#5 - Three Trees, Two Adams - One Redemption Story (Genesis 2:9, 3:22-24, Revelation 22:2, 14, 19)

In this episode of Navigate The Way, we explore the profound connection between the two trees in the Garden of Eden and the Cross, where Christ bore the curse of sin. Journey with us as we unpack how the actions of the first Adam in Genesis brought sin and death into the world, while the obedience of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, secured redemption and eternal life. Through the lens of Scripture, we’ll trace the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation, diving into the significance of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Join us as we uncover how the Fall and Redemption are woven into the fabric of the entire Bible, offering both deep theological insight and practical application for today. Don’t miss this insightful episode that ties together humanity’s tragic fall and Christ’s triumphant victory. Like, subscribe, and share!

Scripture References:

• Genesis 2:9
• Genesis 3:22-24
• Revelation 22:2, 14, and 19

This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. To check out the tool, visit: https://www.navtheway.com/.

Also, don't forget to follow us on social media 😉:
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566125041701
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102618283

Transcript

### Gabe Langston:
G’day, listeners! This is Gabe Langston, and welcome to Navigate The Way. As always, we’re here to dive deep into the Word of God, unpacking the rich truths that shape our faith. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others who are on a journey to know the Scriptures better. Today’s topic was suggested by Bryan Miller, who reached out with a great question: “Could you do an episode on the two trees from the Garden of Eden? The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life (the one people seem to know less about).”

These two trees, introduced in Genesis, aren’t just details of an ancient narrative; they represent profound theological truths that stretch from the opening chapters of the Bible to the final verses in Revelation. But before we get too far into it, Dave, could you start us off by giving your thoughts on the significance of these two trees?

### Dave Brooks:
Thanks for asking, Gabe. I’m Dave Brooks, and I’m thrilled to discuss this intriguing topic today. When we look at Genesis chapter 2 verse 9, we see the introduction of both trees: “And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Here, in the midst of God’s perfect creation, these two trees stand as symbols of life and moral discernment. What strikes me immediately is the distinction between them—one tree is associated with eternal life, while the other brings an understanding of good and evil, but through disobedience and sin.

What’s your take on this, Gabe? How do you see the role of these trees in the broader narrative of Scripture?

### Gabe Langston:
Spot on, Dave. These trees are pivotal to the entire unfolding of redemptive history. The Tree of Life represents the eternal life God intended for humanity—life that’s not just biological but rich, unending communion with God. This is reinforced in Genesis chapter 3 verse 22, after Adam and Eve’s fall, when God says, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” It’s clear that eating from this tree grants eternal life, but because of sin, humanity is cut off from it. 

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, on the other hand, presents a test of obedience. In Genesis chapter 2 verse 17, God commands Adam, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” This is crucial because it reveals the foundational truth of humanity’s need to submit to God’s authority. Choosing to eat from this tree wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was a rejection of God’s command, an act of rebellion that ushered in death and sin.

But Dave, what do you think about the deeper theological implications here? Why does this distinction between the trees matter so much in understanding God’s redemptive plan?

### Dave Brooks:
The theological weight of these trees is profound, Gabe. At its core, the distinction between them underscores two paths: life with God through obedience and death through disobedience. The Tree of Life is a reminder of God’s provision, His desire for humanity to flourish in relationship with Him. Yet, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil confronts us with the reality of free will and moral responsibility.

This contrast between life and death isn’t isolated to Genesis. When we move forward to Revelation, we see these themes coming full circle. In Revelation chapter 2 verse 7, we hear Christ saying to the church at Ephesus, “To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” And again in Revelation chapter 22 verses 2 and 14, we read about the Tree of Life growing on both sides of the river in the New Jerusalem, its leaves for the healing of the nations. The access to the Tree of Life is restored in eternity—this is key! It’s a beautiful symbol of God’s redemptive plan, bringing us back to the life we were always meant to have, now through Christ.

### Gabe Langston:
Absolutely, Dave. That’s where the Christocentric perspective comes in, right? Everything about the Tree of Life points us to Christ. He is, after all, the true source of eternal life. In John chapter 14 verse 6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” When we’re cut off from the Tree of Life because of sin, Christ becomes the means by which we are restored to that life. Through His death and resurrection, the curse is broken, and we are given access to eternal life once again.

