The Tree of Life

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

(Genesis 3:22) KJV

In the Bible the phrase “tree of life” is used to refer to an actual tree which has leaves and fruit, but it’s also used euphemistically to refer to the fruits of seeking and gaining wisdom.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

(Proverbs 3:13-18) KJV

The human soul is eternal. This is the reason for our predicament. Our bodies will die and at that time our soul will go on into eternity. Some will go on up into everlasting life in the presence of God. Others will go down to hell to await judgement, and then will be cast into the lake of fire. This brings up an interesting question:

• Question:
  • IF our soul is eternal,
  • WHY would we need a tree of life?
• Answer:
  • The tree of life is for healing the body, not the soul.

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

(Revelation 22:2) KJV

Adam and Eve were banished from the garden of Eden so that they would have to suffer the consequences of their disobedience: their bodies would get old and die.

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