Two Trees - Past and Present

SOME QUESTIONS I WAS SENT

Hello Pearl

The two trees in the garden in the garden of Eden.
One of life, the other of knowledge
why would God put these two trees in the garden in the first place?
Knowing it would cause all these problems with mankind?
Why put mankind at war with each other, when the Greatest Commandment is Love!
God is Love.
All God had to do was not have the trees in the garden!
Then mankind would have been the way He had made it!
When God created things at the start, He said and it was Good.
But when He created mankind, He blessed them!
Why cause All this hate with mankind?
No trees!
Problem solved!
-----------------------------------------

MY REPLY:

Your answer can be found in finding out what these things mean.

The two trees in the garden are symbols.
They were not literal trees.
One was a tree of life,
the other a tree of death.

                       

This symbolism should not surprise us. The entire Bible has benefit for us (2Tim. 3:16,17; Heb.4:12; Rom.15:4;  1Cor. 10:11), not simply as a historical account, but for the symbolic ways in which we can apply it's lessons and principles to our own life.
All those who represent a teaching authority and power,
have been represented throughout the entire Bible, as trees.
(Luke 6:43-45; Matt.12:33,34; 7:17,20; Rev.2:7; 3:20; 22:2; Eze.36:30; 47:12; 17:22-24; Psalm 1:3; 92:12; Jer.17:8; Isa.61:3; 65:22; Zech.4:3,14)
The original Tree of Life (Gen.3:22; John 6:57-58,63; Prov.12:14; Rev.2:7; 22:14; John 14:21; Prov.8:17), as well as it's "apprentice" Trees of Life (Matt.10:25; John 13:13;  1Pet. 2:21), are both referred to in the symbolic book of Revelation (Rev.2:7; 22:2,19; Eze.47:12; Ps.1:3; Matt.7:20; Luke 6:43-45).
The anointed who receive the kingdom,
and channel God's life-giving waters and light through their "fruit" and "leaves",
are also called trees of life,
just as the original Tree of Life was called. (see scriptures above)

Do you know that God created spirit sons before physical sons?
God had a right to create them.
He had a right to create the earth and all good things that are in it.
God also gave the spirits free will, just like people were given.
We know that Adam and Eve sinned (Rom.5:12).
We know that Satan sinned (1John 3:8).

We know that Jesus Christ was the "Word" before coming to earth as a man
(John 1:1,14; Phil.2:5,6,7; John 3:13;  1Tim. 2:5).
That name, the "Word" reflected that he was God's representative and spokesman.
This was traditional within God's nation of Israel....
that the firstborn son represented the father to the rest of the children, and was primary heir to all his father's possessions.
The "Word" was the firstborn of all God ever created (Col.1:15-16;  1John 4:9; John 3:16; Rev.3:14C; John 1:1-4; 6:63).
He presented God's truths to the rest of Creation to follow him.
He represented God to Adam and Eve.
His messages from God meant their lives.
HE, the "Word" is the "tree of life" (John 6:57,63; 17:2; 14:21; Rev.2:7; Luke 17:30; 6:44,45; John 6:63,57; Prov.3:13,18; 12:14; John 6:57).
Adam and Eve had to listen to God, through him (1Tim. 2:5; John 1:14,4; 6:57,63;  1John 4:9).
The "fruit" which the "Word" offered Adam and Eve (Luke 6:45,43), meant life eternally to them (John 6:57).
It is the same for us today.
Those whom God chooses to be his priests,
also offer life (Mal.2:7; Rev.1:5-6; 22:1,2,3,17,19; John 4:14;  2Cor. 5:20; 4:6;  1Cor. 4:1; John 7:38,39;  1Cor. 6:19; Col.1:13;  1Pet. 2:9) (1John 2:20,27; Rom.5:5;  1Cor. 12:7-11; Eph.4:11-12)
by means of what they receive from the High Priest, Christ (John 15:4,5,15,16; Rev.22:2; Luke 6:45; Matt.7:17,20)
(LINK:"Who are the Fine Trees?")
(Ps.92:12,13;  1Cor. 3:6,9; Isa.61:3; Prov.3:13,18; 9:1; Rev.3:12)
(Prov.9:1; Rev.1:16,20; 4:5; Matt.5:14,15; Rev.5:6)

