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'Our Right' To Tree Of Life

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'Our Right' To Tree Of Life

When God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all of God's creation he also gave them dominion over both the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. While one tree was forbidden to man by God the other was not. When Adam and Eve sinned God barred them both from all access to the Tree of Life when he threw them both out of the Garden, BUT man still retained dominion over the Tree of Life. This dominion means that while we have a right to the tree of Life (therefore a right to our salvation) we lost the right to have any access to the Tree of Life.

When God became man as Jesus Christ God reclaimed dominion over the Tree of Life that he gave all of mankind. God couldn't just take back the tree of Life that he already gave to man therefore he (God) had to become flesh (Jesus Christ) and reclaim dominion over it himself. When Jesus Christ died on the cross as a sinless man he instantly regained access to the Garden of Eden and having both dominion over the Tree of Life as a man, and access to the Tree of Life by dying sinless on the cross, he could eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life and live forever.

Now Jesus Christ, having reclaimed dominion and access over the Tree of Life, could have just saved himself and left all others to their sinful fate of eternity apart from God in hell. But Jesus Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, now offers that same access to the Tree of Life for anyone who believes in his name.

Mankind never lost the right to the Tree of Life which God bestowed upon us when he gave us dominion over all of his creation. What mankind lost was the right to access the tree of Life that would ensure our continued existence with God forever. Jesus Christ is God become man to both regain dominion over the Tree of Life and regain access to it without violating any of God's original decrees or promises. Many people clamor for their rights in society while the greatest right is to eat of the Tree of Life and live forever with God in heaven. This right can only be exercised through a belief in Jesus Christ who offers us access to this Tree of Life once again.

Many people today hire and depend on other professionals to secure their rights using lawyers, accountants, politicians, judges, real estate agents, bankers, etc, so why should it seem so strange that we should have to call upon Jesus Christ to secure our right to the Tree of Life thereby gaining an existence with God forever? Jesus Christ charges nothing for his services in securing our right to the Tree of Life, he already paid the FULL price on the cross. To secure your right to the Tree of Life, and your salvation, just publicly acknowledge your request of asking Jesus Christ for his help. It's that simple to ensure an eternal life with God in heaven forever!

Claim your right of salvation by believing in Jesus Christ and publicly demonstrating this belief by getting baptized! It's that simple!

God Bless

note:

Since God did not destroy the Tree of Life when he kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden man still retains dominion over it. Mankind just lost any access to the Tree for which a belief in Jesus Christ restores.



Amen
 
.
According to Rev 22:14-15, the right to the tree of life isn't a universal right, nor is it an inalienable right; to the contrary; it is, in point of fact, quite restricted to "those who do His commandments". Those classified as "the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood" have no right to the tree.

In the passages below; note the grammatical tense of the "have" verb. It's present tense rather than future; indicating that believers have eternal life right now-- no delay, and no waiting period.

†. John 3:36 . . He who believes in the Son has eternal life

†. John 6:47 . .Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

†. John 5:24 . . I assure you, those who heed my message and trust in God who sent me, have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from Death into Life.

†. 1John 5:13 . . I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Since eternal life is a level of life that's impervious to death; then believers with eternal life are impervious to the wages of sin.

†. Rom 6:23 . .The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It would appear to me that since believers already have eternal life, then the tree of life spoken of in Revelation might be something other than a literal orchard like the one in the garden of Eden.

Buen Camino
/
 
.

... I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit unto the churches: To him overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Rev. 2:4-7

.
 
Since God did not destroy the Tree of Life when he kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden man still retains dominion over it. Mankind just lost any access to the Tree for which a belief in Jesus Christ restores.

Praise God. He also gave us the right to choose to be blessed or choose to be cursed. A whole lot different understanding that it's all up to God somehow when He told us to choose. Easy to blame God and not take responsibility with what you where told you have a right to choose from.

Mike.
 
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To him overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
That's a very curious statement because as was pointed out in post #2, believers already have eternal life; and according to John 6:50-58 the people who dine upon Jesus' flesh, and imbibe his blood also have eternal life.

What's more; Paul said in the 15th chapter of 1Corinthians that resurrection bodies are impervious to the aging process and also impervious to death.

If all of the above is true; then of what practical use, if any, is there to the Lord's sheep for Revelation's tree of life?

†. John 10:27-28 . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish

Rev 22:2 says that the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Well; I submit that people with eternal life and immortality will never require healing. So then, just who are the nations spoken of in that passage?

Buen Camino
/
 
If all of the above is true(?)
.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Pro. 30:5-6

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.
Rev. 22:19

.
 
.
To him overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
That's a very curious statement because as was pointed out in post #2, believers already have eternal life; and according to John 6:50-58 the people who dine upon Jesus' flesh, and imbibe his blood also have eternal life.

