise - Key Verse - Key Scripture

4 Nephi 1:14-16
[14] And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land, but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus.
[15] And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year; yea, and in fine, until the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry;
[16] And there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation which had passed away.

Moroni said he would go to paradise - Key Verse -
Moroni 10:31 - And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Statements of Belief

- No Found or Stated Position

- Consistent with Scripture

- Partially Consistent with Scripture

- Inconsistent with Scripture

Anabaptism

Anglican

Assyrian Church

Church of Christ

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches)

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Community of Christ

Eastern Orthodox

Islam

Jehovah's Witnesses

Judaism

Lutheran

Methodist

Pentecostal

Presbyterian

Roman Catholic

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Southern Baptist Convention

Anabaptism -

Anglican -

Assyrian Church -

Church of Christ -

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -

[KJV} Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
[KJV} Mat 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
[KJV} Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

[IV] Mat 27:46 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now; if he will save him, let him save him; for he said, I am the Son of God.
[IV] Mat 27:47 One of the thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. But the other rebuked him, saying, Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation; and this man is just, and hath not sinned; and he cried unto the Lord that he would save him.
[IV] Mat 27:48 And the Lord said unto him, This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.
[IV] Mat 27:49 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

Commentary: The verses in the Inspired Version (IV) of the Bible and the verses in the Book of Mormon are consistent with the descriptions given in the Bible.

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -

Community of Christ -

Eastern Orthodox -

Islam -

Jehovah's Witnesses -

Will Eath be Paradise?: When Jesus was on earth, he - as earth's future King - could rightly say to the repentant evildoer impaled alongside him: "You will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) The Paradise that Jesus had in mind would be on earth, as God originally purposed. This fact is well supported in the Bible. Consider the following texts.

"The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." (Psalm 37:29) "There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow." (Psalm 72:16) "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it." (Proverbs 2:21) "They [the blameless] will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea."—Isaiah 11:9.

Commentary: The conclusions drawn from these verses (even though the verses themselves are correct) are inconsistent with the verses that specifically state that paradise is in the earth and not on it. These statements make the assertion that Paradise will last forever, which is inconsistent with the scriptures that state that the only two places that last forever are the kingdom of Heaven and the lake of fire and brimstone. Also, these statements are inconsistent with the ability to see paradise from hell. The Watchtower makes a point about the punctuation in Luke 23:43 stating that the comma placement around the word "today" is after the word, "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, shalt thou be with me in paradise" rather than the KJV punctuation before the word, "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise." The issue is not the punctuation because the Greek texts did not have punctuation, it was added during translation.

Origins of the Topic

Old Testament

Verses (Concept of a holding place after death)

Verses (Concept of a separateion of people after death)

New Testament

Book of Mormon

Statements of Belief

Anabaptism -

Anglican -

Assyrian Church -

Church of Christ -

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -

Community of Christ -

Eastern Orthodox -

Islam -

Jehovah's Witnesses -

Judaism -

Lutheran -

Methodist -

Pentecostal -

Presbyterian -

Roman Catholic -

Seventh-Day Adventist Church -

Southern Baptist Convention -