March 22, 2003(18)
THE TREE OF LIFE. The very center, the heart of the whole garden was the tree of life. It was the garden of Eden or the place of the DELIGHT of the king. This had to be the most outstanding and important tree in the whole of the garden for it was in the very middle. All the other trees were planted surrounding it. Gen. 3:3 The importance of the tree is highly emphasized by the protection given to it. Lest man, partake of it and obtain eternal life while yet in a sinful condition, he was expelled from that place of great beauty, the garden, the Paradise of God, the physical presence of the living God. Man, because of having eaten of the forbidden tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, had, in that sense, become like a member of the Godhead. He had lost his innocence and was able to comprehend with Godlike understanding the distinction between right and wrong. Under such circumstances, were he to eat of the tree of life, man would have lived eternally in sin. Gen. 3:22
MAN BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE GARDEN. Man was sent forth, banished or driven out from the very presence of the Lord, and that all important tree of life. The garden was planted in the east, (or sun rising), the gate or the door unmistakably was at the east, for the divine protectors were placed there. The door of the tabernacle and the temple both faced the east. Jesus is coming from the east. Mt. 24:27 Adam and Eve were sent away from that place of tranquillity and fellowship which they had enjoyed with the Lord. Now, standing between them and the tree of life are the cherubim and the flaming sword. Gen. 3:24 Literally, the Godhead himself, the Triunity. The cherubim (plural), representing the Father and the Spirit, while sword typifies the Son, the Lord Jesus. He is the sword of the Lord. Rev. 1:16 He is the living and life giving sword, the Word of the Lord. All this illustrating to all of mankind that the tree of life is available today, if we are willing to come according to the Word of the Lord. Jesus is the door. He is the way, the truth and the life, He is the only way to life everlasting. All must come through Him.
RESTORED RIGHTS TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE. This authority originates with the Lord Jesus. It is in particular directed to those who are willing to listen to the Word of the Lord directed to the churches of the Lord Jesus. Obedience to the directives given by Him will create a group of people known as overcomers. They are truly members of the body of Christ and of the classification who will compose His Bride in these last days. They are privileged to enter into the Paradise of God, into the heart and core of that heavenly atmosphere and garden and partake of the tree of life. This is the place of the revelation of the plan and purpose of the Lord. Paul was caught up to this blessed area and heard < inexpressible things > of which he was not allowed to communicate. This is the exact nucleus of all Spiritual benefits. 2 Cor. 12:4