What's more; Paul said in the 15th chapter of 1Corinthians that resurrection bodies are impervious to the aging process and also impervious to death.

If all of the above is true; then of what practical use, if any, is there to the Lord's sheep for Revelation's tree of life?

†. John 10:27-28 . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish

Rev 22:2 says that the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Well; I submit that people with eternal life and immortality will never require healing. So then, just who are the nations spoken of in that passage?

Buen Camino
/

Pointed out in post 2 ??
Then satan was telling the truth & God lied??? Gen. 3:4

--Elijah
 
.
To him overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
That's a very curious statement because as was pointed out in post #2, believers already have eternal life; and according to John 6:50-58 the people who dine upon Jesus' flesh, and imbibe his blood also have eternal life.

What's more; Paul said in the 15th chapter of 1Corinthians that resurrection bodies are impervious to the aging process and also impervious to death.

If all of the above is true; then of what practical use, if any, is there to the Lord's sheep for Revelation's tree of life?

†. John 10:27-28 . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish

Rev 22:2 says that the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Well; I submit that people with eternal life and immortality will never require healing. So then, just who are the nations spoken of in that passage?

Buen Camino
/

Pointed out in post 2 ??
Then satan was telling the truth & God lied??? Gen. 3:4

--Elijah

Me again:
Let carry this a little further? (and no offense intended)

After Adam & Eve sinned, the tree of live was removed (this proved that this was conditional [IMMORTALITY!]) Gen. 3:22

Immortal souls are the devils first lie of Gen. 3:4!

And the proof of this is again seen in the Rev. 22:2.

Now if God can be trusted to tell it like it is? What does one teaching opposite to this require? [In the last day setting] Eccl. 3:14 + Rev. 22:18-19

For only the God/Head has what is called unconditional 'IMMORTALITY'. (1 Tim. 6:15-16) We seek for it! Heb. 11:1-2

--Elijah
 
.
According to Rev 22:14-15, the right to the tree of life isn't a universal right, nor is it an inalienable right; to the contrary; it is, in point of fact, quite restricted to "those who do His commandments". Those classified as "the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood" have no right to the tree.

In the passages below; note the grammatical tense of the "have" verb. It's present tense rather than future; indicating that believers have eternal life right now-- no delay, and no waiting period.

†. John 3:36 . . He who believes in the Son has eternal life

†. John 6:47 . .Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

†. John 5:24 . . I assure you, those who heed my message and trust in God who sent me, have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from Death into Life.

†. 1John 5:13 . . I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Since eternal life is a level of life that's impervious to death; then believers with eternal life are impervious to the wages of sin.

†. Rom 6:23 . .The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It would appear to me that since believers already have eternal life, then the tree of life spoken of in Revelation might be something other than a literal orchard like the one in the garden of Eden.

Buen Camino
/

Great post, some meat here. The tree of life is also referred to as a "privilege" to Spiritually mature believers. Some really are studying! thanks for this post. There is also a "Gazebo of God"" in Heaven and not all believers will have access to it.

God Bless.
 
the gazebo of god? the area where the 144,000 are before the throne? remember that most of that is imagery and has meanings as well.
 
.
After Adam & Eve sinned, the tree of live was removed
THEY were removed rather than the tree. (Gen 3:23)




Immortal souls are the devils first lie of Gen. 3:4!
The Serpent didn't lead Eve to believe that she was immortal. He only led her to believe that the fruit wasn't toxic. (Gen 3:1-4)


Now the curious thing is: the Serpent somehow knew in advance that Eve was immune to the fruit of that tree. So when the Serpent told her she wouldn't die; he told the truth; but it was a half truth. In other words; he somehow knew the fruit wouldn't take Eve's life by means of her own eating; but rather by means of Adam's eating; which tells me that the best way to lie is via a half truth; viz: the most effective lies are those that contain a kernel of truth.


Eccl. 3:14
Ecclesiastes doesn't contain a divine world view. It contains a humanistic world view; viz: a world view as seen through the eyes of a man under the sun-- in other words; the eyes a natural man as opposed to the eyes of a spiritual man. Ecclesiastes is a book of worldly religious philosophy which is why so many of its sayings are popular with the anti-afterlife crowd. I do not recommend quoting Ecclesiastes as if it were the110% God's truth. because it isn't.


For only the God/Head has what is called unconditional 'IMMORTALITY'.
It doesn't matter if immortality is conditional or unconditional because believers who've undergone the Spirit birth about which Jesus spoke at John 3:3-8 are 110% sinless inside and out.


†. 1John 3:9 . .Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

In addition; according to John 3:36, John 6:47, John 5:24, and 1John 5:13, believers have eternal life. Since the infinite characteristics of eternal life are impervious to death; then believers with eternal life are impervious to the wages of sin.

