Genesis 3:22-24
Categories: Bible Study LessonsThe Lord is shown further in His mercy in this passage. He had prophesied of the downfall of Satan, covered the shame of Adam and Eve, and then drove them from their garden home. This was a blessing and an object lesson. The lesson involved teaching them the consequences of sin. The blessing is explained in the next paragraph. Israel needed to know why they were no longer in the paradise of God.
It is my view that the Lord was being quite merciful in driving the first couple from the tree of life. Looking at the situation from this side of the cross we can see the utter tragedy that would have been had the Lord not done so. Where would have been hope of eternal life if they had had access to the tree of life? They would have been damned for eternity on this earth, always in their sins.
I would not give up the hope I have now for a moment in the garden. This hope is explained in passages such as John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 1 John 3:2; John 14:1-3; Rev. 21:1-7. An eternal home with my Lord where there is neither corruption nor distress.