The Origin and History of the Tree of Life

The tree of life was part of the original creation of the world and was planted by God in the Garden of Eden as a literal, visible tree designed to perpetuate human existence Genesis 2:8-9ARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+2. While the specific garden setting was prepared for Adam and Eve, the tree of life is the great source and symbol of immortality that proceeds from God himselfMM 233.6+1.

The Origin of the Tree of Life

• Creation Week: On the third day of creation, God commanded the earth to bring forth every fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind Genesis 1:11-13. By the sixth day, the work of the Creator was complete, and the tree of life was blooming on earth in the midst of the paradise God had planted Genesis 2:9HSFD 12.2+1.

• A Source of Immortality: The tree was not merely a decorative plant; it was the means provided by God to confer eternal life upon man, provided he remained obedientARSH August 29, 1854, page 19.5+1.

• The School-Room of Eden: The garden served as a school-room for Adam and Eve, where the tree of life bore the fruit of true education and spiritual perfectionGCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.22.

The Nature of the Tree

The tree of life is a representation of the preserving care of Jesus Christ for His childrenGCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.22+1. It possesses specific characteristics that define its role in God's universe:

• Power to Perpetuate Life: As long as Adam had access to this tree, he would not die, regardless of his natural conditionARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+1.

• Physical Reality: Though some mistakenly view it as a figure or mystery, the tree was a visible, palpable reality in the gardenPTUK September 22, 1892, page 295.4+1.

• Dependence on God: The tree taught man that life is not inherent in himself but must be sought from the Creator, who is the Life John 1:4ETI Tree of life.2+1.

The Relocation of the Tree

After sin entered the world, the tree was removed from the earth to prevent man from becoming an immortal sinnerARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+2.

• Transplantation: The heavenly Husbandman transplanted the tree of life to the paradise above after the fall of manHvn 172.3+1.

• Current Location: It is currently located in the third heaven, in the holy city, the New Jerusalem, standing on either side of the river of life which proceeds from the throne of God Revelation 22:1-2ARSH September 15, 1859, page 130.3+1.

• Future Restoration: When the earth is redeemed and Eden is restored, the tree of life will again be accessible to those who have kept the commandments of God Revelation 22:14EW 125.2+2.