†. Rom 6:23 . .The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Buen Camino
/
 
.
THEY were removed rather than the tree. (Gen 3:23)



The Serpent didn't lead Eve to believe that she was immortal. He only led her to believe that the fruit wasn't toxic. (Gen 3:1-4)

Now the curious thing is: the Serpent somehow knew in advance that Eve was immune to the fruit of that tree. So when the Serpent told her she wouldn't die; he told the truth; but it was a half truth. In other words; he somehow knew the fruit wouldn't take Eve's life by means of her own eating; but rather by means of Adam's eating; which tells me that the best way to lie is via a half truth; viz: the most effective lies are those that contain a kernel of truth.


Ecclesiastes doesn't contain a divine world view. It contains a humanistic world view; viz: a world view as seen through the eyes of a man under the sun-- in other words; the eyes a natural man as opposed to the eyes of a spiritual man. Ecclesiastes is a book of worldly religious philosophy which is why so many of its sayings are popular with the anti-afterlife crowd. I do not recommend quoting Ecclesiastes as if it were the110% God's truth. because it isn't.


For only the God/Head has what is called unconditional 'IMMORTALITY'.
It doesn't matter if immortality is conditional or unconditional because believers who've undergone the Spirit birth about which Jesus spoke at John 3:3-8 are 110% sinless inside and out.


†. 1John 3:9 . .Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

In addition; according to John 3:36, John 6:47, John 5:24, and 1John 5:13, believers have eternal life. Since the infinite characteristics of eternal life are impervious to death; then believers with eternal life are impervious to the wages of sin.

†. Rom 6:23 . .The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Buen Camino
/

Have it your way, if that is the way it is to be??? But the 'warning' [still stands] for anyone who violates Eccl. 3:14 or Rev. 22:19-20! "..God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life"

And if it be me or you, one of us has done this at the present time! So when it can be done? It appears that the person is not O.S.A.S.

--Elijah
 

Yup. It goes back to the Greek Kings and cultures. The tree of life is in the middle of the Garden. Kings would set up a Gazebo in the middle of their gardens and that is where they had their parties for the Guests of honor.

Access to the garden itself is open to all believers in their resurrection body at some time, but to go to the tree and to eat from the tree is a reward and a special privilege for a few, called winners only, or those who had Positive volition to Bible doctrine in time.

It is for those who through thick and thin, through good times and bad times, in periods of prosperity, in periods of disaster, did not give up on doctrine and fulfilling their very own personal sense of destiny.

The Lord says - “You ate from the finest food I had to offer on the earth, Bible doctrine, you will eat from the finest food I have in eternity, the tree of life.”

Rev 22:2,14, “Happy are those who wash their robes [rebound] that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates of the city.”

Prov 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous( mature believer) is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”

Matt 5:11 “Blessed are you when {men} cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.”

Matt 5:12 Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High;

Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Heb 10:35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

For the winner believer of the Church-age, the order of the morning star includes three special privileges: eating from the Tree of Life, access to the Gazebo in the Garden, access to the Paradise of God, Rev 2:7.

Rev 2:11 - the winner believers shall not be hurt by the second death because of blessing by association.

Rev 2:17 - they eat of the hidden manna and receive a new name on a white stone, the new knighthood is given to the winner to give him a “credit card” for all of eternity.

Rev 2:26 - those who win the order of the morning star are given power and authority to rule nations.

Luke 19:17 “Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, be in authority over ten cities.”

Luke 19:19 “And you are to be over five cities.”

That is why a Christian NEEDS to get salvation and eternal security figured out in His/Her life. If a Christian questions salvation and eternal security their whole life, They have the brakes on in their faith. They are losing out on tremendous rewards and blessings while they keeping working on their salvation and security. The Lord saved us and secured us the moment we believed. We are wasting our time in our lives if we think we need to keep ourselves saved.
 

Yup. It goes back to the Greek Kings and cultures. The tree of life is in the middle of the Garden. Kings would set up a Gazebo in the middle of their gardens and that is where they had their parties for the Guests of honor.

Access to the garden itself is open to all believers in their resurrection body at some time, but to go to the tree and to eat from the tree is a reward and a special privilege for a few, called winners only, or those who had Positive volition to Bible doctrine in time.

It is for those who through thick and thin, through good times and bad times, in periods of prosperity, in periods of disaster, did not give up on doctrine and fulfilling their very own personal sense of destiny.

The Lord says - “You ate from the finest food I had to offer on the earth, Bible doctrine, you will eat from the finest food I have in eternity, the tree of life.”

Rev 22:2,14, “Happy are those who wash their robes [rebound] that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates of the city.”

Pro 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous( mature believer) is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”

Matt 5:11 “Blessed are you when {men} cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.”

