The poet Milton describes the fall of man in the garden paradise by calling it "Paradise Lost." He describes man's disobedience as that which "brought death into the world and all our woe, with loss of Eden, till one greater Man restore us and regain the blissful seat." What was it that made Eden a "paradise?" It was communion with the living God! And it is the eternal loss of that communion that makes for the hell of hell. Christ made this known to us when He endured hell for His people when He cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Paradise is not virgin island untouched by the hand of civilization. It is not a pristine place of unblemished beauty to the senses. It is to be with God in Christ, to have fellowship with God our Maker and Savior. It is, as Milton said, restored by the "greater Man." For all who trust Christ, it is eternally theirs either at their death or His coming. Christ in His death on the cross has not only restored it but also expanded the glory of it. It is to be with God as sons and heirs. To be with Him forever without fear of being cast out. It is to be with Him in His very throne in Christ. It is to be in His Body. Our Lord said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:3) He spoke of what Milton later called, "Paradise Regained." These were His words to one of the thieves crucified along with Him. "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) The apostle Paul spoke of this paradise in Christ's presence and he was taught the gospel of God's grace there. "he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." (2 Cor 12:4) John spoke of it as the promise of the Spirit to all true believers. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life (Christ), which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Rev 2:7) But there is a "Paradise Now." When we fellowship with God in Christ by His Spirit in worship it is paradise! "Lo, I am with you always." When we commune with Him in prayer and His Word it is paradise! When we fellowship with Him in the midst of His people and visit with Him in every turn of His providence it is paradise! Why? Because He is there and we are with Him. While we wait by faith for that paradise future, let us not miss the bliss of paradise now!