Two Trees in the Garden

// Filed in: Grace | Faith

Value systems may influence behavior but God is not interested in systems of living. He is interested in relationships. An intimate relationship with Him will produce a godly lifestyle. A focus on behavior will not create intimacy with God or a godly lifestyle.

As we abide in Him, His life flows out of us like rivers of living water.

Two Trees in the Garden:

Genesis 2:9
9 Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God gave man a choice between the two trees. Choose the tree of life (a picture of Jesus who is Life and came so that we might have life John 10:10) or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (having personal knowledge instead of depending solely on God).

God gave man the freedom to make the choice but warned him which one not to choose. They could choose life or death. They could continue to live in total dependence on God or choose independence from Him. Satan convinced Eve that God was withholding something good from her.

Genesis 2:16-17
16 The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

The moment Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil their eyes were opened. They became conscious of good and evil. From that day forward every deed of their life would be judged by a value system of right and wrong. God’s desire was that they simply allow Him to be the source and authority of their life.

Subsequently, value systems of right and wrong were created by man and have/do change over time. They differ from culture to culture, religion to religion. This was not God’s desire.

Like this article? It was adapted from "Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in The Christian Life by Steve McVey.

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