Once the original sin had been forgiven, there was nothing to stand in the way of man being reconciled back to God. Only the sacrifice of Jesus could accomplish this. As he hung between two thieves on the cross, one reviles him and the other asks that Jesus remember him in paradise. Jesus, then turns to the thief and makes his second statement, "Verily, I say unto thee, Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise." Once the law of God was satisfied by the righteous Christ, the mercy of God could then be given, and we are seated with Christ in heavenly places.