Most of the time when people talk about Genesis 2 and 3, the focus, which is what the author intended, is on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet tucked away within this narrative is another tree. This tree represents the eternal life that God desired humans to have with Him. In fact, it is only mentioned in two places in the narrative, 2:9 and 3:22-24. It bookends the narrative and also shows the chose that Adam and Eve had. Out of all the trees mention in this narrative, only these two trees are mentioned by name. They represent life and death. The narrative focuses on the Tree of Knowledge because that is what happened in the history. Adam and Eve never was able to eat of the tree that would have given them eternal life.
Now, the only other places that the tree of life is mentioned is in Proverbs and Revelation. Now, Proverbs describes general principles that people within the covenant of God should follow based on God's law. In general, they are work out better than sinning. The results that are found with Proverbs shows some actions lead to life. The qualities or actions in Proverb do not lead to eternal life but allows the person to experience a fuller life in this sin-soaked world.
Revelation, on the other had, gives us a great projection of the future where the people of God will partake of the tree of life without any guards. The Bible bookends itself with this tree for it is with God. In fact, Revelation 22:2 also mentions a river in the a similar way to Genesis next to the tree of life.
This comes with great application. God has always desired for humans to dwell with Him forever. The Bible shows that only pure and righteous humans can dwell with Him. That is why Adam and Eve were sent away from the Garden. The rest of the Bible describes how bad the world is, even thought it was good before the fall. The Bible becomes clear that a savior is needed and Jesus is that savior. Those that are saved by Jesus will be able to partake of the Tree of Life in Heaven when they dwell with God. Before those that are saved get to Heaven, we eager wait and desire the Lord and long for our resurrected bodies in glory.
Now, the only other places that the tree of life is mentioned is in Proverbs and Revelation. Now, Proverbs describes general principles that people within the covenant of God should follow based on God's law. In general, they are work out better than sinning. The results that are found with Proverbs shows some actions lead to life. The qualities or actions in Proverb do not lead to eternal life but allows the person to experience a fuller life in this sin-soaked world.
Revelation, on the other had, gives us a great projection of the future where the people of God will partake of the tree of life without any guards. The Bible bookends itself with this tree for it is with God. In fact, Revelation 22:2 also mentions a river in the a similar way to Genesis next to the tree of life.
This comes with great application. God has always desired for humans to dwell with Him forever. The Bible shows that only pure and righteous humans can dwell with Him. That is why Adam and Eve were sent away from the Garden. The rest of the Bible describes how bad the world is, even thought it was good before the fall. The Bible becomes clear that a savior is needed and Jesus is that savior. Those that are saved by Jesus will be able to partake of the Tree of Life in Heaven when they dwell with God. Before those that are saved get to Heaven, we eager wait and desire the Lord and long for our resurrected bodies in glory.
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