One of the most misunderstood biblical passages in Christian history has to do with this word paradise. To the thief on the cross Jesus said: “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). This account has spawned a host of incorrect perceptions of doctrine, which in turn have resulted in questionable practices on the part of Christians over the centuries, not the least of which is a type of “death- bed repentance,” a notion that one can postpone his confession and repentance until the time just before death.
Though we must never de-emphasize or denigrate the value of sincere repentance, no matter how late in one’s earthly experience (see Matthew 20:1-16)- for the word of the Lord is clear that “he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven” (D&C 1:32)- confession and repentance coerced by the threat of death hardly prepare one’s soul for a place hereafter among the sanctified.