“Paradise,” Topics and Questions (2023)
Overview
Paradise
Paradise is the part of the spirit world in which the righteous spirits who have departed from this life await the Resurrection. It is a condition of happiness and peace.
In the scriptures, the word paradise is used in different ways. First, as mentioned above, it designates a place of peace and happiness in the postmortal spirit world, reserved for those who have been baptized and who have remained faithful.1 Those in spirit prison have the opportunity to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation through the work we do in temples.2 If they accept the gospel and their temple work has been done, they may enter paradise.
A second use of the word paradise is found in Luke’s account of the Savior’s Crucifixion. When Jesus was on the cross, a thief who also was being crucified said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”3 The Lord replied, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”4 The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that this is a mistranslation; the Lord actually said that the thief would be with Him in the world of spirits.
The word paradise also sometimes refers to the celestial kingdom.5 In the tenth article of faith, the word paradisiacal describes the earth’s glory in the Millennium.