The Tree of Life: Origin, Immortality, and Its Heavenly Journey

The tree of life was part of the original creation of the world and was planted by God in the Garden of Eden as a literal, visible tree designed to perpetuate human existence Genesis 2:8-9ARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+2. While the specific garden setting was prepared for Adam and Eve, the tree of life is the great source and symbol of immortality that proceeds from God himselfMM 233.6+1.

The Origin of the Tree of Life

• Creation Week: On the third day of creation, God commanded the earth to bring forth every fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind Genesis 1:11-13. By the sixth day, the work of the Creator was complete, and the tree of life was blooming on earth in the midst of the paradise God had planted Genesis 2:9HSFD 12.2+1.

• A Source of Immortality: The tree was not merely a decorative plant; it was the means provided by God to confer eternal life upon man, provided he remained obedientARSH August 29, 1854, page 19.5+1.

• The School-Room of Eden: The garden served as a school-room for Adam and Eve, where the tree of life bore the fruit of true education and spiritual perfectionGCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.22.

The Nature of the Tree

The tree of life is a representation of the preserving care of Jesus Christ for His childrenGCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.22+1. It possesses specific characteristics that define its role in God's universe:

• Power to Perpetuate Life: As long as Adam had access to this tree, he would not die, regardless of his natural conditionARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+1.

• Physical Reality: Though some mistakenly view it as a figure or mystery, the tree was a visible, palpable reality in the gardenPTUK September 22, 1892, page 295.4+1.

• Dependence on God: The tree taught man that life is not inherent in himself but must be sought from the Creator, who is the Life John 1:4ETI Tree of life.2+1.

The Relocation of the Tree

After sin entered the world, the tree was removed from the earth to prevent man from becoming an immortal sinnerARSH April 11, 1865, page 149.15+2.

• Transplantation: The heavenly Husbandman transplanted the tree of life to the paradise above after the fall of manHvn 172.3+1.

• Current Location: It is currently located in the third heaven, in the holy city, the New Jerusalem, standing on either side of the river of life which proceeds from the throne of God Revelation 22:1-2ARSH September 15, 1859, page 130.3+1.

• Future Restoration: When the earth is redeemed and Eden is restored, the tree of life will again be accessible to those who have kept the commandments of God Revelation 22:14EW 125.2+2.

While the direct consumption of the fruit of the tree of life by angels is not explicitly detailed, angels are intimately connected to its life-giving nature and serve as its guardians and ministers3SG 44.2+1. They are part of the pure and holy heavenly host who live in the presence of the tree and whose food is described in sacred terms17MR 253.3+1.

Angels and the Tree of Life

• Ministers of the Tree: Angels are commissioned by God to guard the way to the tree of life to ensure that no transgressor can access its fruit3SG 44.2+1. Around these holy sentinels, beams of light flash like glittering swords to protect the source of immortalitySH 22.1+1.

• Angels' Food: The manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness is specifically identified as "angels' food"17MR 253.3. This heavenly bread is also found within the golden ark in the heavenly sanctuary, alongside the fruits of the tree of life1EGWLM 85.4.

• Ministering to Prophets: On certain occasions, angels have been sent to provide sustenance directly to human beings, such as when an angel prepared a cake and water for the prophet Elijah in the wilderness3T 289.2+2. This nourishment from an angel's hand provided such strength that Elijah traveled forty days and nights to reach the mount of GodSITI August 20, 1885, page 502.2+1.

The Tree of Life in the Heavenly Realm

• A Shared Environment: The tree of life currently flourishes in the third heaven, which is the home of the pure and holy angelsARSH March 22, 1860, page 140.7+1. It stands in the midst of the paradise of God, where the heavenly host dwells in constant connection with the source of lifeARSH March 22, 1860, page 140.7+1.

• Education and Guidance: In the future life, Christ will lead His people to the tree of life, and the angels will unite in songs of triumph and music as the redeemed partake of its fruit7BC 988.8.

• Access on Other Worlds: Inhabitants of other unfallen worlds also have trees that resemble the tree of life1EGWLM 150.4+1. These noble and majestic beings, who associate with angels and the archangel, have remained in strict obedience and continue to enjoy the bounties God has provided in their sinless state1EGWLM 150.4+1.

The Role of the Tree for Created Beings

The tree of life is the delegated source to perpetuate immortality for those who are in harmony with GodEVRR715.

• Perpetuating Life: In the original Garden of Eden, it was essential for Adam and Eve to eat from the tree to live forever, and this principle of dependence on God for life applies to all created beingsEVRR715+1.

• A Symbol of Obedience: Access to the tree has always been based on perfect and perpetual obedience to the commandments of GodPP 49.2+1.

• Future Reward: The promise remains that those who are faithful and endure to the end will eventually join the angels in heaven to eat of the tree of life and drink from the river of life Revelation 22:14ExV 6.2+1.