How does the "tree of life" connect to Genesis and eternal life? Setting the Scene in Revelation 2:7 “ ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.’ ” Tracing the Tree of Life Back to Genesis • Genesis 2:9 — “And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food. And in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” • Genesis 3:22–24 — After the fall, humanity is barred from the tree: flaming sword, cherubim, no access. – The loss of the tree signals the loss of ongoing, physical, unending life in God’s presence. – Death enters; creation groans. • From Eden onward, the Scripture storyline moves toward regaining what was lost—fellowship with God and unending life. How Revelation Re-opens Eden’s Gates • Revelation 2:7 restores personal access: “paradise of God” echoes Genesis’ garden. • Revelation 22:1–2, 14 completes the picture: the tree now straddles the river of life, its leaves bring healing, and the blessed “have the right to the tree of life.” • The cherubim and sword are gone; the overcomer may eat freely. Why Access Was Lost—and How It’s Regained 1. Humanity’s Sin – Romans 5:12 — “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin…” 2. God’s Protection and Promise – Blocking the tree was mercy: no eternal life in a fallen state. 3. Christ’s Redemptive Work – Galatians 3:13 — “Christ redeemed us…by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ ” – Through His cross (“tree”), Jesus bears the curse and opens the way back to life. 4. Overcoming by Faith – 1 John 5:4–5 — “Everyone born of God overcomes the world…Who is it that overcomes? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” – Revelation 2:7’s “overcomer” is the believer who perseveres in Christ. Eternal Life: More than Endless Existence • John 3:16: life that is everlasting and abundant. • John 17:3: life defined by knowing the Father and the Son. • Revelation portrays eternal life as: – Unbroken fellowship (God dwells with His people, 21:3) – Total healing and wholeness (22:2) – Freedom from curse and death (22:3–5) Practical Takeaways for Today • Assurance: The promise is secure; Christ has bought the right to eat. • Motivation: Persevere as an “overcomer” amid cultural pressure, just like the believers in Ephesus. • Hope: Every restriction, sorrow, and death reminder points us forward to the restored garden. Key Verses to Meditate On This Week – Proverbs 3:18 (“She is a tree of life to those who embrace her…”) The tree of life stands as Scripture’s bookend: offered in Eden, lost through sin, and granted anew through the redeeming work of Christ—promising eternal life in God’s restored paradise for all who overcome. |
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