Right to the Tree of Life

Do you want the right to the Tree of Life?

The tree of life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve had the right to eat of it, but lost that right when they sinned (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17-24). The tree is pure, able to provide eternal life to those worthy to partake of it. However, because of sin, one loses the right to partake of the tree (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

Because of its pure nature, the tree of life is used symbolically in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is located there (Proverbs 3:18); fruit of righteousness is a tree of life (Proverbs 11:30); fulfilled desire is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12); a wholesome [healing] tongue is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4). The author says that if we possess these pure characteristics, we may be on our way to obtaining the tree of life.

The book of Revelation tells us how we can have a right to the tree. The Lord says, “…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7).” Later John tells us what he sees in the vision: the tree of life is on either side of the river of water of life, bearing twelve fruits; the leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:4). Then John leaves us one reminder: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates of the city (Revelation 22:14).”

Do you want the right to the Tree of Life? Have your sins washed away, keep the commandments of God, and overcome the trials and tribulations of this world through Christ!