In a biblical context, paradise and heaven have distinct meanings:
- Paradise:
- Often used to describe a temporary resting place for the souls of the righteous dead before the resurrection.
- Associated with bliss, joy, and God’s presence.
- Mentioned in passages like Luke 23:43 and Revelation 2:7.
- Think of it as a peaceful waiting area for those who have passed away.
- Heaven:
- The ultimate destination for believers, where they will spend eternity with God.
- Associated with glory, eternal life, and divine presence.
- Heaven is the final, everlasting home for believers.
So, while both paradise and heaven relate to the afterlife, they serve different purposes. Paradise is like a layover, and heaven is the ultimate destination.