Of the first tree satan said, “Take and eat,” and thus man was lost. Of the second tree Jesus says, “Take and eat” and by partaking we are saved. God planted the first tree, man the second. With the second tree the knowledge of good and evil is complete.

”Thorns shall the earth bring forth,” He was carrying the curse of Eden upon His brow because He was “made a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). He was naked because of Adam’s nakedness. Eve was told, “In sorrow shall you conceive,” He was the man of sorrows. “From the sweat of your brow ,” it was declared to Adam. Jesus sweat “great drops of blood,” in Gethsemane. The sword that marked the divide between Eden and a cursed world was thrust into His side. Today it is finished!

The words of the cross are a little Bible, a seven fold creed for the Christian faith. This is the sixth saying uttered at the 6th hour on the 6th day of passion week. From the darkness comes the greatest declaration of victory. It is finished. Finalised by words of committal. The earth shock, the temple was split, the curtain was torn, and the graves were opened.