The Tree of Life - Gen 2:9; Rev 2:7
INTRODUCTION:
- Eden was beautiful -- Sweet unbroken fellowship - Gen
2:8,15,22.
- Pair could choose right in preference to wrong - Gen
2:16-17; 3:2-3.
- The other Tree is of profound significance: Discussed in
the two book ends of the Bible (Genesis and Revelation); It is one
of the most fascinating subjects in all the inspired Word; The first mention -
Gen 2:9.
a.It seems THIS TREE was related to their fellowship with
God.
b.So it was not just for endurance of life, but for
quality of life -- In full completeness of their God-given powers - cf Gen
1:28.
1.SO The first two had paradise, AND lost it - gen
3:1-6.
A.Despite Gods clear warning, they rebelled against
Gods Word and ate of the tree, and sin entered - Rom
5:12.
- Did not bring the happiness Satan had promised - Gen
3:16-19.
- They were the first people to learn sad song that
Sin takes you further than you want to go
Keeps you longer
than you want to stay
And costs you more than you want to
pay.
B.Note the guardians of the Tree of Life - Gen
3:22-24.
- FLAMING SWORD: Justice; Sense of guilt -
Psa 38:4; Eph 2:12.
- CHERUBIMS: Figurative symbols of forgiving
mercy to come?
2.heaven will restore paradise - rev 2:7; Heb
11:16.
A.Then there will be the recovery of the Tree of Life -
Rev 22:1-2.
- That which barred the way to the Tree for sinners will
be withdrawn, as the saved will have right to the Tree - Rev 2:7; 22:14.
- Nutrients for happy vigorous service by Christs
servants, and they will be nurtured and preserved forever - Rev 22:3; 1Jn 2:25.
B.Actually, Heaven more than restores Eden -- It
surpasses Eden:
- That was a Garden; This is a City - Heb 11:10; 2Co 5:1.
- Eden was magnificent; But Heaven is sublime - 1Pe 1:4-5.
- Sin invaded Eden; But not Heaven - Rev 21:27; Nothing
will ever disturb the peace and security of eternity - Rev 21:18-25.
C.FRUITS / LEAVES (Rev 22:2) - Suggests
total provision eternally.
D.To all this we can have a triumphal entry - Rev
22:14.
- Through the new and living way - Heb 10:19-23.
- Our knowledge is small, but whatever furthers our good
will be there: Perhaps it will be Changeless Progress - Rev
7:15-17.
3.between losing and restoration -- A
parenthesis.
A.We lost right to the Tree; But more to the story - 2Pe
3:9; 1Ti 2:4.
- Provided by His own sacrifice - Rom 5:6-8; Rev 7:14.
- Salvation offered freely to a lost world - Tit 2:11; Col
3:4.
- But this is only in Christ - Eph 1:7; Ac 4:12; Gal 3:27.
- Now have Divine approval / fellowship - Rom 3:26; 1Jn
1:3; 3:1.
B.To believers, Christ is now all - Phi 1:21; Gal
2:20.
- This world cannot be the essence of true life - 1Ti 6:7;
Phi 1:23.
- LOVING SAVIOR is our Tree of Life - 1Jn 5:11-12.
- Grow / Develop / Be Consecrated - Heb 12:1-2; 1Co
6:19-20.
C.There must be warfare and struggle before Heaven - 1Ti
6:12.
D.The Tree is not mentioned again in Bible history; But
In PROVERBS there are four poetic expressions that are symbolic
of present truth:
- 3:13-18, Can be ours only in Christ - 1Co
1:30; Col 2:3.
- 11:30, This life is refreshing to all who
encounter it - Eph 5:9.
- 13:12, Fulfilled hope can be a source of
renewed vigorous life.
- 15:4, Be careful of what we say to others
- Col 4:6.
NOTE: we can pray that God will help us to be like
life-giving trees through growing in true wisdom, living righteously, offering
hope to the lost in our midst, and using our God-given abilities of
communication to bring blessings to those with whom we speak.
CONCLUSION:
- Is there imperfection in the world? YES, SIN did
it! - Rom 8:22-23.
- For the persistently impenitent: There is no hope - 2Th
1:7-9.
- But the penitent can be forgiven, if they trust Him - Jn
6:68; Ac 22:16.
PARADISE WAS LOST
PARENTHESIS BETWEEN
IT WILL BE REGAINED
SOURCES: Jabez Burns; Henry Morris; Adam Clarke;
Keil & Delitzsch; Leupold; Alexander Maclaren; Nicoll; Charles Simeon;
J. Culross; H. Melvill; James Hastings; Two Unknown
Authors; PULPIT COMMENTARY.
SER7 \TREELIFE.O89 (T-009)
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