10 Things You Need to Know About the Tree of Life Bible

10 Things You Need to Know About the Tree of Life Bible

This verse intrigues me when I read the Bible, Genesis 2:16-17, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” This means Adam and Eve were free to eat any tree including the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Yet they chose to eat of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is a profound lesson that reminds me of the disobedience of our human nature.

Moreover, the big question becomes, what is the relevance of the Tree of Life in the Bible? That is my interest in this article. To begin, the term “tree of life” appears in Genesis 2:9, 16-17, Proverbs (3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4) and Revelation (2:7; 22:2,14,19). I will also highlight the symbolism of the tree of life such as it connects the Old and New Testaments, and it represents the eternal life in Jesus Christ and much more. Take a look.

Here are 10 Things You Need to Know About the Tree of Life Bible.

1. The Tree of Life First Appears in Genesis

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The Tree of Life is first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis. After God created the heavens and the earth, He planted a garden in Eden and put the man He had formed there.  God caused to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden (Genesis 2:8-9).

Better still, this tree likely symbolized eternal life. Having access to the Tree of Life allowed Adam and Eve to live forever in their original perfect state, as long as they did not eat from the forbidden tree—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17).

2. The Tree of Life Appears Again in Revelation

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After the fall and expulsion from Eden, the Tree of Life disappears from Scripture until the very end of the Bible, in the book of Revelation. However, the term (tree of life) appears in the book of Proverbs in a different context.

Thus, in John’s vision of the new Jerusalem in Revelation, an angel showed him the river of the water of life that flows from the throne of God. Lining the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding its fruit every month (Revelation 22:1-2). The leaves of this tree were for the healing of the nations.

On top of that, God’s servants will see His face and have His name on their foreheads. They will live and reign with Christ forever (Revelation 22:3-5). The Tree of Life represents eternal life restored through Jesus Christ.

3. The Tree of Life is No Longer Accessible to Humanity

After Adam and Eve sinned, God sent them out of Eden and placed a cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24). Fallen humanity no longer had access to this tree that granted immortality. Because of sin, eternal life could only come through faith in the Savior who would defeat sin and death—Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17). Those who place their trust in Christ will gain access to the Tree of Life again when Jesus establishes His kingdom.

4. The Tree of Life Connects the Old and New Testaments

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Though the Tree of Life is only mentioned several times in Scripture (Genesis 2-3, Revelation 22), it links the two ends of the Bible together. In Genesis, the tree represents the life that could have been, if not for the fall. Revelation shows the restoration and fulfillment of what was lost. The tree beautifully connects God’s original purpose for humanity with His plans when sin is eradicated.

5. The Tree of Life Links Earth to Heaven

The original tree of life was a real tree located on earth. But in Revelation, the tree stands in the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem. It connects the heavenly realm with paradise restored on earth. Where Genesis shows what was lost, Revelation demonstrates what is to come—the kingdom of God ruling over the renewed heavens and earth. The Tree of Life spans from the Garden of Eden to the glorious fulfillment of all things.

6. The Tree Represents Eternal Life in Christ

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Jesus spoke of Himself as the source of eternal life. He told the Jews, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He promised, “I give [my sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). Christ is the life-giver who provides access to the tree of life once again for those who place their faith in Him.

7. The Tree of Life Shows Citizens’ Status

Only those who belong to the new Jerusalem will be allowed to eat from the Tree of Life and enter the gates of the city (Revelation 22:14). This indicates that they are citizens of God’s kingdom, not outsiders. It is their right and privilege to access all that God has for them. Sharing in the tree of life will be one blessing among many bestowed on the people of God.

8. The Tree Indicates Healing of the Nations

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Not only does the Tree of Life give eternal life, but its leaves are also for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2). Where there is sin, there is division, discord, suffering, sadness, and death. But Revelation paints a beautiful picture of people from every tribe, language, and nation worshiping God together in perfection (Revelation 5:9; 7:9). All effects of sin will be reversed and healed.

9. The Tree of Life Indicates God’s Provision

The tree of life yields fruit monthly, continually providing for the people’s needs (Revelation 22:2). It demonstrates God’s desire and ability to supply His people with good gifts (Psalm 145:15-16; Matthew 7:11). Mankind will never be left wanting again, as was briefly the case in the fallen world. God will joyfully and abundantly provide for His own.

10. The Tree of Life Reminds Christians of Paradise Restored

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When humanity sunk into sin, they lost access to the idyllic garden prepared for them. But God had a plan to redeem and restore His people through Christ. Though the effects of sin destroyed earthly paradise, the Tree of Life represents the hope of paradise regained for eternity. The heavens and earth will be made new, and God will once again dwell with His people (Revelation 21:1-4).

The Tree of Life provides a beautiful picture of many biblical doctrines and themes. As mentioned in both Genesis and Revelation, this important symbol connects God’s original purpose for humanity with His plans to restore paradise through Jesus Christ. This tree represents eternal life, healing, God’s provision, and the hope of the life to come.