Before Christ arose from the grave and ascended into heaven, "leading captivity captive" (Eph. 4:8 KJV), the spirits of just men went to Paradise. [In my book What the Bible Says About Angels & Demons, from which this material is taken, I include a chart which shows the "Intermediate States of the Dead." Imagine a large circle that is halved by a line that reads "Great Gulf Fixed." The upper compartment is Paradise, called "Abraham's bosom" in Luke 16. The lower half is Tartarus.] Jesus Himself told the repentant thief that he would be with Him in Paradise (Luke 23:43). At death their spirits went to that place. Paradise was a place much like heaven. It was a place of rest and comfort (Luke 16:25). It was one of two compartments in Hades, the unseen abode of the dead. It was separated from Tartarus, a horrible place of suffering, by a great gulf (Luke 16:26).

Now that Jesus has ascended to His home on high (taking with Him the "spirits of just men made perfect"), those who die in the Lord go directly to be with the Lord in heaven. What comfort and blessing this gives us who have had loved ones "die in the Lord."

Prayer: Dear Lord, how grateful we are that when Jesus arose from the dead that He led "captivity captive" in a grand and glorious Parade to Paradise. Thank You for provide a place for our loved ones in heaven. Through Christ we pray.