Because of the false teachings that paradise is heaven and al good people go there, many things in the Bible are misunderstood.
Jesus did not tell the thief he would go to heaven. He told him that when he came into his kingdom the thief would be resurrected. This resurrection will take place when, by means of that kingdom the earth will be restored to a paradise.
Psalm 115:16 - As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah, But the earth he has given to the sons of men.
Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Isaiah 26:19 - “Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning, And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.