Two Trees: Eden and the Cross

Throughout history, there were two trees that changed the course of humanity forever: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, and the tree that Jesus hung on when he died for the sins of the world. One tree resulted in the world's condemnation; the other tree provided for humanity's salvation. By comparing the trees, we can see how paradise was lost and once again was found. We also can see how one tree is tempting to our senses, while the other tree may not be so attractive on the surface.

Who Planted the Trees

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was planted by God himself. God planted all of the trees in the Garden of Eden, including one tree that he told Adam and Eve not to eat from (Genesis 2:8-9). The tree was put there to show that we have a choice: we can choose to obey God, or we can choose to disobey Him. The Bible doesn't say how the tree that formed the cross grew (did they have crucifix tree farms?), but after Jesus was nailed to the cross, humans planted it on the hill known as Golgotha.

One Tree Was Pleasant to Look at, While the Other Wasn't

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was pleasant to look at (Genesis 3:6). If it was an ugly, gnarled tree in the middle of paradise, it probably wouldn't have been much of a temptation in the middle of the luscious garden. On the other hand, the cross of Calvary would not have been a pretty sight. Jesus was beaten until he was barely recognizable as a human being. The Roman soldiers who gambled at Jesus' feet were probably desensitized to the sight, but for most people, it would have been awful to look at.

We Were Forbidden to Eat of the First Tree, Welcome at the Second

God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. When they disobeyed, the consequences were disastrous. The first humans were kicked out of paradise forever. Although God forbade Adam and Eve to eat from their tree, he welcomes us at the cross of Calvary. He wants us to accept the sacrifice that Jesus gave for us; instead of taking on a sin nature as Adam and Eve did in Eden, our sins are taken from us by Jesus on Calvary's tree.

Satan Tries to Influence Our Choice of Trees

Satan has never been a big fan of people. In Eden, he tempted Eve to partake of the first tree, as he knew that it wouldn't be good for her (or for Adam, who would willingly follow her). On the other hand, he knows that the cross is the only way to get back to God and be able to go to Heaven. He does everything that he can to keep us from it.

The First Tree Lost Paradise, the Second Tree Found It

We can't go back in time and erase the mistake that Adam and Eve made when they chose to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The paradise of Eden has already been lost. We do, however, have an individual choice to make about the second tree: do we believe that Jesus' sacrifice on the tree at Calvary has the ability to remove our sins and grant us eternal life and a home in Heaven? Or do we believe that there is no need for Calvary? Perhaps you believe that there are other ways to get to Heaven... or perhaps you believe that there was no Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and there is no need for forgiveness of sins. How you deal with the second tree is up to you.