Sermon Notes
The Tree of Life
From the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem, the tree of life appears as one of the most beautiful and mysterious symbols in all of Scripture. In this Bible study, Pastor Morris traces its meaning through the entire biblical narrative, revealing how it points to God's eternal plan of redemption and restoration.
In the Beginning: The Garden of Eden
The tree of life first appears in Genesis 2:9 — planted by God in the middle of the Garden of Eden alongside the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of life; they could eat from it and live forever in God's presence. It represented eternal communion with the Creator. But when sin entered the world, God placed cherubim with flaming swords to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). Humanity was cut off from eternal life — not as punishment alone, but as mercy, so that we wouldn't live forever in a fallen state.
In the Wisdom Literature: A Symbol of Blessing
The book of Proverbs uses the tree of life as a metaphor for the good things God desires to give us. Wisdom herself is called "a tree of life to those who take hold of her" (Proverbs 3:18). The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life (Proverbs 11:30). A desire fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12). Each of these references paints a picture of life as God intended it — abundant, fruitful, deeply satisfying. Even in a fallen world, we can experience glimpses of Eden when we walk in God's wisdom and righteousness.
In the Cross: The True Tree of Life
The apostle Peter uses a remarkable phrase in 1 Peter 2:24 — Christ "bore our sins in His body on the tree." The cross itself is called a tree. What Adam lost at one tree, Christ restored at another. The cross became the new tree of life — the place where death was defeated and eternal life was made available again. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice, we regain access to what was lost in the garden. Galatians 3:13 says: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'"
In Eternity: The New Jerusalem
The Bible ends where it began — with the tree of life. In Revelation 22:1-2, John sees a river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, and on each side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. Its leaves are "for the healing of the nations." No more cherubim guarding the way. No more separation. The curse is removed forever. Revelation 22:14 promises: "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life." The entire story of the Bible — from Genesis to Revelation — is the story of God restoring humanity's access to eternal life with Him.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city."
— Revelation 22:14