God knows the hearts and thoughts of all His creation
(Luke 16:15; Ps.139:2; 26:2; Job 28:24; Prov.15:11; Jer.17:10).
God is never the source of a test which results in corruption (James 1:13,14,15).
Therefore, God did not place the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden to test Adam and Eve (James 1:13).
Satan was fully responsible for the test the Tree represented.
God acted responsibly when He warned Adam and Eve of the danger He was capable of foreseeing, and which He accurately anticipated (Isa.48:3; 46:10; Heb.4:13; Job 26:6)
He knew what Satan was thinking about, before the Devil committed the first sin
(Job 11:11; James 1:14,15; Ps.139:4; Prov.15:3; 5:21; Jer.23:24).
God knew that Satan was intent on causing Eve to sin (2Cor. 11:3; Gen.3:4-7),
so what should God have done?
Should he have killed his spirit son (who became Satan) before he sinned?
If God had always removed choice from Adam and Eve, would they still have free will?

God is just, and He did not condemn until there was a proven reason to.
But God could, and did, take the opportunity to warn both Adam and Eve,
to stay away from Satan, and to not take in what he wanted to teach them (Luke 6:43,45) (Gen.3:3) (John 8:44; Luke 6:45,43; Gen.3:3)....
the "knowledge of good and bad" by comparison....taking from them, their innocence.
Satan, was the tree of forbidden knowledge that leads to death.
The "fruit"/lies/twisted, deceptive guidance  he offered, were exploitative, corrupting and deadly.
This corruption and death was not sourced with God
(John 8:44; 10:10; James 1:16,17), but from deep within Satan's own heart (Luke 6:45)
and the lies ("rotten fruit" Matt.7:17,20) that came forth from it (Rev.12:15; Prov.6:16-19).
Satan's wrong desire, and the test which that desire resulted in toward Adam and Eve, was not sourced with God.
God warned Eve to not take in the "fruit"/knowledge, that Satan spoke (Luke 6:45,43; Gen.3:3).
We must heed the same warning.
(2Thess. 2:9-10; James 3:15;  2Cor. 11:3,14; Col.2:8;  1Tim. 6:20-21; 4:1; Rev.16:13-16).
LINK:"The Original Sin"

God did not "put" the "Word" and "Satan" in the garden just to tempt His human children (James 1:13).
Those spirit persons symbolized by these two "trees", existed before physical creation,
and they originally had the freedom to roam anywhere they wished, including among mankind on earth
(Job 1:7; Gen.2:16)-(Eze.31:9,18,16; Ps.80:14-19).
Our God is very fair, humble, loving, generous, and reasonable.
Anything that happened in the garden of Eden,
happened because of Satan, Adam, and Eve...
not because of God (Gen.1:31;  1Tim.4:4a).

Trees are only a symbol which represents, teachers.
If there were no symbolic "trees",
there would be no witnesses of God, nor offering of spiritual food (knowledge).
Each tree decides what kind of teacher they will be,
and what sort of "fruit" they will produce and offer others to "eat".
God equips them with wisdom so that they can enjoy
the happiness of giving
the knowledge of life.
But God does not force them to produce what He wishes.
Their mouth will produce fruit according to the abundance of their own heart.
(Luke 6:45; Matt.12:33-37; 7:20; Heb.13:15; John 1:1,4; 8:12; 12:46; Prov.11:30; 10:11; 3:13,18; Eph.5:8-12)