Matt 5:12 Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High;

Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Heb 10:35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

For the winner believer of the Church-age, the order of the morning star includes three special privileges: eating from the Tree of Life, access to the Gazebo in the Garden, access to the Paradise of God, REV 2:7.

Rev 2:11 - the winner believers shall not be hurt by the second death because of blessing by association.

Rev 2:17 - they eat of the hidden manna and receive a new name on a white stone, the new knighthood is given to the winner to give him a “credit card” for all of eternity.

Rev 2:26 - those who win the order of the morning star are given power and authority to rule nations.

Luke 19:17 “Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, be in authority over ten cities.”

Luke 19:19 “And you are to be over five cities.”

That is why a Christian NEEDS to get salvation and eternal security figured out in His/Her life. If a Christian questions salvation and eternal security their whole life, They have the brakes on in their faith. They are losing out on tremendous rewards and blessings while they keeping working on their salvation and security. The Lord saved us and secured us the moment we believed. We are wasting our time in our lives if we think we need to keep ourselves saved.

then sadly by my observation most Christians wont. this is why im against your arguments noted right here:

Happy are those who wash their robes [rebound] that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates of the city.”

that goes back to isiah one. in that chapter isiah mentions though thy garment are red as crimson .. they shall be as white as snow. in that chapter the repentance is what is needed. if that is the case then we all have that level of access to the father.one cant enter into heaven with sin on his garments.
 
then sadly by my observation most Christians wont. this is why im against your arguments noted right here:

Happy are those who wash their robes [rebound] that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates of the city.”

that goes back to isiah one. in that chapter isiah mentions though thy garment are red as crimson .. they shall be as white as snow. in that chapter the repentance is what is needed. if that is the case then we all have that level of access to the father.one cant enter into heaven with sin on his garments.

The Key here is what another poster has already addressed. THE NEW CREATURE in Christ that CANNOT sin.

If we as Christians cannot understand that fact, Our POSITION in Christ and our CONDITION in this time(while we are still physically here). I can understand that you don't agree with me. Religion will not make the distinction of the new creature in christ and the flesh that we still have. religion will teach us to clean up our flesh. And if we are busy trying to clean up our flesh, the new Creature is starving.

This is where most ALL of our disagreements stem from on these forums. Some can separate their flesh from the New Creature and others(most) think that they have to clean up their flesh and don't believe what being "born again" really means.....the new creature that will never perish, never sin, is 100% justified,100% righteous and 100% Holy. And it will always remain that way.

That new creature could be starving from getting nothing or from non nourishing "Human Good" or we could be feeding it by studying doctrine and living in Gods Plan for our lives and walking in the Spirit doing "divine good".

So there it is, we can go as a baby into heaven with a small reward or we can go in Mature and full of "divine Good" and receive a FULL reward.
 
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that isn't what the bible teaches.
from isaiah one
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

note the repentance. first off john uses the idea of first mention and look at how close this is!
revalation 7 and well what do we see? the 144,000 with the other gentile who did what? repented!
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them

nothing there about earning that place closest to god as a reward.
revalation 22:14
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.

missed that part where this is said and it lines up with jesus's statement if ye love me follow my commandments. but hey I must be a legalist.

but then it also says this.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

how is it that a Christian can be saved and not have his robes white as snow and not be near to the throne in heaven? that my friend is that modern osas teaching that sinner can pray a prayer and not really change and nor want to be HOLY and like HIS dad who made him and yet still go to heaven. that isn't my position nor my church to my knowledge either. while no one can be HOLY without the blood of the lamb we will all die with some imperfections and grace will cover the rest. to say what your saying with the verses you have implied is unsupportable.

if we argued for rewards in heaven from the appropriate Corinthians chapter then we could agree.
 
that isn't what the bible teaches.
from isaiah one


note the repentance. first off john uses the idea of first mention and look at how close this is!
revalation 7 and well what do we see? the 144,000 with the other gentile who did what? repented!


nothing there about earning that place closest to god as a reward.
revalation 22:14


missed that part where this is said and it lines up with jesus's statement if ye love me follow my commandments. but hey I must be a legalist.

but then it also says this.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

how is it that a Christian can be saved and not have his robes white as snow and not be near to the throne in heaven? that my friend is that modern osas teaching that sinner can pray a prayer and not really change and nor want to be HOLY and like HIS dad who made him and yet still go to heaven. that isn't my position nor my church to my knowledge either. while no one can be HOLY without the blood of the lamb we will all die with some imperfections and grace will cover the rest. to say what your saying with the verses you have implied is unsupportable.

if we argued for rewards in heaven from the appropriate Corinthians chapter then we could agree.

yeah, everybody is at a different stage in their personal walk. Salvation is equal opportunity and equal privilege for ALL men(position in Christ). Experiential or ongoing sanctification in our condition in this physical life is our choice.

2 Cor 5:17~~Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
 
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