He 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.
Genesis 3:24 ESV
The second chapter of Genesis describes a garden God created as Adam and Eve’s home. It was literally a paradise where they could live, work, and walk with God. In the middle of the garden were two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The fruit of this second tree was forbidden to them. But they ate it anyway, with disastrous consequences. First, they realized they were naked and sought to hide from each other and from God. Then, they faced God’s judgment. And, finally, they were expelled from the garden.
Access Lost
After they were expelled, cherubim and a flaming sword were placed at the entrance to the garden to prevent them from returning and eating from the tree of life and living forever (Gen. 3:22). Paradise was lost, and death became the common fate of humanity.
You may or may not take this story literally. But clearly, it describes the current state of humanity. Exiled from paradise with death the only constant. What hope do we have?
This third chapter of Genesis was bad news for humanity. But when we read the other end of the Bible, we find that what was lost will be restored. At least for those who have put their faith and hope in the Lord Jesus.
Access Restored
In Revelation 20, John saw a new heaven and earth replacing what we experience now. And coming down from heaven, he saw the New Jerusalem as a bride prepared for her husband. This city takes the place of the garden in Genesis 2-3. It is where God’s people will live, work, and walk with God. Our exile from the garden will be over.
In Revelation 22:1-5 we find that the curse has been lifted, the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God, and the tree of life stands on either side of the river. Access to the tree of life is restored.
