CHAPTER 21: THE DOCTRINE OF PARADISE

CHAPTER 21: THE DOCTRINE OF PARADISE

We don't know exactly who would be worthy to take part in this pre-resurrection period described by Matthew 27:53. Some stretch this doctrine to include beliefs of another false doctrine called the Doctrine of Paradise.

The Doctrine of Paradise teaches Jesus rescued worthy people from a place called "Paradise" which lies just above Hell and just below Heaven. This idea uses as proof texts, 1 Peter 3:19 and Ephesians 4:8-10:

1 Peter 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Ephesians 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

According to this doctrine of paradise, the resurrection occurred after Christ's resurrection, and when Jesus entered paradise, he preached to those in paradise, and then he released Old Testament believers, who had been held captive in paradise, into the supposed pre-resurrection.

The belief behind those being held in Paradise comes from the strange belief concerning the thief that hung on the cross beside Jesus. The thief is brought into the pre-resurrection with this attached dogma: the thief on the cross was taken to " paradise " with Christ the day he died until Christ arose, at which time, that same thief arose with a transformed body in Matthew 27. They believe that the thief was resurrected, then received water, Holy Ghost baptism. This completed his life on earth and led him on to become an overcomer, who died and ascended to heaven with Christ.

This belief has its roots in the Catholic church and you can read about it in the National Catholic Register at: 

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/darmstrong/did-jesus-descend-to-hell-sheol- or-paradise-after-his-death

Essentially, the thief endured the cross and was forgiven by Christ, and some preachers transfer this belief to the OTW since they had suffered through enough Fire Baptism (trials) before the pre-resurrection to perfect themselves and therefore did not need the Holy Spirit to overcome.

However, these preachers also teach the necessity of the Holy Ghost for the OTW. There are requirements for the baptism of the Holy Ghost under the First Resurrection.

The Doctrine of the OTW teaches that these saints received the Holy Ghost on or after the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. There was no need for any further Fire Baptism for the OTW to endure everything they needed before they came back to earth.

The above is not true. The thief awaits the Second Resurrection.

This is how a church member can become uncertain about this belief. As soon as the dialogue of the doctrine of the OTW is accepted, all additions to the doctrine become acceptable.