by Ester yusufu | 17 July 2018 08:46 pm07
Genesis 2:8-9
“And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
God provided Adam with abundant provision—fruit trees “pleasant to the eye and good for food” (v.9). Theologically, this reflects God’s goodness and generosity in creation, providing fully for human needs (Psalm 104:14-15). The command was not to abstain from these trees, but freedom was given to enjoy God’s provision (Genesis 1:29).
This abundance symbolizes the goodness of God’s created order before the Fall.
This unique tree symbolized eternal life. Eating from it granted life that never ends. Theologically, the Tree of Life points to the divine life that comes only from God. After Adam’s sin, access to the Tree of Life was blocked (Genesis 3:22-24), signifying that fallen humanity is separated from eternal life unless restored by God’s grace.
Jesus Christ reveals Himself as the true Tree of Life:
John 14:6
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 6:47-51
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life… whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
The principle here is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Eternal life is not obtained by works or natural means but only through union with Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The fruits of this life are described in Galatians 5:22-23 as the fruit of the Spirit, evidencing transformation by God’s grace.
This tree represents sin and death. God commanded Adam not to eat from it, warning of death (Genesis 2:17). Theologically, it symbolizes the boundary of God’s authority and human responsibility to obey God’s Word.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed, they chose autonomy over God’s authority, resulting in the Fall (Romans 5:12). Sin introduced spiritual and physical death into humanity and the world (Romans 6:23).
The serpent, identified in later Scripture as Satan (Revelation 12:9), used deception to tempt humanity (Genesis 3). This temptation appeals to human pride and desire for self-determination apart from God (1 John 2:16).
The choice between these two trees continues today spiritually:
Paul warns believers:
Romans 6:16
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
The Bible makes clear that eternal life is only found in Jesus (Acts 4:12). Choosing sin leads to eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46).
God’s offer of grace is urgent (Hebrews 3:7-8). Today is the day to choose life through Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 30:19; 2 Corinthians 6:2).
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?
Have you received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
May the grace of God guide you into life eternal.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2018/07/17/the-tree-of-life-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-of-good-and-evil/
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