What happened to paradise after the true atonement was accomplished?
Once the true atonement was accomplished, there was no longer any reason to send people down into paradise, so paradise was taken directly to heaven. This meant the Old Testament saints' sins were now totally atoned for by the shed blood of Christ, bringing them up to date with New Testament believers.
Les explains that once the true atonement had been accomplished, there was no reason to send people down into paradise, and paradise was taken directly to heaven. Paul reminds us that this includes not only the New Testament believer but also the Old Testament saint, whose sins were now totally atoned for by virtue of the shed blood of Christ. This brings the teaching right up to date and leads into verse 26, declaring His righteousness, because we have nothing good, no righteousness, and nothing to barter. We are helpless and hopeless until God steps in.