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(John 19:41/42), and that Mary supposed the risen Christ to be the gardener (John 20:15). Was

there not a pointer in this to the fact that what had been lost in Eden had been recovered to Man

as a result of Christ's death ? Is not this further demonstrated by the fact that Christ could say to

the robber on the cross: " Today shalt thou be with me in PARADISE " ? What is paradise if not the

spiritual equivalent of the earthly garden of Eden ? Is not the truth of the matter this : paradise,

which had been lost by Adam in its earthly form, has been recovered to Man by Christ in its

spiritual form ? It may be observed in this connection that generally Genesis 3 and 4 correlate with

events up to Christ's death; Genesis 2 with events after his resurrection. Note: Youngs

concordance defines paradise as " Park, garden ground "and Revelation 2:7 proves conclusively

the connection with Eden.

While on God's side the work of Christ has opened the way to paradise, on our side repentance and

faith are both necessary if we are to enter in (Acts 20:21). The robber was repentant : condemned the course

he had been on, saying: " We indeed JUSTLY, for we receive the JUST recompence of what we have done"

(Luke 23:41). He also had FAITH in Christ, else how could he have said: " Remember me, [Lord], when

thou comest in thy kingdom " (Luke 23:42). In order to have said this in sincerity he must have accepted

that Jesus was the Christ- God's anointed king (Psalm 2:6) - and that God would raise Him from the dead

and give Him the kingdom.

Notice again that with regard to this matter there is a link with Genesis 3. Adam's sin involved the

taking of that to which he had no right. Those that were crucified with Christ were robbers - persons who

took things which belonged to others. The robber's blessing lay in repentance TOWARDS GOD (Adam's

sin was against God) and faith TOWARDS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Eve believed the serpent rather

than God, and as a result disobeyed Him). Note: Contrast this with the " obedience of faith " (Romans 1:5).

Thus, the way back to God is the converse of the fall.

After his resurrection Christ gave the Holy Spirit, and in this there is a connection with Genesis 2.