The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil vs. The Tree of Life
In the rich tapestry of the Bible, we encounter a profound contrast between two symbolic trees: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. These trees represent profound theological concepts that echo through the pages of Scripture, teaching us about the stark differences between life under the law and life in Christ, between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, between fear and love.
**The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil: Law and Works**
In the book of Genesis, we are introduced to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of its fruit, but they disobeyed, desiring knowledge apart from God’s guidance. This act of disobedience brought sin and separation from God into the world. This tree symbolizes humanity’s inclination to rely on its own understanding, attempting to discern good from evil by human effort alone. This is the essence of a works-based approach to righteousness.
*Proverbs 3:5-7 (KJV)*
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
**The Tree of Life: Faith and Love**
Contrastingly, the Tree of Life finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. It represents a life of faith, love, and a reliance on God’s grace rather than human effort. The law, with its strict regulations and sacrifices, couldn’t bring righteousness or life, but through faith in Christ, we find both.
*Galatians 2:16 (KJV)*
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
The essence of Christ’s law, as highlighted in the scriptures, is to love God with all our heart and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This fulfills the law and embodies the Tree of Life’s principle. It’s a law written not on stone tablets but on our hearts, guided by love and faith.
**Flesh vs. Spirit: The Battle Within**
The contrast between these trees is also mirrored in the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represents the fleshly, self-reliant nature of humanity, which often leads to sin and separation from God.
*Romans 8:6 (KJV)*
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
The Tree of Life, on the other hand, is a life led by the Holy Spirit, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). This Spirit-filled life reflects the transformation that occurs when we turn away from the works of the flesh and embrace Christ’s redemptive work.
**Fear vs. Love: The Motivation**
Ultimately, the choice between these two symbolic trees reflects our motivation in serving God. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil often leads to fear – fear of punishment, fear of not measuring up, and fear of condemnation. In contrast, the Tree of Life is rooted in love, for perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
*John 14:15 (KJV)*
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
As believers in Christ, we are called to bear the fruit of love, for this is the essence of Christ’s law. Love is the guiding principle that empowers us to walk in the Spirit, choose faith over works, and embrace the Tree of Life.
**The Tree of Life: A Continual Source of Nourishment**
In the Bible, the Tree of Life is not merely a one-time choice but a continual source of nourishment for believers. It’s a symbol of our ongoing relationship with Christ and our daily walk in His love and grace.
*Revelation 22:14 (KJV)*
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Revelation 22:2 describes the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding its fruit every month, indicating a perpetual source of spiritual sustenance. This is a beautiful illustration of the abundant life we find in Christ, where His love and grace never run dry.
**Embracing the Tree of Life as Believers in Christ**
As believers in Christ, we are called to embrace the Tree of Life daily. This means living a life of faith and love, constantly relying on God’s grace, and abiding in His Word.
*John 15:5 (KJV)*
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Our lives should reflect the transformation brought about by Christ’s redemptive work in us. We are no longer under the heavy burden of trying to earn our salvation through works, but rather, we live in the freedom and joy of knowing that our righteousness is in Christ.
*2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)*
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This transformation is not based on fear but on the love of Christ, who loved us even when we were sinners (Romans 5:8). As we grasp the depth of His love, we are motivated to love God and our neighbors as Christ commanded.
**Conclusion: Living as Believers in Christ**
In conclusion, the contrast between the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life offers profound insights into the Christian life. We, as believers in Christ, have the privilege of partaking in the Tree of Life, which represents a life of faith, love, and grace. We no longer live in fear but in the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness.
Let us continually choose the Tree of Life, seeking to grow in our relationship with Christ, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and abiding in His love. As we do so, we reflect the transformative power of Christ’s redemptive work, drawing others to the abundant life found in Him. In this, we honor the commandments of our Lord, loving Him and loving our neighbors, fulfilling the essence of His law, and living as believers in Christ.