The Bible reveals that Satan's mouth, also bears "fruit"/teachings (Rev.16:13; 12:15; Col.2:8;  2Cor. 11:3;  1Tim. 6:20,21; Gen.3:4,5; Rev.2:24; James 3:15). Just as Jesus is "the way" and his teachings are the road to life; Satan's deceptions are the road which leads to destruction (2Thess. 2:9,10; Matt.7:13; Rev.12:9). All of Satan's teachings/"fruit" are lies, darkness, error/sin, and they lead to death (John 8:44; Heb.2:14; James 1:15). To take in such teachings is to be deceived. Eve herself obtained this falsely-called knowledge (Gen.3:13;  1Tim. 6:20; James 3:15) which resulted in her death (Rom.5:12; Gen.2:17).

It is the same way with the spiritual warfare between human "trees".
(Matt.7:15,16,17,18,19,20;  2Cor. 10:3,4,5; 11:12,13;  2Tim. 3:13)
(1Cor. 3:3; 11:18,19; Mal.3:18)
God has not pitted the anointed against each other.
It was not the truth of God that initiates the final battle,
but rather the lies of demons and those who follow and disseminate them
(1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13-16; 13:11,7; 12:15; Gen.3:15,1,4; Jer.5:11,12,14; Matt.7:19; John 15:2,6).
    Those loyal for truth do not shrink back from defending the truth
(Eph.5:6-7,11; Heb.10:38,39; Rev.12:17; 2:25; 17:14;  2Cor. 10:4,5; Rev.19:11,14,8)
In fact, God plans on severely punishing the human "stumbling blocks" who cause this war
(Matt.18:7; Rev.16:13; 20:10; Jer.5:14; Rev.11:5; Hosea 6:5; Matt.10:20).
They have chosen to teach falsehood (Jer.5:11-12;  1Thess. 5:3; Jer.7:4; Rev.2:9; Matt.24:15) for the short term benefits it brings them
(Matt.4:8-9; Rev.13:4,7; Eze.13:6,7; Jer.8:8; 5:31; 23:16; Isa.28:15; 47:7; Micah 3:9,10,11,12; Hab.2:12,13; Isa.55:2,1)....
and the deceptive power of sin which entices them
(2Tim. 3:13;  2Thess. 2:11; Isa.44:20; Rev.13:16;  1John 2:15-16;  1Cor. 4:8; Rev.3:17-18).
They cause people to be mislead and to fall/stumble
(Dan.8:12,11,24,25; 11:16,36,35,37;  2Thess. 2:4; Rev.17:2; 11:2; 13:5,6,7,10; Dan.9:27;
 Mark 13:14; Luke 17:1,2; Rev.18:21; Jer.51:7; Rev.18:4; Isa.1:21).
"By your magic spell, all the nations were led astray" (Rev.18:23 D)
(Jer.51:7;  2Thess. 2:9-12;  1Kings 22:21-22;  2Thess. 2:11;  1Kings 22:23; Rev.16:13; 13:11,15,8;  2Thess. 2:4)
(1Kings 22:23; Isa.47:7-9; Rev.2:23,20; Ps.73:16-19; Rev.18:8,7; Isa.47:7).
Such ones are just like their spiritual father, the Devil (John 8:44; Eph.2:2).

