Hey, Pastor John!
Had a quick question. I was thinking about the thief who was on the cross next to Jesus and how he was able to go to paradise. I know that “You must be born again,” like it says in John, but does the thief being given the reward of going to paradise before Jesus sent back the Spirit mean that there are some cases where Jesus doesn’t require this? Going off scripture that I’ve read, I know this can’t be, unless there’s a scripture or something I’ve missed. I also know this can’t be right, because of another John scripture, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” I know God can be right any way He wants to be, and do anything He wants to do, but going by scripture this doesn’t seem like the reason. Logically, and what I think is the right option, is it because the thief who was in the cross died before Jesus was able to send back the Spirit; therefore, it wasn’t required for him because it wasn’t even yet available? Made me so thankful for His mercy, even for the thief in his last moments on a cross, for the punishment he deserved, and still Jesus showed mercy, wow!
Jacob C.
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Hi Jacob.
At the time the thief was on the cross, the Old Testament was still in effect, and everyone who was forgiven under the Old Testament went to Paradise when they died. (At that time, Paradise was in the heart of the earth). So, Jesus was telling the thief that he was forgiven and that he would enter into Paradise when he died instead of going into Torment (which was also in heart of the earth – Lk. 16:19–31).
When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he transferred Paradise out of the heart of the earth into heaven, where it is to this day. So, as always, when a faithful saint dies now, he enters into Paradise, but now, Paradise is in heaven, where the Lord is. It is no longer in the heart of the earth.
The New Testament went into effect on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. You are right to say that the coming of the Spirit was the turning point, but before the Spirit came, if God forgave someone (like the thief on the cross), he was taken by the angels into Paradise when he died, just as faithful believers are today. The only difference is where Paradise is now located.
I hope that clears things up for you. Thank you for the question.
Pastor John