The Bible refers to a literal place called "Paradise." There are only three references in scripture to this place. Though the evidence and explanation of Paradise are limited, there is enough information to have a correct understanding of it.

In Luke 23:42-43, the Bible records the conversation between Jesus and the thief as they both hung on a cross. The Bible says, "Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. " (43) 'And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. " Because of these words spoken by the Lord we infer that Paradise already existed, and that Jesus expected to go there that very day.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, Paul related an experience he had regarding Paradise. The Bible says, "It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: " {2}"I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago; whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows; such a one was caught up to the third heaven. " {3} "And I know such a man; whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows; " [4] "how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. "

According to Paul's own words we see that Paradise is rightly identified as the third heaven, a place where one is caught up to, and that certain facets of Paradise are not open to our inspection or knowledge.

Finally, in Revelation 2:7, the Bible says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. "

Through this revelation given to John we see Paradise as the final place of reward and pleasure given to the people of God. In Genesis 2:9, the tree of life was in the midst of the garden of Eden. In Revelation 22:2, 14, the tree of life is in the midst of heaven, where the righteous will dwell for eternity. This is Paradise.