But there are also people who love, and are loyal to truth (Ps.15:1-2)...
people who love God, and wish to aid those who are mislead.
These people are willing to imitate Christ (John 1:14; 8:40)... by being willing to die as he did... to uphold truth
(Phil.3:10; Rev.6:9-11; 12:11; 14:4-5; 20:4)
When the faithful speak truth, the bad "trees" lose power
(John 8:37; 11:47-48,50,53; Matt.23:37,34-35; Rev.18:24; John 16:2; Rev.11:7; 13:14-15;  2Cor. 10:4-5).
The bad trees hate those who, by teaching truth, disrupt their wicked aspirations
(Eph.5:11; Luke 23:1,2; Mark 12:12; John 8:40; Matt.23:34,35; Rev.18:24).
The war between truth and lies, can not be avoided (Mark 13:7; Dan.11:36;  1Cor. 11:19; Matt.18:7), as long as men have freedom to choose.
Until the end, there will be those who imitate Satan,
providing death-dealing lies (Matt.13:27,28,29,30; 3:12; Rev.14:14,15,16).
And there will be those who "war" against those lies,
by bearing witness to truth/Jesus.
(Gen.3:15;  2Cor. 10:3-5;  2Tim. 2:2-3; Dan.9:25,26; Rev.14:12; 12:17; 19:10; 12:11; 6:9,11; 17:14; 19:11,14,8)
The whole theme of Revelation is about the Tree of Life, once again being within reach (Rev.2:7; 22:19)...
and the Tree of Death, once again being within reach (Rev.20:7-8; 12:3-4, 17).
and the final battle between them, and their spiritual offspring (Rev.16:14-16; 17:14) (Rev.9:7,9,11) (Rev.19:11,14; 12:7) (Gen.3:15).
(LINK:"Who are the 'Kings of the Earth'?")

Behind all the symbolism of the scroll of Revelation; is the unveiling of truth about all God's people, both the faithful sources of truth, light, and life,
and the unfaithful sources of darkness, deception, and death,
the battle between them,
as well as the events and deeds which seal each of the two groups being sorted by this final sifting tribulation, and the final harvest that results.
(Link:"The 'Great Tribulation'. What, and Why?")
(Link:http://wheat-or-weeds-obadiah.blogspot.com/)
(Link:wheat-and-weed-seeds-grow-up-and-mature)

At Gen.3:15, God made very clear why this war began...
(Gen.3:15; Psalm 74:14; Isaiah 27:1; Rom.16:20)
Link:pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com
...and why this enmity would continue to exist until the end (Rev.12:17; Dan.9:26 E; Rev.16:13,14,15,16; Rom.9:28).
Revelation uncovers the clear and just requirements needed to save Creation,
and the reasons for condemnation
which will finally become fully manifested, naked, and exposed (Rev.20:12; Mal.3:18;  2Thess. 2:8; Rom.8:19; Rev.17:16; Eze.16:37).
Like Eve, some of those Chosen to become "mothers" of God's *new creation,
  will be seduced by what Satan offers them (2Cor. 11:3,2; Rev.9:1-2,11), by accepting and teaching
  the Serpent's "fruit"... "knowledge of good and bad", and "opened eyes"
  (Gen.3:5; Matt.6:23; Rev.9:1-2; 14:8; Deut.32:33; Rev.14:19),
  they betray a "simple" lamplight sourced in God's spirit and truth (Matt.6:22-23; 25:7-8,4)
  Like Eve, they will bring confusion, corruption, and death to any offspring they conceive and suckle,
  by means of that "father" of destruction and his dark supportive provisions.
  Like Eve, they too, will suffer the shame of nakedness, when their harlotry, is revealed
  (Rev.3:17; Isa.47:3,7; Nahum 3:5,4; Rev.17:1,16; 18:8; Luke 8:17; Rom.2:6)
But for those "virgins" who choose to remain faithful (2Cor. 11:2-3; Rev.14:4-5), they will be given a garment of praise for their continuing endurance and chastity to Christ
(Isa.61:3; Rev.19:8; 3:18; 12:1; Ec.9:7-8)

God is not at all happy about the bad choices of any of the bad "trees" who propagate Satan's corrupt "fruit".
It hurts God's heart when his rebellious sons choose to cause spiritual harm to others (Gen.6:5,6,11,12,13,8).
He only wants them to change and stop being bad (Eze.18:23).
He is ready to forgive them (Eze.18:21,22,23; Heb.8:12; Isa.43:25; Rev.2:21).
He does not want any to die by Satanic deception.
(Gen.2:17; Matt.7:15;  1John 4:1;  1Pet. 5:8; Col.2:8; Eph.5:6;  1Tim. 6:20; Matt.24:24-25; Luke 21:36)

