What is the meaning of the tree of life?

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. The tree of life, mentioned in the books of Genesis and Revelation 22:2, is a life-giving tree created to enhance and perpetually sustain the physical life of humanity. The tree was planted by God in the Garden of Eden. We read, “The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). More details concerning the tree of life come after Adam and Eve’s sin: “The LORD God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever’” (Genesis 3:22). In Adam’s disobedience, he lost his eternal life. Adam would “live forever,” even in his fallen condition, if he had eaten the tree of life after his sin. God placed a sword-wielding cherub at the entrance to the garden specifically “to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3: 24). Brothers and sisters, Adam’s access to the tree of life would have prolonged his physical life indefinitely, dooming him to an eternity in a cursed world! Although part of the curse, God's words that Adam would eventually physically die was also an act of mercy. Adam's hard life and ability to rebel against God and do harm to others would be limited—unless he ate from the Tree of Life. That would lead to an unending, hopeless existence separated from God. For their own good and the good of all, God would not allow this. To be spiritually dead while remaining physically alive forever could only bring endless suffering for humanity. It was a mercy that God kept Adam (who was our representative) from the tree of life. By barring access to the tree of life, God showed compassion in His omniscience. Knowing that, because of sin, earthly life would be filled with sorrow and toil, God graciously limited the number of years men would live which spares us the misery of an endless existence in a sinful condition. Be encouraged!