So when was it that Jesus spoke to the evildoer?
Fortunately, I have a connection with the asker of this question and this was what was being referred to.
Luke 23:40-42 (KJV) -
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.
It is important to note though often overlooked that this thief did not start here in the dialog.
Matthew 27:44 (KJV) - The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
But the point is that this thief was a criminal that was deemed deserving of crucifixion. Certainly, Jesus wouldn't show grace to such a hideous lawbreaker, would he?
Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
This man blew it.
He was a hardened criminal deserving crucifixion.
Even he knew that such was the case.
And yet the agape loving grace of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, was able to reach even Him. As such we have an incredibly beautiful conversion story in the midst of a horrendously horrible event.
Now let's look back at exactly what is promised.
Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Clearly, this thief would be with Jesus wherever Jesus would be at. Jesus is very clear as to where He is.
John 14:2 (KJV) - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And where will we be?
First:
Revelation 20:4-5 (KJV) -
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Then:
Revelation 21:1-2 (KJV) -
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
If this is a new heaven and earth then how is it that the wicked are able to come against the New Jerusalem as it takes up its place?
I answered that question here:
The point is - we will be with the only begotten Son of God and His agape loving Father forever.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV) - And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Where exactly is paradise?
I've heard more than one person share different perspectives on that.
Is paradise a separate place from Heaven?
Here is what I know.
Jesus did not ascend to His Father during the 3 days that He was in the grave.
John 20:17 (KJV) - 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.
Some suggest that Jesus went to hell and unlocked the fetters of those bound there. I would encourage them to read this:
Guy Siverson's answer to Do I go to hell if I don't love God?
Others would suggest that when we die we go to heaven or hell. For those, I would recommend a reading of this:
Guy Siverson's answer to What are the biggest misconceptions about death?
Paradise cannot be hell, the grave, or an immediate entrance to Heaven.
Here are the 3 verses dealing with this word within KJV.
- Luke 23:43
- 2 Corinthians 12:4
- Revelation 2:7
May I suggest that paradise is wherever God the Father and His only begotten Son are?
The point here is that one fine day, we, just like the repentant thief on the cross will be with Jesus and His Father.
We will be home.