But God respects our free will. If, like Adam and Eve, we choose Satan as our guide, father, exemplar, leader, and god,
then we must also accept what that chosen father and god does to us.
He is a liar and murderer (John 8:44; Heb.2:14 C),
so if we are hurtful like him
(1John 3:12; Luke 11:50-51; Rev.17:6; 18:24; 13:11,15; John 16:2) (Matt.23:34-38)
(Link:"All Slain on Earth"),
or lose our love of truth (Rev.2:4;  2Thess. 2:9-12),
we must also expect to be deceived and killed...
and to be under Satan's powers of blind darkness, spiritual ignorance, corruption, and death.
(Gen.4:11; 3:13,17-19; John 12:35; Matt.24:24-25; Rev.13:7; Dan.8:11,25; Rev.11:2)
(Link:earth+swallows+satan's+river)
--(Link:Who-is-the-Destroyer?)
----(Link:what-is-sheol-hell-hades?)
------(Link:Where+is+Hades?)
--------(Link:search-result=sons+of+light+sons+of+darkness)
There are only two choices...
and that is why there were two main trees mentioned in Eden.
We either learn from, love, and obey God's faithful representative, Christ;
    (Who was "The Word" before his earthly life -John 1:1,2,4,14
      ...God's representative to Adam and Eve.).. and to us -John 14:24,10,7)
or,
we learn from and obey God's wayward son, Satan...
   and his representatives
    (John 8:44; Rev.13:11; Dan.11:27; Rev.16:13,14;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.22:15; Deut.32:32,33; Matt.24:4,5,24,25; 7:15;  2Cor. 11:13,14,15; Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8)
Whichever "tree" we "eat" from,
whichever "fruit" we take into us,
there are just and fair consequences as a result (Gal.6:7-9).
The fruit we bring into our heart, contains seed within it. That seed will come to fill our heart, and make manifest whose son we have chosen to become. Out of our hearts abundance, our own mouth will speak. We will propagate that which we have sown and cultivated within us (Luke 6:45,44; Matt.7:20).

If we cultivate the greatest commands to love God and neighbor (Matt.22:37,38,39,40),
we won't have any problem with Satan,
or his bad fruit that kills.

The "two trees" are still with us.
For a while, the tree of life was unreachable (Gen.3:24).
But since Jesus came to the earth,
life is again within reach (John 1:14,4; 6:58; 4:10).
So are the deadly teachings of Satan (Rev.12:9;  2Thess. 2:9; Rev.13:11;  2Cor. 4:4; 11:3).
Now we need to choose what WE will do.
Will we imitate Adam and Eve?
Which tree are we following and learning from today?
Whose "fruit" will we "eat"?
Which seed will we cultivate in our heart, and which resulting crop will we be identified with?
(Luke 8:11,15; Matt.13:37-39)

I hope these thoughts give you more to think about,
and maybe feel better about the righteousness of God's Justice,
and how it was dispensed in Eden.

Also remember, that when Adam and Eve wanted to hide their sin from God,
what did they do?
They covered their private parts. (Gen.3:7,10,11)
Do you remember what the desire was,
of the spirits who left heaven? (Gen.6:1,2)
Can you consider the possible reason why Satan wanted to guide Eve into sin?
Yet to do so, he first had to offer Eve symbolic "fruit"...
teachings that mislead, and went contrary to God's instruction through the "Word"
(Matt.19:4,5,6;  1Cor. 7:2).

There is more to the story of Eden than the symbols.
We need to see behind the story and symbols to understand the whole picture.

When we see more, we understand more,
that God is always just, loving and righteous.
He is never the source of Bad or injustice.
I hope the other considerations I offer you,
will help you to see that better.

Love in Christ,
Pearl

This discussion continues, at:
    Link:the-garden-of-eden-new-creation-seven

Link:"The Original Sin"

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