Bible Questions and Answers

What is the "tree of life" in the Garden of Eden?

The tree of life was a tree that God planted in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:9

We understand from Genesis 3:22 that if Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of life they would have lived forever. Genesis 3:22

To prevent this, following their disobedience, God evicted them from the garden and placed a guard at the entrance. Genesis 3:24

God’s purpose in making the earth and mankind is to give those who choose to believe and obey him eternal life upon the earth. This requires them to acquire wisdom in understanding God’s purpose as revealed in the scriptures. This wisdom, applied in their lives, is likened to a tree of life. Proverbs 3:18; Ecclesiastes 7:12

The fruit of the righteous (those who live by God’s precepts) is also likened to a tree of life. Their preaching by example can lead others to acquire wisdom. Proverbs 11:30

Fulfilled desire is likened to (the joy of) a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

A wholesome tongue (a fruit of righteousness) is also likened to a tree of life. Proverbs 15:4

In Revelation 2:7 the giving of eternal life to the faithful who ‘overcome’ i.e. remain faithful in adversity, is described symbolically as being permitted to eat from the tree of life.

The bride of Christ at the beginning of his millennial reign is represented as ‘Jerusalem descending from heaven’ in which the tree of life bears fruit each month and the leaves (i.e. the preaching of the Gospel) provide ‘healing’ (reconciliation with God) for the mortal population of the earth during the 1000-years. Revelation 22:2

The right to the tree of life, i.e. eternal life, is for those who understand God’s commandments and implement them in their lives. They will become part of the bride of Christ endowed with the divine nature. Revelation 22:14; 2 Peter 1:4

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn