Even when Jesus tells us twice , even three times, we still don't believe Him.
We prefer to believe men.
In Phil 1:23-24 -Paul is writing about 2 possible outcomes-to depart and be with Christ or stay with his people who need him.
It does not say when or where Paul would be with Christ. There is no mention of heaven in these verses. again we are misinterpreting scripture. the only thing Paul would be departing is from his present, physical life by death.
In 2 Tim 4:6-8 -Paul understood that he was not going to receive his reward immediately at death. But rather on "that day " of Christ's second coming along with all the other saints in Christ.
further, in 2 Kings 2:16 we see the sons of the prophets knew Elijah was not in Heaven and spent time looking for him to make sure he was safe-verse 17
the letter to Jehoram sent by Elijah several years after his disappearance refers to current sinful transgressions that had just recently occurred by the hands of Jehoram.
Elijah died like everyone else in the bible afterwards, but no specific date is mentioned.
Don't believe commentaries that have an agenda of discrediting scripture to maintain their understandings.
Again Gene 5:24 - Enoch was taken by God- but it nowhere mentions taken up to heaven.- taken can mean transferred so he would not see death-be killed.
The thief on the cross story is used often to discredit the truth of scripture.
WHEN CHRIST died on that day did the thief join Him in heaven on that day Christ died? No.
John:20:17 tells us 3 days after Christ's resurrection He had not ascended to heaven yet.
With Jesus statement and based on the lack of punctuation in the Greek language the english translators had put the comma after you rather than after today. The common way back then was " I say to you today, "
so Jesus was only saying " Today I'm telling you, you will be with me in Paradise"
John 5:28-29 - the time is coming (the 2nd coming) that ALL in the grave in Christ will be resurrected to (eternal) life........(even the thief on the cross, Moses, David, etc)
If anyone has gone to heaven why is Jesus saying all (from the beginning of time ) will be then given immortality-eternal life
Believe Jesus when He says nobody has gone up to heaven.