# Paradise ## Catechism of the Catholic Church The symbolic description of the condition of our first parents before the Fall, who lived in a state of friendship with God in the happiness of original justice and holiness ([[1.2.1.1.6.p1b#^ccc-374|374]], [[1.2.1.1.6.p1b#^ccc-384|384]]). Paradise also signifies heaven, the state of those who live with Christ forever in the friendship and presence of God ([[1.2.3.12.p2m#^ccc-1023|1023]], [[3.1.1.2.p5k#^ccc-1721|1721]]). ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Paradise* ([[2-corinthians-12#^2-corinthians-12-3|2 Cor 12:3]]) - *Paradeisos* (Gk.): a Persian loan word meaning "garden" or "park", used three times in the NT. The term makes its first biblical appearance in the Greek version in [[genesis-02#^genesis-02-8|Gen 2:8]], where it refers to the Garden of Eden. Here, before his rebellion, man lived enfolded in the blessings and peace of God. Centuries later, the Prophets foretold that the blissful conditions of Eden would reappear in the future ([[isaiah-51#^isaiah-51-3|Is 51:3]]; [[ezekiel-36#^ezekiel-36-35|Ezek 36:35]]). The NT sharpens this expectation, indicating that the true garden of paradise is supernatural and heavenly, not natural and merely earthly. It is nothing less than the eternal dwelling of God, where Jesus promised to accompany the good thief after death ([[luke-23#^luke-23-43|Lk 23:43]]) and where Paul was transported in a mystical journey ([[2-corinthians-12#^2-corinthians-12-3|2 Cor 12:3]]). This heavenly paradise is the eternal dwelling that awaits the saints ([[revelation-02#^revelation-02-7|Rev 2:7]]). ### Sources [[08-second-corinthians-commentary#^6nreg7|Paradise — word study]]