It’s also worth noting that when Jesus hangs on the cross—on a tree, no less—it’s a reversal of what happened in Eden. The first Adam ate from the forbidden tree, bringing death. The second Adam, Christ, bears the curse of sin on a tree, bringing life. This is the heart of redemptive history. Everything about these trees is a foreshadowing of the work of Christ and the ultimate restoration of all things.

Dave, how do you see this connection between the trees and the broader biblical themes of sin, judgment, and salvation?

### Dave Brooks:
Gabe, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil encapsulate the story of humanity’s fall and redemption. Eating from the forbidden tree didn’t just introduce knowledge; it introduced guilt, shame, and alienation from God. And the ultimate consequence, as we see in Genesis chapter 3 verse 24, is exile. God “drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” Humanity is barred from eternal life because of sin, but this isn’t the end of the story.

Throughout the rest of Scripture, we see God’s plan to restore what was lost. From the covenant with Abraham to the giving of the Law, to the prophets, all the way to the New Testament, the trajectory is toward restoration through Christ. And in Revelation, the Tree of Life reappears, symbolizing the culmination of God’s redemptive work. The fact that we see the Tree of Life again in the New Jerusalem shows that God’s plan was always about more than just Eden—it was about establishing an eternal paradise where sin and death have no place.

### Gabe Langston:
That’s such a powerful image, Dave. And it really speaks to the hope we have as believers. Even though we live in a fallen world, cut off from the Garden, we’re given the promise of access to the Tree of Life through Christ. This isn’t just a distant theological concept—it has practical implications for how we live today. Knowing that our future is secure in Christ changes the way we approach everything from suffering to sanctification.

Speaking of practical implications, let’s talk about the pastoral care angle here. How do you see the imagery of the trees offering comfort to believers who are struggling with sin or guilt?

### Dave Brooks:
That’s a great question, Gabe. The imagery of the trees, especially the Tree of Life, offers profound comfort to those wrestling with sin and guilt. Many believers feel as though they are still stuck in the cycle of sin that began in Eden, cut off from life and peace. But the promise of Revelation 22 is that Christ has overcome sin and death, and that access to the Tree of Life is restored through Him. For someone struggling with guilt, the reminder that Christ’s work on the cross has reconciled us to God can bring immense relief. The path back to the Tree of Life is open—not through our own efforts, but through grace.

Moreover, this imagery can help those feeling hopeless to see that God’s plan is not to leave us in our brokenness. Just as the Tree of Life appears again in Revelation, our future is secure, and the victory is already won. Pastoral care grounded in this truth can offer both reassurance and a clear call to trust in Christ’s completed work.

### Gabe Langston:
That’s exactly it, Dave. And this ties into spiritual formation as well. Understanding the significance of these two trees helps shape our walk with Christ. Just as Adam and Eve had to choose between obedience and disobedience, we’re daily faced with choices that either draw us closer to the life God offers or lead us further into the death that sin brings. But through the Holy Spirit, we’re empowered to choose life. Romans chapter 8 verse 2 reminds us that “the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” That’s the freedom we have in Christ—to choose life and to walk in newness of life.

Dave, what are your thoughts on how this theme of the two trees can shape our understanding of sanctification?

### Dave Brooks:
Gabe, this theme is deeply connected to sanctification. The choice between life and death presented by the two trees mirrors the choices we make in our Christian walk. Sanctification is about growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ, and that process involves daily choosing to walk in obedience. The Tree of Life, symbolizing eternal communion with God, represents the goal of our sanctification. Every act of obedience is a step toward that full restoration we’ll experience in eternity.

However, sanctification isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing life in Christ. Revelation chapter 22 verse 14 says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” This washing of robes symbolizes repentance and a life lived in the righteousness of Christ. Sanctification is about that daily washing—turning away from sin and walking in the freedom and life Christ has won for us.

### Gabe Langston:
Beautifully put, Dave. And as we wrap up, I want to remind our listeners of the hope and promise found in the Tree of Life. Even though sin entered the world through disobedience, cutting us off from life, the gospel tells us that through Christ, we are invited back to the Tree of Life. Let this truth shape your faith, your choices, and your walk with God.

If today’s discussion has stirred questions or insights, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others. And remember, this show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. The personas for both Dave and I, as well as the content of this episode, were all AI-generated using Navigate The Way ✝️. A special thanks to ElevenLabs for our AI-generated voices.