The Tree of Life: Immortality, Christ, and New Jerusalem

The tree of life holds profound significance as a symbol of immortality, divine sustenance, and eternal blessings, found both in the Garden of Eden and in the promised New JerusalemHvn 172.2+3. It represents God's life-giving power and the path to everlasting communion with HimGCDB March 6, 1899, par. 37+1.

The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden

In the Garden of Eden, the tree of life possessed supernatural virtue, and to eat of its fruit was to live forever, serving as an antidote to deathHvn 172.2+1. Its leaves were intended for the sustaining of life and immortalityHvn 172.2. God created man in His image, giving him dominion over the earth and providing every herb bearing seed and every fruit tree for food Genesis 1:26-29. Adam and Eve, however, partook of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, an act of disobedience that brought woe upon humankind and resulted in death entering the worldHvn 172.2+4. This transgression led to God expelling them from the Garden, placing a flaming sword around the tree of life to prevent them from partaking of its fruit and thus becoming immortal sinnersExV 32.4+1. Had they eaten of the tree of life after their sin, their transgression would have been perpetuatedExV 32.4+1. The tree of knowledge became a curse to them, not because it was inherently poisonous, but solely because of their act of disobedienceGCDB March 6, 1899, par. 37. Satan had deceived them, insinuating that eating from it would grant a more exalted existence and that God had jealously withheld it to prevent them from achieving equality with HimEP 24.1. No one from Adam's family has passed that flaming sword to partake of the tree of life, confirming that there are no immortal sinnersExV 32.4.

Christ as the Tree of Life

In the spiritual sense, Jesus Christ Himself is the tree of life for the worldGCDB March 6, 1899, par. 37. He presents Himself as the Life-giver, and by feeding upon His flesh and drinking His blood, our spiritual life is perfected, leading to eternal life5BC 1135.8+1. This spiritual sustenance is directly equated to eating the fruit of the tree of life5BC 1135.8. The tree of life also represents Christ's preserving care for His children, acknowledging dependence upon GodRH January 26, 1897, par. 9. His words are described as spirit and life, and they are the leaves of the tree of life that quicken and profit us5BC 1135.8.

The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem

The tree of life is a glorious reality promised to the faithful in the New JerusalemLS80 217.2+2. John the Revelator saw this tree in the midst of the street of the holy city, on either side of the river of water of life, which proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb Revelation 22:1-2AA 592.2. This tree bears twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations Revelation 22:2EVRR722+1. Its fruit is described as glorious, looking like gold mixed with silver2SG 34.1. In a vision, it was seen as tables of pure silver, many miles in length, laden with the fruit of the tree of life, manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruitLS80 217.2. Those who eat of this fruit will return to earth no more, continuously partaking of it to sustain immortalityLS80 217.2+1. The New Earth, restored to an Edenic state, will feature these beautiful trees, providing rest and joy in the presence of JesusARSH January 15, 1857, page 86.2+2. The Lord's love offers an earnest invitation to partake of these infinite blessings, ensuring that all who are finally lost will have no complaint that the provisions for salvation were insufficientDAR 722.6.

The Right to the Tree of Life

To have the right to the tree of life and to enter into the New Jerusalem through its gates is a blessed promise granted to those who do God's commandments Revelation 22:14AA 592.2+8. The steps to this "holy hill of Zion" involve knowing sin through the law, repentance toward God, faith in Jesus Christ, and faith working by love, which is expressed through keeping His commandments Romans 3:20+6RRCS 34.6. This includes the seventh-day Sabbath, which was established "in the beginning" Genesis 1:1-31+1SC2 79.2. The promise of eating the tree of life is for overcomers in all ages and proves that Paradise has not been abolishedSITI July 27, 1888, page 454.11. Those who strive to be pure, holy, meek, and lowly in heart, keeping all of God's commandments, will join the redeemed in partaking of this fruitARSH June 16, 1863, page 22.25+2.

The Word of God as the Leaves of the Tree of Life

The Word of God itself is likened to the leaves of the tree of life, which are more precious than fine gold and powerful to sanctify1NL 15.3+1. These living principles are for the healing of human woes13LtMs, Ms 97, 1898, par. 3. By receiving the Word, people draw closer to Christ, gaining higher impulses and holier desires1NL 15.3+1. It provides a sure path for those willing to walk in the light and offers hope of redemption through Christ1NL 15.3+1. Through a living connection with Christ, He gives us these leaves, which are the words of the living God, offering communion and life20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 25.

The Importance of Bearing Fruit

The concept of trees also serves as a metaphor for spiritual fruitfulness. Some individuals are sadly described as "cumberers of the ground," like trees in the garden of God that are unproductive, darkening the ground that fruit-bearing trees might occupyPH078 20.2. The grafting of Gentiles into the "good olive tree" signifies a work of grace, where branches partake of the nature of the root and bear the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, rather than the works of the flesh Galatians 5:19-23+1ST March 25, 1897, par. 6+1. Sharing advantages with others in more difficult fields is a way to illustrate the fruit of the tree of life in our lives, leading to proportionate spiritual blessings17LtMs, Lt 121, 1902, par. 10.

In summary, the tree of life is a multi-faceted emblem of divine provision and eternal life, beginning in Eden, symbolized by Christ's life-giving sacrifice, and culminating in the New Jerusalem as a perpetual source of sustenance and healingHvn 172.2+4. Our access to its blessings is intrinsically linked to faithfulness, obedience to God's commandments, and living a life that bears the fruit of the SpiritRH July 6, 1905, par. 15+5. The Word of God serves as its leaves, continually guiding and sanctifying believers toward this glorious inheritance1NL 15.3+3.