Definition: In the Bible, “paradise” is often understood as a place of ultimate rest, peace, and communion with God. The term is associated with the state of the righteous after death, either in an intermediate state (before the final judgment) or as part of the final eternal dwelling with God. The word “paradise” is derived from a Persian word meaning a “garden” or “park.” In biblical usage, it refers to:
- The Garden of Eden: In the Old Testament, paradise is often associated with the Garden of Eden, the place of perfect harmony where Adam and Eve lived before their fall into sin (Genesis 2:8).
- The Abode of the Righteous after Death: In the New Testament, it refers to the intermediate state of the righteous after death or the eternal dwelling with God. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross indicate this:
- Luke 23:43 (KJV): “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
- The New Heaven and New Earth: Ultimately, “paradise” can refer to the new creation, the eternal home of the righteous with God, described in the Book of Revelation.
- Revelation 2:7 (KJV): “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.”
Key Scriptures About Paradise
- Genesis 2:8 (KJV) – Paradise as the Garden of Eden:
“And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.”
- Luke 23:43 (KJV) – Paradise as a place of rest for the righteous:
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV) – Paradise as a heavenly realm:
“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”
- Revelation 2:7 (KJV) – Paradise as the future eternal home of the righteous:
“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.”
Prayer Points Based on Paradise with Scriptures
- Thanksgiving for God’s promise of eternal life:
- Prayer: “Father, I thank You for the hope and promise of eternal life in Your presence, where there is fullness of joy.”
- Scripture: Psalm 16:11 (KJV): “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
- Prayer for overcoming trials and attaining eternal life in paradise:
- Prayer: “Lord, give me the grace to overcome the trials and temptations of this life, so that I may inherit the paradise You have prepared for Your people.”
- Scripture: Revelation 2:7 (KJV): “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
- Prayer for spiritual focus on heavenly things:
- Prayer: “Father, help me set my mind on heavenly things and live in constant preparation for the paradise You have promised.”
- Scripture: Colossians 3:2 (KJV): “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Prayer for God’s guidance toward the path of eternal life:
- Prayer: “Lead me, O Lord, along the path of righteousness, so I may dwell in Your paradise forever.”
- Scripture: Psalm 23:6 (KJV): “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
- Prayer for restoration of the lost communion with God (as in Eden):
- Prayer: “Lord, restore to me the joy of intimate fellowship with You, as Adam experienced in Eden, and keep me in constant communion with Your Spirit.”
- Scripture: Genesis 3:8 (KJV): “And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”
These scriptures and prayers can help deepen your understanding of paradise and strengthen your faith in God’s promise of eternal life.