The Two Stages of Heaven: Paradise and New Creation

In discussing the concept of heaven, it is important to understand that the Bible does not use the term 'heaven' to describe the two stages of existence. The first stage, often referred to as paradise, is depicted as a blissful waiting place where believers rest and are refreshed in the presence of Jesus. This is mentioned in Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross in Luke 23. The second stage is the new creation, a renewed and vibrant world that is described as the ultimate destination for believers. This new creation will be a place where God is fully present, and all tears and pain will be absent. While it may be challenging to fully grasp these concepts, the main focus is being with Jesus in both stages and experiencing the profound difference that his presence brings.